The aroma of spicy miso wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you in savory warmth as you prepare a bowl of Easy One-Pot Spicy Miso Ramen (Vegan). This dish, loaded with umami and spice, takes just 30 minutes to make and is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. The combination of creamy soy milk and the thin strands of ramen creates a comforting meal perfect for any day.
This recipe is perfect for vegans or anyone seeking a hearty yet simple meal. It’s a great choice for chilly evenings or when you need a quick comforting dinner. Plus, it stores well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This ramen is quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes.
- The one-pot cooking method minimizes cleanup.
- It’s completely vegan yet packed with flavor and spice.
- You can easily adjust the heat to suit your taste.
What You’ll Need
Gather the following ingredients for a delicious ramen experience:
For the Base
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp minced or grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 scallions, chopped (white and green parts separated, makes 1/2 cup sliced)
- 1 1/2 tbsp miso paste (I used white miso)
- 1 tbsp plain peanut butter (or Asian sesame paste)
- 1/2 to 1 tbsp doubanjiang (or other chili sauce/paste, adjust for spice)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water, see notes)
- 1 cup soy milk (or other plant-based milk like oat milk)
- 1 tbsp layu (Japanese chili oil or other chili oil, adjust for spice)
- 2 dried shiitake mushrooms
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or more to taste, see notes)
- Salt (to taste, if needed)
For the Vegetables
- 1 head bok choy (or other greens of choice)
- Sliced mushrooms (from the dried shiitake mushrooms)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- Chopped scallions (green part)
For Serving
- Sesame seeds (mix of black and toasted sesame seeds)
- More layu (Japanese chili oil, to finish)
- Roasted nori sheets
Tip: Adjust spice levels according to your preference.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Use tahini instead of peanut butter.
- Any greens can replace bok choy.
- Water can replace vegetable broth if needed.
- Oat milk works as a soy milk substitute.
How to Make It
Follow these steps for a delicious bowl of ramen:
Heat
Heat a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat. Add in the sesame oil. Once hot, add in the garlic, ginger, and white parts of the scallion. Sauté over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes.
Combine
Lower the heat to medium. Add in the miso paste, sesame paste/nut butter, and doubanjiang or other chili paste. Mix until they’re well combined.
Stir
While stirring, add in the stock/water (and vegetable cube/bouillon, if using) and soy milk. Keep stirring over medium heat until the pastes are diluted.
Add Mushrooms
Add in the layu or other chili oil and dried mushrooms. Cover the pot and leave the soup to boil over medium-high heat for around 5 minutes. Once it boils, lower the heat and leave it to simmer.
Season
Taste the soup and season with soy sauce and salt, to taste, if needed. You can remove the mushrooms and slice these into thin strips.
Add Veggies
Meanwhile, add in the veggies of your choice into the soup. I sliced my bok choy head in half and cooked it down in the soup.
Cook Noodles
When the veggies are almost cooked to your liking, add in the instant ramen brick. You can turn off the heat here if your instant ramen cooks very quickly; otherwise, leave the noodles to cook until chewy before turning off the heat.
Mix In
Add in the corn and remaining chopped scallions along with the sesame seeds. Add more chili oil if desired. You can also enjoy this with some roasted nori.
Serve
Enjoy immediately while hot!
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, noodles don’t freeze well.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or on the stovetop until hot.
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh mushrooms for a deeper flavor.
- Adjust the spice levels gradually to find your perfect balance.
- Remember to keep the ramen slightly undercooked, as it will continue to soften.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side of edamame for a complete meal.
- Enjoy with a green salad to add freshness.
- Serve as a cozy dish for a casual dinner party.
