Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stirred the aromatic broth, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement—homemade vegan ramen is not just a dish; it’s a labor of love that wraps you in warmth. With this recipe for Ultimate Vegan Ramen, I’ll guide you through the delicious journey of crafting rich, flavorful noodles and a complex broth brimming with seasonal vegetables. The beauty of this homemade creation lies in the irresistible perks: it’s quick to prepare, and every bowl can be customized with your favorite toppings, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or simply looking for a comforting meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this ramen will satisfy your cravings and nourish your soul. Are you ready to elevate your soup game and discover the secrets behind this delightful dish? Why is This Vegan Ramen a Must-Try? Comforting and cozy: Ultimate Vegan Ramen is perfect for chilly evenings, wrapping you in warmth with every delicious slurp. Unique flavors abound: This rich broth is packed with umami from dried shiitake mushrooms and kombu, elevating your noodle soup experience. Fresh ingredients shine: Seasonal vegetables and homemade noodles bring a burst of color and nutrients, making each bowl visually stunning. Customizable delights: Top with your favorite veggies or proteins, like crispy tofu or tempeh, creating a personalized meal that suits every palate. Quick to prepare: Despite its complex flavor profile, this tasty dish comes together efficiently, leaving you time to enjoy the fruits of your labor with family and friends. Whether you’re a fan of quick comfort meals like Vegan Potato Salad or looking to challenge your culinary skills with a warming bowl of ramen, this recipe will not disappoint! Ultimate Vegan Ramen Ingredients For the Noodles Baking Soda – Essential for making homemade ramen noodles; baked baking soda enhances noodle texture. All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and chewiness in ramen noodles; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Water – Hydrates and forms the dough for the noodles. For the Broth Dried Shiitake Mushrooms – Contributes umami flavor to the broth; fresh mushrooms can be used but may alter flavor depth. Kombu – Seaweed that enhances broth with its natural umami content; dashi stock can replace water and kombu if required. Vegetables (Leeks, Onions, Garlic, Tomatoes, Carrots) – Important for building flavor in the broth; adjust seasonal choices based on availability. Soy Sauce – Adds depth and savory flavor to the broth; substitute with tamari for a gluten-free version. Mirin – A sweet rice wine that enhances broth richness; can be substituted with agave syrup for a non-alcoholic version. For the Toppings Tofu (Firm or Extra-Firm) – Provides protein and texture; optional for a more filling dish; can be substituted with tempeh or omitted for strict vegan options. Seasonal Vegetables (Fava Beans, Snow Peas, Asparagus) – For topping; add seasonal veggies for freshness and crunch. Chili Oil – Adds heat; optional based on preference. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ultimate Vegan Ramen Step 1: Prepare Baking Soda Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread 1 cup of baking soda on a baking sheet and bake it for about 1 hour. This process enhances the texture of your homemade ramen noodles. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely while you gather the rest of your ingredients. Step 2: Make Noodle Dough In a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of the baked baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add approximately ¾ cup of water while mixing on low speed until a smooth dough forms. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is elastic, then cover it with a towel and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Step 3: Roll Noodles Divide the rested noodle dough into smaller portions for easier handling. Roll out each portion using a pasta maker, gradually decreasing the thickness until you reach your desired noodle thinness. Dust with corn starch to prevent sticking between sheets. Cut the rolled dough into long strips, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking. Step 4: Prepare Broth To create the broth for your Ultimate Vegan Ramen, soak a handful of dried shiitake mushrooms and a piece of kombu in 6 cups of water for about 30 minutes. In a separate pot, broil chopped onions, leeks, garlic, carrots, and tomatoes at 400°F (200°C) until they are browned, approximately 20 minutes. Combine the soaked ingredients and broiled vegetables in a pot and simmer for 1 hour on low heat. Step 5: Cook Tofu While the broth simmers, prepare the tofu by pressing it to remove excess moisture for about 15 minutes. Once pressed, cut it into cubes, then coat the cubes with a little cornstarch for a crispy finish. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and fry the tofu until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally for even crispness. Step 6: Finish Broth After the broth has simmered for an hour, strain out the solids, discarding the vegetables and kombu. Return the liquid to the pot and season the broth with ¼ cup of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of mirin. