Easy 15-Minute Vegan Creamy Ramen

This spicy, vegan creamy ramen is ready in just 15 minutes! The rich miso-tahini broth balances savory, umami flavors with a spicy kick, perfect for a cozy, satisfying meal.

You know that feeling when you get home after a long workday and are so tempted to open up that delivery app to get some of your favorite foods in no time with no effort? I have some news for you: you don’t have to do that anymore. My recipe for Japanese-inspired Easy 15-Minute Vegan Creamy Ramen is the solution to all your problems. It’s the perfect comfort food on a cold day, and you can likely finish making it faster than getting takeout or ordering Uber Eats.

Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, this recipe could not be easier to make. But just because it’s fast and easy does not mean it’s not delicious and packed with all the nutrients you need to fuel your body. I could have this bowl every day. I also love other simple noodle recipes like this nourishing Asian Noodle Soup, btw if you want to go the teriyaki route.

Ingredients and Substitutes for Vegan Creamy Ramen

• Ramen Noodles: Use udon, soba, or any other long noodles if ramen is unavailable.
• Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced): Sub with garlic powder (1 tsp) if fresh garlic is unavailable.
• Green Onion (4, diced): Sub with shallots or leeks, finely chopped.
• Ginger (1 knob, minced): Sub with ground ginger (1/2 tsp) or ginger paste.
• Mushrooms (King Oyster or any variety): You can use shiitake, cremini, or portobello mushrooms.
• Miso Paste (red or white): Sub with soy sauce mixed with 1 tsp nutritional yeast (though the depth of flavor will differ).
• Tahini: Feel free to use any other nut or seed butter like peanut butter, cashew or sunflower seed butter for a nutty, creamy texture.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: You can use sriracha, gochujang, or any hot sauce or chili paste.
• Sugar: If you want to replace sugar, you can sub with maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar.
• Soy Milk: Soy milk works best but you can use any unsweetened plant-based milk like oat or almond milk.
• Vegan Bouillon / Mushroom Powder: Use vegetable bouillon cubes or more miso paste.
• Dashi Powder: Dashi powder is what provides magical umami here. Feel free to sub with dried mushroom powder or more vegan bouillon.

Toppings:

• Tofu Crumbles: This provides a bump of protein. Sub with tempeh crumbles or extra mushrooms.
• Cooked Corn, Sesame Seeds, Green Onion Tops, Chili Oil: Customize with your favorite ramen toppings!

How to Make the Perfect Vegan Creamy Ramen

Prepare the broth

1. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, tahini, chili garlic sauce, soy milk, and sugar until smooth then set aside.
2. Heat sesame oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the white parts of green onions and cook until softened.
3. Add garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant, then add mushrooms and cook until softened.
4. Pour in the miso-tahini sauce, water, vegan bouillon, and dashi powder. Stir well and heat through, then reduce heat to low and simmer.

Assemble Your Bowl

1. Place cooked ramen noodles in bowls. Ladle the creamy broth over the noodles, while ensuring even distribution of mushrooms.
2. Top with tofu crumbles, green onion tops, cooked corn, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil and serve while piping hot!

Tips for Cooking the Perfect Vegan Creamy Ramen Noodles

Noodles–or noods are they’re endearingly called online–are the heart and soul of a bowl of ramen, so it’s important to get it right when it comes to choosing your favorite noodles and cooking them perfectly. Opt for wheat-based noodles for the best vehicle for the broth, and choose your favorite thickness. I prefer a thicker noodle because this broth is on the thicker side, but if you like to make your ramen bowl more soupy, you can thin it down with some vegetable broth and go for thinner noodles. If you’re allergic to gluten, rice noodles or sweet potato noodles work great.

When it comes to cooking your noodles, boil them separately in some water and rinse them once done to stop the cooking process. Overcooked noodles absorb too much water and lose their bouncy texture, and we don’t want that.

Storage Instructions

1. Refrigeration:
   • Store the broth separately from the noodles to prevent sogginess.
   • Keep in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing:
   • Freeze the broth (without noodles) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Reheating:
   • Reheat the broth gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Cook fresh noodles as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kind of noodles should I use?
A: When it comes to noodles, you have a lot of options depending on how well your local grocery store is stocked. You can opt for thinner or thicker noodles, but since this broth is on the creamier side, I prefer a thicker noodle to help carry the broth. If you like a thinner noodle, go for that! Most ramen noodles are naturally vegan, but double-check the ingredients to make sure. Gluten-free options like rice or sweet potato noodles work well with this ramen bowl too.

Q: How do I make the broth even more creamy?
A: You can add coconut milk, cashew cream, or blended silken tofu to make the broth even more rich and creamy.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Even though the prep and cook time for this recipe are relatively low, you can prepare the broth and toppings in ahead of time and cook the noodles on the spot to keep them from getting soggy. That’s 5-minute noodles for you!

Fun Topping Ideas for Vegan Creamy Ramen

You can elevate your bowl with lots of plant-based toppings, to create a bowl of ramen that’s uniquely your own. Here are some ideas you can mix and match to your preference!

Classic Ramen Toppings

1. Nori (Seaweed Sheets) for a briny kick.
2. Bamboo Shoots (Menma) for a little tang and crunch.
3. Vegan “Chashu“, a seitan-based “chashu”, adds even more protein to the dish.
4. Kimchi is tangy, spicy, and fermented flavors for a bold contrast to the creamy broth.
5. Edamame has a pop of color and plant-based protein.
6. Sesame Seeds add a nuttiness to the dish.
7. Bok Choy, lightly grilled, is the perfect addition to any ramen bowl.

Non-traditional Toppings

1. Pickled Vegetables add a tangy crunch with a quick-pickled radish, carrots, or cucumbers.
2. Fried Shallots or Garlic Chips for a crispy and savory flair.
3. Vegan Cheese to mimic a rich broth texture and those viral Buldak ramen Tiktok videos.
4. Peanut Butter adds creaminess and a nutty undertone to spicy ramen.
5. Roasted Peanuts add a little crunch and more protein.

Similar Recipes to Vegan Creamy Ramen

• Easy One-Pot Spicy Vegan Ramen
• Indo-Chinese Chili Garlic Noodles
• Gochujang Shredded Tofu Noodles
• 10-minute Vegan Ramen from Plant Based on a Budget