Spicy Ramen Noodles Recipe

Indulge in a hot bowl of zesty goodness with this spicy ramen noodles recipe. This Asian-inspired dish combines the bold flavors of traditional spices with fresh vegetables and tender ramen noodles. It's a quick and easy meal, perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm, hearty, and a little bit spicy.

Photos of Spicy Ramen Noodles Recipe

Some ingredients like Korean ramen noodles, fish sauce, and enoki mushrooms might not be readily available in your pantry. These are commonly found in the international aisle of larger supermarkets or at local Asian grocery stores. The Korean ramen noodles are known for their thicker, chewier texture, while fish sauce adds a salty, umami flavor. Enoki mushrooms, on the other hand, are delicate and have a mild flavor, adding a unique texture to the dish.

Ingredients for Spicy Ramen Noodles

Green beans: These add a crunchy texture and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding a smooth, rich flavor.

Garlic: Gives a strong and pungent flavor.

Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, imparting a rich, savory taste.

Red finger chile pepper: Adds heat and spice to the dish.

Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and a deep umami flavor.

Fish sauce: A salty condiment that adds a rich, savory, slightly sweet and tangy flavor.

Black pepper: Adds a sharp, mildly spicy flavor.

Rice wine vinegar: Gives a slight acidity to balance the flavors.

Ramen noodles: The heart of the dish, they are thick, chewy, and perfect for soaking up the flavorsome broth.

Enoki mushrooms: These delicate mushrooms provide a unique texture and mild flavor.

Scallions: Add a sharp, tangy flavor and a pop of color.

Thai basil leaves: Known for their sweet, anise-like flavor, they add depth and aroma to the dish.

Cilantro leaves: Offers a fresh, citrusy flavor.

One reader, Fallon Ramon says:

This spicy ramen noodles recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so vibrant and the kick of heat is just perfect. The combination of ingredients creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a little spice in their life!

Fallon Ramon

Essential Techniques for Crafting Spicy Ramen Noodles

How to blanch green beans: Briefly cook the green beans in boiling water, then immediately transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps retain their vibrant color and crisp texture.

How to fry garlic: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, add chopped garlic, and fry, stirring often, until golden brown. This adds a delicious, aromatic crunch to the dish.

How to simmer flavors: Combine the chicken broth, water, red chile pepper, and garlic in a pot, then bring to a boil and simmer to allow the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and flavorful broth.

How to cook ramen noodles: Add the ramen noodles and seasoning packet to the simmering broth and cook until the noodles soften, ensuring they are tender but still slightly chewy.

How to wilt scallions: Add the scallions to the simmering broth and cook until they become tender and slightly wilted, adding a mild onion flavor to the dish.

How To Make Spicy Ramen Noodles

Made with chicken broth, Korean noodles, and a bunch of flavorings, this ramen noodles recipe makes the perfect bowl of spicy, tasty, and hearty slurpiness.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 24 minutes

Total: 44 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

5green beans,trimmed, or more to taste
1tspolive oil
1tbspgarlic,chopped
2cupschicken broth
2cupswater
1red finger chile pepper,sliced
2clovesgarlic,sliced
1tbspsoy sauce
1tbspfish sauce
1tbspblack pepper,ground
1tsprice wine vinegar
3ozKorean ramen noodles,(1 package) such as Nature is Delicious®
3ozenoki mushrooms,(1 package) halved
3scallions,cut into 1-inch pieces, or more to taste
⅓cupThai basil leaves,whole
¼cupcilantro leaves,whole

Instructions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook uncovered until tender, about 2 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain.
Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add chopped garlic; fry, stirring often, until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Combine chicken broth, water, red chile pepper, and sliced garlic in a pot. Bring to a boil; simmer until flavors combine, about 3 minutes. Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, black pepper, and rice wine vinegar; simmer for 2 minutes.
Stir green beans, ramen noodles, and seasoning packet included in the package into the pot. Cook until noodles soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in enoki mushrooms; simmer until tender, about 2 minutes. Add scallions; cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
Ladle noodles, green beans, mushrooms, and broth into a bowl. Top with basil and cilantro leaves. Sprinkle fried garlic on top.
Serve warm and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 716.55kcal
Fat: 26.27g
Saturated Fat: 9.25g
Trans Fat: 0.06g
Monounsaturated Fat: 11.42g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.79g
Carbohydrates: 95.03g
Fiber: 9.77g
Sugar: 14.75g
Protein: 29.37g
Cholesterol: 14.40mg
Sodium: 4596.72mg
Calcium: 182.37mg
Potassium: 1606.26mg
Iron: 8.53mg
Vitamin A: 96.56µg
Vitamin C: 84.83mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Spicy Ramen Noodles

When frying the garlic, it's important to keep a close eye on it as it can burn quickly. The goal is to achieve a golden brown color which will give it a nice, nutty flavor. If it turns dark brown or black, it's burnt and will have a bitter taste. It's best to remove the pan from the heat as soon as it's done to prevent overcooking from the residual heat.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Spicy Ramen Noodles Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process.