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This rich broth will be the soul of your Ultimate Vegan Ramen, ready to envelop your noodles. Step 7: Cook Noodles Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the handmade ramen noodles for about 3-4 minutes or until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop cooking, then set aside in a bowl, ready to be combined with the hot broth. Step 8: Assemble Ramen To serve, place a generous helping of noodles in a bowl. Carefully ladle the hot broth over the noodles, allowing them to soak in the flavor. Top with crispy tofu cubes, seasonal vegetables like fava beans and snow peas, and sprinkle with sliced scallions. For an added touch, drizzle some chili oil and garnish with nori or sesame seeds as desired. Expert Tips for Ultimate Vegan Ramen Rest the Dough: Allowing the noodle dough to rest longer enhances its texture, making your homemade noodles even more delightful. Press Tofu Well: For crispy tofu, ensure it’s pressed adequately to remove moisture before frying; this helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust. Simmer for Depth: The broth flavors deepen the longer it simmers, so adjust cooking time to achieve your desired depth of flavor in the Ultimate Vegan Ramen. Choose Seasonal Veggies: Don’t hesitate to swap seasonal vegetables based on availability; they brighten up the dish and add fresh flavors throughout the year. Customize Spiciness: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili oil, tailoring it to your personal heat preference while enjoying this comforting ramen. What to Serve with Ultimate Vegan Ramen? Experience the full satisfaction of your homemade ramen with these delightful pairings that add a splash of color and flavor to your meal. Crispy Tempura Vegetables: Lightly battered and fried, these provide a crunchy contrast to the soft noodles and broth, enhancing each bite. Pickled Vegetables: The tangy crunch of pickled cucumbers or radishes elevates the umami flavors in the ramen, adding a refreshing element. For an added layer of excitement, include seasonal tempura vegetables like sweet potatoes or zucchini, which will create a medley of textures that dance on your palate. Japanese Seaweed Salad: A refreshing, umami-packed salad with a slight sweetness that complements the flavors in the ramen perfectly. Steamed Edamame: Tender and lightly salted, edamame adds a protein boost while keeping your meal light and satisfying. Pair with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra zing, making it an appealing side dish. Sesame Garlic Greens: Stir-fried leafy greens with a hint of sesame oil and garlic add a burst of color and nutrition. Iced Green Tea: A cooling beverage that balances the warmth of ramen, this drink refreshes and cleanses your palate between bites. Fluffy White Rice: A simple bowl of jasmine or basmati rice works well to absorb the delicious broth for an added textural experience. For a comforting finish, consider pairing with a light dessert like Mochi Ice Cream, offering a chewy contrast to the warm, savory flavors of your meal. Make Ahead Options These Ultimate Vegan Ramen are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can prepare the broth up to 5 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply make the broth as instructed and let it cool before refrigerating. The homemade noodles can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for up to 2 days; just remember to toss them in a bit of oil to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the broth, cook the noodles fresh, and assemble with your crispy tofu and seasonal veggies for a delicious, comforting bowl that’s just as satisfying as when you first made it! How to Store and Freeze Ultimate Vegan Ramen Fridge: Keep leftover ramen broth in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Store noodles separately, as they taste best fresh. Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the broth in portions for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing cooked noodles, as they may become mushy. Reheating: To enjoy, gently reheat the broth on the stove until steaming. Cook fresh noodles according to instructions for the ultimate experience. Make-Ahead: While the broth can be made in advance, it’s best to prepare noodles fresh for every bowl of Ultimate Vegan Ramen, maximizing flavor and texture. Ultimate Vegan Ramen Variations Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create a bowl of ramen that perfectly suits your taste and what you have on hand! Seasonal Swaps: Use seasonal veggies available to you, like spring peas or root vegetables in winter, for a fresher taste. Gluten-Free Noodles: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly option without sacrificing flavor. Protein Alternatives: Swap fried tofu with crispy tempeh or seitan for a delightful twist in protein sources; each adds its unique texture and flavor. Creamy Broth: Add a splash of coconut milk to the broth for a richer, creamier consistency that brings out a hint of sweetness. Heat It Up: Experiment with different chili oils or fresh chili peppers to find the perfect spice level that tickles your taste buds; the world is your chili oyster! Extra Umami: Incorporate miso