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To make spicy garlic ramen noodles, gather the following key items: - 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets) - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1-2 tablespoons chili paste (adjust according to your heat preference) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup bok choy, chopped (you can use other leafy greens) - 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button mushrooms work best) - 2 green onions, chopped - Sesame seeds for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste You can customize your ramen with these fun options: - Add protein like tofu, chicken, or shrimp for heartiness. - Toss in more veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch. - Use different types of noodles, like udon or soba. - Try different sauces, like hoisin or oyster sauce, for a unique twist. To whip up this dish, you need a few simple tools: - A large pot for boiling noodles - A skillet or wok for sautéing - A cutting board and knife for chopping - Measuring spoons for precise ingredients - A stirring spoon to mix everything together {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it boils, add the instant ramen noodles. Cook them until they are just tender. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside for later. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes. This makes the kitchen smell great! Be careful not to burn them. Next, stir in the chili paste and cook for one more minute. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped bok choy to the skillet. Sauté the veggies for 3-4 minutes. You want the bok choy to wilt and the mushrooms to get soft. Then, pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Raise the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors mix nicely. Gently add the drained ramen noodles to the skillet. Toss them with the veggies and sauce until everything is well coated. Taste the dish and season it with salt and pepper. If you want more heat, stir in extra chili paste. Once heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This makes the dish look extra inviting! To get the best texture, cook your ramen noodles just right. Follow the package time closely. Overcooking makes them mushy. When you drain them, rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking. The noodles then stay firm. Use fresh garlic and ginger. They add great flavor. Sauté them carefully in hot oil. Watch them closely to avoid burning. This brings out their full taste. For spice, adjust the chili paste to your liking. Start with one tablespoon if you like mild heat. Add more if you want it spicy. Serving matters! Use deep bowls for a nice look. Place the noodles first, then add the vibrant veggies. Top with green onions and sesame seeds to make it pop. A drizzle of chili oil adds a nice touch, too. You can also add a slice of lime on the side. The lime gives a fresh taste when squeezed over the dish. It makes the meal even more exciting. One common mistake is using the seasoning packets that come with instant ramen. They can make the dish too salty. Instead, rely on your own seasonings for better flavor control. Don’t skip the sauté step for garlic and ginger. This step is key for flavor. Also, avoid adding too many veggies at once. This can make the dish watery. Stick to the recipe for balance. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. Dried or powdered versions won't give you the same aromatic punch. Adjusting Heat: If you're unsure about the spice level, start with less chili paste and taste as you go. You can always add more if you want it spicier. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. This not only adds color but also boosts the nutritional value. Serving Suggestions: For added richness, consider topping your ramen with a soft-boiled egg or some sliced cooked chicken for a heartier meal. {{image_4}} You can easily boost the protein in your spicy garlic ramen. Tofu is a great choice. Use firm tofu and cube it before adding. Sauté it until golden brown. If you prefer meat, chicken works well too. Just slice it thinly and cook it with the garlic and ginger. You can even use shrimp for a seafood twist. For a vegan version, stick with plant-based proteins like tofu or seitan. Replace the vegetable broth with a homemade veggie broth for deeper flavor. You can also add more greens like spinach or kale. This way, you keep it colorful and nutritious. For vegetarians, feel free to sprinkle some grated cheese on top for a creamy finish. Want more heat? Add more chili paste to the mix. Start with one tablespoon, then taste. If you like it spicy, add more. If you want less spice, reduce the chili paste. You can also use milder ingredients like bell peppers instead of spicier chili options. This way, you can control the heat to your liking. Experiment with these variations to make this dish your own. Enjoy the journey of flavor! Store any leftover spicy garlic ramen noodles in an airtight container. Ensure the noodles cool down before sealing. They stay fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. If you notice any excess liquid, drain it off to keep the noodles from becoming soggy. To reheat, place the noodles in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to revive the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through. This method helps keep the noodles from clumping. You can freeze the ramen noodles, but it's best to freeze the sauce and veggies separately. Portion the noodles and sauce into freezer-safe bags. They can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your quick meal even later! The best noodles for ramen are the ones made from wheat. They are chewy and hold sauce well. Instant ramen noodles work great for quick meals. Fresh ramen noodles give a better texture but take longer to cook. Look for noodles labeled "ramen" in stores. They often come with different thicknesses and shapes. Yes, you can make spicy garlic ramen without chili paste. Use red pepper flakes or hot sauce instead. You can also add sliced fresh chili peppers for heat. Another option is to use spicy oils, like chili oil or sesame oil with chili. Adjust the amount to fit your spice level. Adding more vegetables is easy and fun! You can use any greens like spinach or kale. Carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas add crunch and color. Just chop them into small pieces. Sauté them along with garlic and ginger for flavor. Always adjust cooking time to keep them fresh and bright. Several side dishes go well with spicy garlic ramen. Try a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. Edamame offers a nice crunch and is easy to make. You can also serve gyoza or dumplings for a tasty bite. For something light, consider miso soup as a warm starter. This blog post covered how to make spicy garlic ramen noodles. I shared essential and optional ingredients, tools needed, and step-by-step instructions. We explored tips for the best flavor and texture, along with common mistakes to avoid. You learned about protein additions, vegan options, and how to adjust spice levels. Lastly, I provided storage info and answered common questions. Use these steps to create a tasty meal that fits your taste. Enjoy making your own spicy garlic ramen at home!

Spicy Garlic Ramen Noodles

A flavorful and spicy ramen dish with garlic, ginger, and vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 2
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 packs instant ramen noodles
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup bok choy, chopped
  • 0.5 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
  • 1 to taste salt
  • 1 to taste pepper

Instructions
 

  • Start by bringing a pot of water to a vigorous boil. Add the instant ramen noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they are just tender. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside.
  • In a large skillet or wok, pour in the vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Carefully add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes. Stir frequently until they become fragrant, but take care not to let them burn.
  • Stir in the chili paste, allowing it to cook for an additional minute to enhance the flavors further.
  • Next, add the sliced mushrooms and chopped bok choy to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bok choy is wilted and the mushrooms are tender.
  • Carefully pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Increase the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Gently add the drained ramen noodles to the skillet, tossing them with the vegetables and sauce until everything is thoroughly combined and coated.
  • Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. If you prefer more heat, feel free to stir in additional chili paste to your liking.
  • Once everything is heated through and well-mixed, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful finish.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls with extra green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
Keyword noodles, ramen, spicy, vegetarian