Can I use other types of noodles besides instant ramen?

Yes, you can substitute with any noodles you prefer! Rice noodles, udon, soba, or even spaghetti would work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, making sure to undercook them slightly as they'll finish cooking in the sauce.

How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Besides the suggested tofu, you can add scrambled eggs, chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp. For vegetarian options, consider adding edamame, tempeh, or seitan. Regardless of which protein you choose, sauté it before adding the sauce to ensure proper cooking.

What vegetables work best in this dish?

Almost any vegetable works well! Try bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, baby corn, bok choy, spinach, or bean sprouts. Quick-cooking vegetables can be added directly with the sauce, while harder vegetables should be pre-cooked slightly to ensure they're tender.

Can I make the sauce less spicy?

Absolutely! The chili garlic sauce is completely optional. You can omit it entirely for a non-spicy version, or reduce the amount to just 1/4 teaspoon for a mild hint of heat. The dish will still have plenty of flavor from the other sauce ingredients.

How can I store leftovers?

Store leftover noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth since the noodles will have absorbed much of the sauce. Microwave until hot or reheat in a pan over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Is there a gluten-free version of this dish?

Yes! Use rice noodles or other gluten-free noodles, and substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. Ensure your vegetable broth is also gluten-free, and you'll have a delicious gluten-free meal.

Slurp-worthy Saucy Ramen Noodles

Category: Wholesome Meals for Every Day

These saucy ramen noodles feature a versatile, thick sauce that beautifully coats each strand. The sauce combines soy sauce, sweetener, vinegar, and aromatics for the perfect balance of flavors. Half-cook the noodles first to maintain their texture when finishing in the sauce. Add your choice of vegetables, tofu, or mushrooms to make it a complete meal. The trick is in the cornstarch, which creates that restaurant-quality thick sauce that clings to every bite. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying with minimal effort.

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By Lena

Updated on Sun, 27 Apr 2025 17:35:17 GMT

A bowl of noodles with chicken and vegetables. | recipesbylena.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use other types of noodles besides instant ramen?: Yes, you can substitute with any noodles you prefer! Rice noodles, udon, soba, or even spaghetti would work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, making sure to undercook them slightly as they'll finish cooking in the sauce.
→ How can I make this dish more protein-rich?: Besides the suggested tofu, you can add scrambled eggs, chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp. For vegetarian options, consider adding edamame, tempeh, or seitan. Regardless of which protein you choose, sauté it before adding the sauce to ensure proper cooking.
→ What vegetables work best in this dish?: Almost any vegetable works well! Try bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, baby corn, bok choy, spinach, or bean sprouts. Quick-cooking vegetables can be added directly with the sauce, while harder vegetables should be pre-cooked slightly to ensure they're tender.
→ Can I make the sauce less spicy?: Absolutely! The chili garlic sauce is completely optional. You can omit it entirely for a non-spicy version, or reduce the amount to just 1/4 teaspoon for a mild hint of heat. The dish will still have plenty of flavor from the other sauce ingredients.
→ How can I store leftovers?: Store leftover noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth since the noodles will have absorbed much of the sauce. Microwave until hot or reheat in a pan over medium heat, stirring frequently.
→ Is there a gluten-free version of this dish?: Yes! Use rice noodles or other gluten-free noodles, and substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. Ensure your vegetable broth is also gluten-free, and you'll have a delicious gluten-free meal.

Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles

Quick noodles with thick, flavorful sauce that you can customize with your favorite veggies, tofu, or mushrooms.

Prep Time

10 min

Cooking Time

15 min

Total Time

25 min

By: Lena

Category: Lunch & Dinner

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine Type: East Asian Fusion

Yield: 2 Serves (2 generous portions of saucy noodles)

Dietary Preferences: Vegan, Vegetarian, Lactose-Free

Ingredients

→ Noodles

01 2 servings dry instant ramen noodle cakes or other noodles of choice (around 140 g total)

→ For Sautéing

02 10 oz extra firm tofu, veggies, or mushrooms of choice, sliced

→ Sauce

03 1 cup water or vegetable broth

04 5-7 tbsp soy sauce

05 1.5 tsp dark soy sauce (optional for colour)

06 2-3 tbsp corn starch

07 1-3 tbsp sugar, maple syrup, or other liquid sweetener

08 2 tbsp rice vinegar, white vinegar, or lemon juice

09 1/4 tsp ground pepper

10 1/2 tbsp chili garlic sauce or other hot sauce (optional for spice)

11 1 tbsp sesame oil

12 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

→ For Serving

13 Chopped scallions for topping

14 Sesame seeds for topping

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Mix all the sauce ingredients until well incorporated. Adjust sweetness, saltiness, sourness, and spice levels to taste. Set aside, ensuring no starch settles at the bottom.

Step 02

Boil water in a small pot over high heat. Add the ramen noodles and cook until still very chewy, about 2-3 minutes less than package instructions.

Step 03

Drain the noodles and optionally rinse with cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Set aside.

Step 04

Heat a pan over medium-high heat with a little oil. Sauté the veggies, mushrooms, or tofu until cooked to desired tenderness.

Step 05

Give the sauce a good mix, then pour into the pan with the sautéed ingredients. Simmer for 2-3 minutes over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 06

Add the partially cooked noodles to the pan and mix well to coat with sauce. Cook over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until the noodles absorb some sauce and the sauce thickens further.

Step 07

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce, sweetener, or pepper if needed.

Step 08

Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve immediately while hot.

Additional Notes

If using more vegetables or ingredients, consider doubling the sauce recipe.
When using vegetable broth, start with less soy sauce as some broths can be salty.
Cornstarch thickens the sauce to better coat the noodles. Start with 2 tbsp and adjust as needed.
If adding cornstarch later, dilute 1 tbsp cornstarch in 1 tbsp water before incorporating.