Ramen is a noodle soup from Japan, by way of China. This version includes plenty of vegetables, a protein of choice, and noodles. It can take 5 minutes, or 45 minutes depending on how you choose to make it. Want a quick version? Use frozen vegetables and tofu. Want an extra -flavorful version? Use aromatics like fresh ginger, garlic and shallots. We encourage you to make it your own, and experiment.
For 2 packets of instant ramen, use 1 packet of seasoning to keep the salt levels in range of the dietary recommendations. For a microwave version, see the instructions toward the bottom of this recipe.
Ingredients
Oil
- 1 Tablespoon avocado, canola, sesame, peanut or light olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 medium bell pepper + 1 medium carrot OR 2 cups chopped fresh or frozen vegetables of choice
Spinach
- 2 handfulls spinach OR other cooking greens such as swiss chard, mustard greens, bok choy etc
Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic + 1" piece of fresh ginger OR shallots/onions/leeks
Ramen
- 2 packets of ramen noodles OR about 6 oz soba noodles
Seasoning
- 1 ramen seasoning packet OR 1 heaping Tabelspoon miso paste OR bouillon to taste
Water
- 6 cups, OR low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
Protein
- 1 pound ground chicken/beef/turkey/pork (93% lean) OR 1 package crumbled tofu
Coconut_milk
- ½ can (optional)
Herbs
- Chopped scallions, cilantro, or other herbs for garnish and flavor (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
Chop the vegetables into small pieces if using fresh vegetables. Frozen vegetables are often pre-chopped.
Step 2
Mince or grate the aromatics, if using.
Step 3
Heat oil in a stockpot over medium heat.
Step 4
Add the vegetables and cook for 8-10 minutes, until soft (less time if using frozen veg). Add the aromatics and cook 1 minute more, stirring frequently.
Step 5
Add the protein to the pot. If using ground meat or poultry, use a fork or potato masher to break it up in the pot, and stir frequently until it is no longer pink. If using tofu, crumble the tofu into the pot with your hands, and allow it to cook for 2 minutes.
Step 6
Add the water or broth, plus whatever seasoning you chose (packet from instant ramen noodles, miso paste, or bouillon).
Step 7
Add noodles to the pot and cook until soft. Follow package instructions for cook time.
Step 8
Add the coconut milk if using.
Step 9
Serve, and sprinkle with fresh herbs such as scallions or cilantro.
Notes
Microwave Version:
*You will need a large, microwave-safe bowl. We recommend glass or ceramic.
- Microwave the frozen vegetables until defrosted, about 2 minutes
- Add broth or water, crumbled or diced tofu, and instant noodles to the bowl. Microwave 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in seasoning (packet from instant ramen, miso paste or bouillon), break up the noodles by stirring, and allow to sit for 3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if you'd like.