Spiced-Up Ramen Noodles

Craving a bowl of comforting noodles with a fiery kick? Look no further than these Spicy Ramen Noodles! This vegan-friendly dish packs a punch with its harmonious blend of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. Ready in minutes, it's the perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights or when you need a quick flavor fix.

When life gets hectic and time is short, having a reliable, quick meal option is essential. For me, that go-to dish is spicy noodles. Here's why these fiery strands have become my favorite fast-food fix:

Speed and Simplicity: Spicy noodles are incredibly quick to prepare. With just a few minutes of boiling water and a dash of seasonings, I can have a satisfying meal ready faster than I can decide on takeout.
Customizable Heat: Whether I'm in the mood for a mild kick or tongue-numbing fire, I can easily adjust the spice level to suit my taste. This flexibility means I never get bored with my quick meal option.
Versatility: Spicy noodles are a great base for adding whatever ingredients I have on hand. Leftover veggies, tofu, or some vegan chicken can turn a simple bowl of noodles into a more substantial meal.
Comfort Food Factor: There's something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of spicy noodles. It's like a warm hug for my taste buds, perfect for those days when I need a pick-me-up.
Budget-Friendly: Keeping a stock of noodles and spices in my pantry is cost-effective. It's a fraction of the price of ordering in, making it a wallet-friendly option for frequent meals.

Next time you're in a rush but still want a delicious, satisfying meal, consider whipping up a bowl of spicy noodles. It might just become your new go-to quick meal too!

Ingredients

For the sauce:

⅓ cup (50 g) chopped green onion
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive or avocado oil
¼ cup (60 ml) vegan low sodium soy sauce (or tamari or liquid aminos)
2 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
2 teaspoon sriracha
2 teaspoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Additional ingredients:

Ramen noodles (I use 2, 3oz packages)
Fresh green onion
cilantro
extra red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the noodles:
- Cook the ramen noodles according to the package directions.
- Once cooked, drain the noodles and set aside.
Create the flavor base:
- In a small saucepan, heat the olive or avocado oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped green onion, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
- Sauté for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and the green onions have softened.
Make the sauce:
- To the same saucepan, add the soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, sriracha, maple syrup, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Whisk all ingredients together until well combined.
- Let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Combine and finish:
- Add the cooked and drained noodles to the saucepan with the spicy sauce.
- Toss the noodles in the sauce, ensuring they're evenly coated.
- Let the noodles and sauce simmer together for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully integrate.
Serve and garnish:
- Taste the noodles and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more sriracha for heat, soy sauce for saltiness, or maple syrup for sweetness.
- Transfer the spicy ramen noodles to serving bowls.
- Garnish with fresh chopped green onions, cilantro, and an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips and Variations

For a gluten-free version, use tamari or liquid aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure your noodles are gluten-free.
Add some stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition and crunch.
For a protein boost, consider adding some crispy tofu, tempeh, or edamame.
Adjust the spice level to your liking by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili garlic sauce, sriracha, and red pepper flakes.
This sauce also works great as a marinade for grilled vegetables or plant-based proteins.