One-pot wonders: Look for recipes that allow you to cook everything in one pot to minimize cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of the recipe and store the extra portions for future meals.

Time-saving tools: Use kitchen tools like a food processor or mandoline to speed up the prep work.

Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for ingredients or utensils.

Efficient multitasking: Plan your cooking process to multitask effectively, such as boiling water while chopping vegetables.

Substitute Ingredients For Spicy Ramen Noodles Recipe

olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth to make the recipe vegetarian-friendly without compromising the flavor.
red finger chile pepper - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers have a similar heat level and flavor profile, making them a suitable substitute for red finger chile peppers.
enoki mushrooms - Substitute with shiitake mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms can provide a similar earthy flavor and texture to enoki mushrooms in the recipe.
thai basil leaves - Substitute with mint leaves: Mint leaves can add a refreshing and aromatic flavor similar to Thai basil in the recipe.
cilantro leaves - Substitute with flat-leaf parsley: Flat-leaf parsley can provide a fresh and slightly peppery flavor as a substitute for cilantro in the recipe.

Presentation Ideas for Spicy Ramen Noodles

Elevate the plating: When presenting the spicy ramen noodles, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Use a beautiful, wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. The noodles should be the star of the show, so ensure they are neatly arranged and not overcrowded.
Garnish with precision: Add the finishing touches with a garnish that complements the flavors of the dish. Sprinkle thinly sliced scallions and enoki mushrooms on top of the noodles, creating a balanced and elegant presentation.
Balance the elements: Achieve a harmonious balance by carefully arranging the green beans and cilantro leaves around the bowl. This will create a visually pleasing composition and showcase the attention to detail in the plating.
Highlight the broth: Pour the flavorful broth into the bowl with a steady hand, ensuring it surrounds the noodles without overwhelming them. The broth should be the perfect backdrop to the noodles, enhancing the overall presentation.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a touch of texture to the presentation by using a delicate drizzle of chili oil on top of the noodles. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a layer of complexity to the dish.
Emphasize simplicity: While presenting the dish, remember that less is often more. Focus on simplicity and elegance, allowing the natural beauty of the ingredients to shine through in the presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Spicy Ramen Noodles

Large pot: A large pot is essential for boiling the noodles and preparing the broth.
Colander: A colander is used for draining the cooked green beans and rinsing them with cold water.
Skillet: A skillet is used for frying the garlic until golden brown.
Small pot: A small pot is used for simmering the broth and combining the flavors.
Spoon: A spoon is used for stirring the ingredients while cooking.
Ladle: A ladle is used for serving the noodles and broth into bowls.

Storing and Freezing Spicy Ramen Noodles: A Guide

Let the spicy ramen noodles cool down to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. This will prevent the noodles from getting soggy and the broth from becoming cloudy.
Store the leftover ramen noodles in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep the noodles and the broth in separate containers to maintain their texture and flavor.
When you're ready to eat the leftover ramen, reheat the broth in a pot over medium heat until it's steaming hot. Then, add the noodles and cook them for a minute or two until they're heated through.
If you want to freeze the spicy ramen noodles for later, it's best to freeze the noodles and the broth separately. Let them cool down completely before transferring them into freezer-safe containers or bags.
To freeze the ramen noodles, toss them with a bit of oil to prevent them from sticking together. Place them in a freezer bag, remove the excess air, and seal it tightly. Label the bag with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month.
To freeze the ramen broth, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Let it cool down completely before sealing the container and placing it in the freezer. The broth can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen ramen, thaw the noodles and the broth in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the broth in a pot over medium heat, and once it's hot, add the noodles and cook them until they're heated through.
Keep in mind that the texture of the ramen noodles might change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will still be delicious.

How To Reheat Leftover Spicy Ramen Noodles

Stovetop method: Place the leftover spicy ramen noodles in a pot and add a small amount of chicken broth or water. Heat the pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are heated through and the broth is simmering. This method helps to revive the noodles and prevents them from drying out.
Microwave method: Transfer the leftover spicy ramen noodles to a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help moisten the noodles. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through. Stir the noodles halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
Stir-fry method: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leftover spicy ramen noodles to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through and slightly crispy. This method works well if you prefer a drier, more textured noodle dish.
Oven method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover spicy ramen noodles in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through. This method is suitable if you are reheating a large portion of noodles or if you want to keep the noodles warm for an extended period.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to taste the noodles and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a splash of soy sauce, fish sauce, or rice wine vinegar to enhance the flavors. If the noodles seem dry, add a bit more chicken broth or water to help moisten them.

Interesting Trivia About Spicy Ramen Noodles

The spicy ramen noodles recipe is a popular dish in Korean cuisine. Ramen noodles are a staple in Korean cuisine and are often enjoyed as a quick and flavorful meal. The combination of spicy chile pepper, garlic, and soy sauce gives this dish a bold and savory flavor. Additionally, enoki mushrooms are a great source of nutrients, including B vitamins and antioxidants. This dish is a delicious and satisfying option for those who enjoy spicy and flavorful meals.

