Craving a warm, comforting bowl of ramen but want to keep it plant-based? You’re in luck! Vegan ramen is not only easy to make but also packed with rich, umami flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you prefer a creamy coconut curry broth, a spicy sesame kick, or a classic miso-based soup, there are endless ways to customize your bowl.
In this article, we’ll explore some quick and delicious vegan ramen ideas you can try today—no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required. Let’s get cooking! 🍜
Is It Difficult To Cook Vegan Ramen?
Not at all! Vegan ramen can be super easy to make, and you don’t need complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The key to a great bowl is a flavorful broth, good noodles, and tasty toppings.
Unlike traditional ramen, which often requires hours of simmering meat-based broths, vegan ramen can be made quickly using ingredients like miso, soy sauce, kombu (seaweed), shiitake mushrooms, and vegetable broth for deep umami flavors. And the best part? Many vegan ramen recipes take less than 30 minutes to prepare!
Is Vegan Ramen Popular in Japan?
Vegan ramen is growing in popularity in Japan, but it is still considered a niche offering compared to traditional ramen, which often contains pork or chicken-based broths. However, as plant-based eating gains traction globally, more ramen shops in Japan—especially in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto—are offering vegan options.
Many traditional Japanese broths, such as miso and shoyu (soy sauce), can be easily adapted to a vegan version by using kombu (kelp), shiitake mushrooms, and vegetables for umami depth. Some well-known ramen chains and specialty vegan restaurants have even developed rich, creamy plant-based broths that rival their non-vegan counterparts. So, why not try your own, too?
Basic Steps to Make Easy Vegan Ramen
It’s easy to customize your vegan ramen based on what you like or what’s available in your kitchen.
Let’s start with the steps you will need to follow to create yours, so you can get familiar with the process.
Prepare the Broth – Sauté garlic, ginger, and onions, then add vegetable broth, miso, soy sauce, or coconut milk for depth of flavor. Let it simmer for a rich taste.
Cook the Noodles – Use ramen noodles of your choice (many store-bought brands have vegan options) and cook according to the package instructions.
Add Toppings – Load up your bowl with tofu, mushrooms, bok choy, corn, carrots, scallions, or any veggies you like. You can also add roasted sesame seeds, chili oil, or nori for extra texture and flavor.
Assemble & Serve – Pour the hot broth over the cooked noodles, add toppings, and enjoy your homemade vegan ramen!
Easy Vegan Ramen Recipes
Whether you’re craving a classic miso broth, a creamy coconut curry, or a spicy sesame kick, there’s a vegan ramen recipe for you. So, here are some of my favorite plant-based ramen ideas that are easy to make and packed with umami goodness.
1. Simple Miso Ramen
A classic and flavorful broth made with miso paste, soy sauce, and vegetable broth. Add tofu, mushrooms, and bok choy for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients:
4 cups vegetable broth
2 tbsp miso paste
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 block firm tofu, cubed
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 cup bok choy, chopped
1 pack ramen noodles
Steps:
Heat vegetable broth in a pot and bring to a simmer.
Add mushrooms and tofu, cooking for 5 minutes.
Turn off the heat and stir in miso paste and soy sauce.
Cook noodles separately, then combine with broth and bok choy. Serve hot!
2. Coconut Curry Ramen
Blend coconut milk with red curry paste, ginger, and garlic for a creamy, rich broth. Load it up with veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and spinach.
Ingredients:
1 can coconut milk
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tbsp red curry paste
1 tsp ginger, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup bell peppers and carrots, sliced
1 pack ramen noodles
Steps:
Sauté garlic and ginger in a pot for 1 minute.
Add curry paste, coconut milk, and vegetable broth, then bring to a simmer.
Stir in sliced vegetables and cook until tender.
Cook noodles separately, then combine with broth. Serve warm.
3. Spicy Sesame Ramen
Use tahini or peanut butter with soy sauce, sriracha, and a hint of rice vinegar for a nutty, spicy kick. Add crispy tofu and green onions for extra texture.