paste into the broth for an extra layer of depth; it will enhance the umami flavor that makes ramen so satisfying. Tasty Toppings: Don’t stop at tofu—try adding soft-boiled eggs (if you’re not strictly vegan), pickled vegetables, or seaweed for added flavor and texture. Savory Add-Ins: Toss in some edamame or fava beans to boost protein; they’re easy to cook and add a lovely green color to your beautiful bowl. As you explore these variations, consider pairing your Ultimate Vegan Ramen with a side of tasty Vegan Potato Salad for a vibrant meal. You can even turn up the heat with a bowl of Fiery Chicken Ramen for those craving something spicy. Let your culinary imagination run wild! Ultimate Vegan Ramen Recipe FAQs What type of flour can I use for homemade ramen noodles? All-purpose flour works beautifully for homemade ramen noodles as it provides structure and chewiness. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that your blend has starches to mimic the texture of traditional noodles! How should I store leftover vegan ramen? Store your leftover broth in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s best to keep the noodles separate, as they taste much better when fresh. You can refrigerate the noodles for up to 2 days if necessary, but remember they’ll lose some of their delightful texture. Can I freeze the broth for later use? Absolutely! To freeze the broth, let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a bowl, simply thaw the broth in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it gently on the stove. What should I do if my noodles are too sticky or tough? If the noodles become too sticky, dust them with corn starch during the rolling process to prevent sticking. For tough noodles, it’s likely they didn’t rest long enough. I recommend letting the dough rest for at least 30 minutes to improve texture, but an hour or more can lead to fantastic results! Is this ramen recipe suitable for those with soy allergies? If you have a soy allergy, you can substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos or liquid aminos. Both options will add a savory flavor without the soy content. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor profile of your broth. Can I add different vegetables to the ramen? Absolutely! The beauty of the Ultimate Vegan Ramen is its customization. Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables like bok choy, kale, or even summer squash. Just aim for a combination that showcases freshness while maintaining texture; steaming or blanching can help retain color and crunch! Ultimate Vegan Ramen: A Cozy Bowl of Comfort and Flavor Explore the Ultimate Vegan Ramen, a comforting dish that combines rich flavors and customizable toppings for a delicious vegan experience. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 1 hour hrCook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes minsResting Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: SoupCuisine: VeganCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Noodles1 cup Baking Soda Baked to enhance texture2 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitute with gluten-free flour if desired¾ cup Water For making doughBroth1 cup Dried Shiitake Mushrooms Soaked for broth1 piece Kombu Enhances umami flavor6 cups Water For soaking and cooking broth1 cup Soy Sauce Can substitute with tamari for gluten-free2 tablespoons Mirin Or use agave syrup for non-alcoholic version2 Leeks Chopped for broth1 Onion Chopped for broth4 cloves Garlic Chopped for broth2 Tomatoes Chopped for broth2 Carrots Chopped for brothToppings8 oz Tofu (Firm or Extra-Firm) Optional; can substitute with tempeh1 cup Seasonal Vegetables (Fava Beans, Snow Peas, Asparagus) For freshness and crunch2 tablespoons Chili Oil Optional based on preference Equipment OvenStand MixerPasta MakerLarge potnon-stick skillet Method PreparationPreheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread baking soda on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour.In a stand mixer, combine all-purpose flour, baked baking soda, and salt. Gradually add water while mixing until a smooth dough forms.Knead dough for 10 minutes until elastic, cover with a towel, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.Roll out the noodle dough using a pasta maker until desired thickness, cut into strips, dust with cornstarch.Cooking BrothSoak shiitake mushrooms and kombu in water for 30 minutes.Broil chopped onions, leeks, garlic, carrots, and tomatoes at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes.Combine soaked ingredients and broiled vegetables, and simmer for 1 hour on low heat.Finishing TouchesStrain the broth to remove solids, return liquid to pot, and season with soy sauce and mirin.Cook handmade ramen noodles in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain and rinse.Serve by placing noodles in a bowl, ladling hot broth over, and topping with crispy tofu and seasonal veggies. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 900mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg NotesCustomize the ramen with your favorite toppings and adjust spice levels to your preference. Optimal freshness is achieved by making noodles just before serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