Is Making Spicy Ramen Noodles at Home Cost-Effective?

This spicy ramen noodles recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as green beans, chicken broth, garlic, and ramen noodles, are generally affordable and readily available. The addition of enoki mushrooms, thai basil, and cilantro may slightly increase the cost, but these are optional and can be omitted to reduce expenses. Overall, this recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying meal at a reasonable price. I would rate it an 8/10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option for a delicious and hearty meal.

Is This Spicy Ramen Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The spicy ramen noodles recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes:

Green beans, which are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals
Garlic, known for its potential health benefits like boosting the immune system
Mushrooms, which are low in calories and rich in nutrients
Fresh herbs like basil and cilantro, providing additional vitamins and antioxidants

However, there are some concerns:

The recipe relies on instant ramen noodles, which are often high in sodium and low in nutrients
Soy sauce and fish sauce contribute to the high sodium content
The use of chicken broth and the seasoning packet from the ramen noodles may add more sodium and preservatives

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Swap the instant ramen noodles for whole-grain or bean-based noodles, which are more nutritious and lower in sodium
Use low-sodium chicken broth or replace it with more water to reduce the overall sodium content
Reduce the amount of soy sauce and fish sauce, or opt for low-sodium alternatives
Add more vegetables to the dish, such as carrots, bok choy, or spinach, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
Use lean proteins like shrimp, tofu, or chicken breast to make the meal more balanced and satisfying

By incorporating more whole foods, reducing the sodium content, and opting for nutrient-dense ingredients, you can transform this spicy ramen noodle recipe into a healthier and more well-rounded meal. Experiment with different vegetables, proteins, and noodle alternatives to find a combination that suits your taste preferences while prioritizing your health.

Editor's Opinion on This Spicy Ramen Noodles Recipe

The spicy ramen noodles recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of the aromatic broth, tender ramen noodles, and crisp green beans creates a harmonious balance. The addition of enoki mushrooms and fragrant herbs elevates the dish, adding depth and complexity. The subtle heat from the red chile pepper and the umami richness from the fish sauce and soy sauce create a truly satisfying experience. This recipe is a wonderful representation of modern Asian cuisine, and it's sure to impress with its bold and vibrant flavors.

Enhance Your Spicy Ramen Noodles Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: A warm and crispy garlic bread would be the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious spicy broth of the ramen noodles.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Juicy and succulent grilled shrimp skewers would add a delightful seafood element to balance out the heat of the spicy ramen noodles.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing and colorful fruit salad with a mix of tropical fruits would provide a sweet and tangy contrast to the spicy flavors of the ramen noodles.

Delicious Alternatives to Spicy Ramen Noodles

Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry: This flavorful stir-fry is packed with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a spicy sauce that will leave your taste buds tingling.

Mango Coconut Shrimp Curry: Indulge in the tropical flavors of this creamy coconut curry, filled with juicy shrimp and sweet mango for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: Enjoy a healthy and satisfying salad filled with roasted vegetables, fluffy quinoa, and a zesty vinaigrette that will leave you feeling nourished and energized.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars: Treat yourself to these luscious cheesecake bars, swirled with tangy lemon and bursting with juicy blueberries for a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Spicy Ramen Noodles

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. They're the perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Bruschetta: Satisfy your guests' appetites with this classic Italian dish. Toasted bread topped with a fresh and zesty mixture of tomatoes, basil, and garlic, drizzled with balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth and creamy texture will melt in your mouth with every spoonful.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Why trust this Spicy Ramen Noodles Recipe:

This recipe offers an authentic taste of Korean cuisine with a perfect blend of spices and aromatic herbs. The use of fish sauce and soy sauce adds depth of flavor, while the enoki mushrooms and green beans provide a delightful crunch. The inclusion of Thai basil and cilantro enhances the dish with a burst of freshness. Trust the expertise behind this recipe to deliver a satisfying and flavorful ramen noodles experience.

Share your thoughts on this Spicy Ramen Noodles Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make it even better!

FAQ:

What type of noodles can I use for this recipe?

You can use Korean ramen noodles for this recipe. They are easily available in most grocery stores and are perfect for creating a delicious and authentic spicy ramen dish.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting the fish sauce. You can also add tofu or your favorite vegetables to enhance the flavors.

How spicy is this ramen recipe?

The spiciness of the ramen can be adjusted to your preference by adding more or less of the red finger chile pepper. You can also remove the seeds from the chile pepper to reduce the heat level.

Can I prepare the broth in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the broth in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to enjoy your spicy ramen, simply reheat the broth and continue with the remaining steps of the recipe.

What can I substitute for enoki mushrooms?

If you can't find enoki mushrooms, you can substitute them with shiitake mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, or any other mushroom variety of your choice. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the mushroom type.