Ingredients:
3 cups vegetable broth
2 tbsp tahini or peanut butter
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sriracha (or more for extra spice)
1 tsp rice vinegar
1/2 block tofu, cubed
1 pack ramen noodles
Steps:
In a pot, whisk together broth, tahini, soy sauce, sriracha, and vinegar.
Bring to a simmer and add tofu, cooking for 5 minutes.
Cook ramen noodles separately and add to the broth.
Garnish with green onions and serve.
4. Soy-Ginger Garlic Ramen
Sauté garlic and ginger, then add soy sauce and vegetable broth for an umami-rich soup. Toss in baby corn, edamame, and shiitake mushrooms.
Ingredients:
4 cups vegetable broth
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup baby corn
1/2 cup edamame
1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms
1 pack ramen noodles
Steps:
Sauté garlic and ginger in a pot for 1 minute.
Add vegetable broth, soy sauce, and mushrooms, simmering for 10 minutes.
Add baby corn and edamame, cooking for another 5 minutes.
Cook noodles separately, then combine and serve.
5. Tomato Basil Ramen
For a unique twist, use a tomato-based broth with fresh basil and oregano. This pairs well with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
Ingredients:
3 cups vegetable broth
1 cup canned tomatoes, crushed
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp basil (fresh or dried)
1/2 block grilled tofu or 1/2 cup chickpeas
1 pack ramen noodles
Steps:
Heat vegetable broth and crushed tomatoes in a pot.
Stir in soy sauce, oregano, and basil, then bring to a simmer.
Add grilled tofu or chickpeas and cook for 5 minutes.
Cook noodles separately, then mix with broth and serve.
6. Cold Sesame Ramen
Try a refreshing chilled ramen with a sesame-soy dressing, cucumbers, and shredded carrots. Perfect for warm days!
Ingredients:
1 pack ramen noodles
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 cup cucumber, shredded
1/2 cup carrots, shredded
Steps:
Cook ramen noodles, then rinse under cold water.
Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, and sugar.
Toss noodles with dressing, cucumbers, and carrots.
Chill for 10 minutes before serving.
7. Instant Ramen Hack
Upgrade store-bought vegan ramen with spinach, corn, tofu, and a drizzle of chili oil for extra depth.
Ingredients:
1 pack vegan instant ramen
1/2 cup spinach
1/2 cup corn
1/2 block tofu, cubed
1 tsp chili oil
Steps:
Cook instant ramen according to package instructions.
Add spinach, corn, and tofu in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Stir in chili oil for extra flavor.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Ramen Cookers & Accessories
RORBAM Microwave Ramen Cooker
This ramen bowl set includes a microwave noodle bowl with chopsticks and spoon. It’s BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and ideal for college dorms or apartments.
This 1.6L electric pot is multifunctional, suitable for cooking pasta, shabu-shabu, oatmeal, soup, and eggs. It features over-heating protection and boil-dry protection.
This traditional Korean ramen cooking pot has a double handle, a lid, a spoon, and chopsticks. It’s made of aluminium and very lightweight. Plus, it has strong thermal conductivity and heats up quickly. Perfect for ramyun, instant curry, kimchi jjigae, soup, stew, and many more dishes.
Pro Tips for the Best Vegan Ramen
Vegan ramen is not only easy but also a fun and satisfying meal to make at home.
Use umami boosters like miso, kombu, soy sauce, or nutritional yeast to enhance the broth.
Try different bases such as a light soy-based broth, a creamy tahini or peanut-based broth, or a spicy chili oil broth.
Make it extra hearty by adding crispy tofu, marinated mushrooms, or even plant-based “meat” alternatives.
![Types of Ramen: Hakata Ramen. Image courtesy of [cipher] via Flickr Commons.](https://ramendatabase.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Types-of-Ramen_Hakata-Ramen-300x199.jpg)
