Craving a comforting yet exciting dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This spicy vegetarian ramen recipe is the perfect blend of easy homemade cooking and delicious, healthy meals. Forget those pricey takeout bowls; this recipe will show you how to create restaurant-quality ramen in your own kitchen, packed with flavor and customizable to your spice preference. It’s one of the best recipes for a quick dinner, ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz dried ramen noodles (choose your favorite!)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp sriracha (or more, to taste!)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- Soft boiled egg (optional, for extra protein)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prep the Broth: In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the Vegetables: Add the bell pepper and mushrooms to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender.
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Simmer the Soup: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), vegetable broth, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Cook the Noodles: While the broth simmers, cook the ramen noodles according to package directions. Drain well.
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Assemble Your Ramen: Divide the cooked noodles among bowls. Ladle the spicy broth over the noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions, a soft-boiled egg (if using), and toasted sesame seeds.
Tips for the Best Spicy Vegetarian Ramen:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness. Start with less and add more to taste.
- Broth Depth: For a richer broth, you can add a tablespoon of miso paste along with the soy sauce.
- Protein Boost: Add tofu, edamame, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as broccoli, carrots, or spinach. Add them with the bell peppers and mushrooms.
Variations:
- Creamy Ramen: Stir in a dollop of coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy, indulgent twist.
- Garlic Lovers: Add an extra clove or two of garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
- Citrus Zing: A squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens the flavors beautifully.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 60-70g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
This spicy vegetarian ramen is a fantastic example of easy recipes that are both delicious and healthy. It's a perfect quick dinner idea, easily adaptable to your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy!