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Looking for a quick meal that’s full of flavor? You can whip up Spicy Garlic Ramen Noodles in no time! This dish packs a punch with its rich garlic taste and spicy kick, making it perfect for any meal. In this guide, I’ll walk you through easy steps to prepare it, share helpful tips, and offer tasty variations to suit your taste. Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, ginger, and chili paste creates a deliciously spicy and aromatic sauce that elevates instant ramen.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spiciness and add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own.
- Healthy Ingredients: This recipe incorporates fresh vegetables like spinach and carrots, adding nutrients to your meal.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 packs of instant ramen noodles
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust for heat preference)
– 2 green onions, sliced, plus extra for garnish
– 1 cup baby spinach
– 1 small carrot, julienned
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Sesame seeds for garnish
Measurement Tips
When measuring ingredients, use standard spoons and cups for accuracy. Pack the garlic cloves tightly when mincing for the best flavor. For ginger, use a microplane for finer results. If you want a stronger flavor, add a little more soy sauce or sesame oil.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap instant ramen noodles for fresh noodles. If you don’t have chili paste, try Sriracha or crushed red pepper. For a lighter touch, use olive oil instead of sesame oil. Missing baby spinach? Kale or bok choy works great. You can also change the carrot for bell peppers or zucchini for a different crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Noodles
First, boil water in a large pot. Follow the instructions on the ramen package. Cook the noodles until they are al dente. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
Cooking the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Once hot, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until you smell the aroma. Be careful not to let them brown. Next, stir in the chili paste and soy sauce. Cook this mixture for another minute to combine the flavors well.
Now, add the julienned carrot to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the carrot softens a bit. Then, toss in the baby spinach. Mix until it wilts, which should take about 1 minute. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Pour this into the skillet and mix it all together.
Combining Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Toss the cooked ramen noodles into the skillet. Make sure to coat them well with the spicy garlic sauce. Cook everything together for another 1 to 2 minutes until it’s all heated through.
Serve the ramen hot. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nice touch. Enjoy your flavorful and quick meal!
Tips & Tricks
Adjusting Spice Levels
You can change how spicy your ramen is. Start with one tablespoon of chili paste. Taste it after mixing. If you want more heat, add more chili paste. You can also use sriracha or red pepper flakes for different flavors.
Enhancing Flavor with Garlic
Garlic gives your ramen a strong taste. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Mince the cloves well, so they mix easily. You can add more garlic if you love it. It will not only add taste but also health benefits.
Presentation Tips
Make your dish look great! Serve the ramen in deep bowls. Top with extra green onions for color. A drizzle of sesame oil around the edge adds flair. Sprinkle sesame seeds for that finish. A good look makes your meal more fun to eat!
Pro Tips
- Adjust the Heat: If you love spice, feel free to add more chili paste or even some sliced fresh chili peppers for an extra kick.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor significantly compared to powdered versions.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp to the dish along with the noodles.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for added nutrition and texture.

Variations
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
For a vegetarian twist, skip the meat and focus on veggies. You can use mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to add depth. For a vegan option, ensure your soy sauce is plant-based. Swap out any animal-based ingredients, like honey, for maple syrup or agave.
Protein Additions
Want more protein? Try adding tofu or tempeh. Both soak up flavors well and give a nice texture. If you prefer meat, thinly sliced chicken, pork, or shrimp work great. Just cook them first before adding to the noodles.
Alternative Vegetables
Feel free to get creative with vegetables. Broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy can all enhance your ramen. Just remember to adjust cooking times. Softer veggies need less time, while denser ones, like carrots, need longer. This adds color and crunch to your dish.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your spicy garlic ramen noodles fresh, store them in an airtight container. Let the noodles cool down before putting them in the fridge. This helps avoid sogginess. You can keep them for 2-3 days.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat your ramen noodles in a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water to prevent sticking. Heat over low to medium heat until hot. In the microwave, cover the bowl loosely and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway for even heating.
Freezing Tips
Freezing ramen noodles is not ideal, but you can freeze the sauce and veggies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Use within 1-2 months for best flavor. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight and heat on the stove. Add fresh noodles for the best taste.
FAQs
What can I add to spicy garlic ramen noodles?
You can add many tasty items to your spicy garlic ramen noodles. Here are some ideas:
– Soft-boiled eggs for extra protein
– Cooked chicken or shrimp for heartiness
– Tofu for a plant-based option
– Mushrooms for a savory touch
– Broccoli or bell peppers for crunch
These add-ons make the dish more filling and fun.
Can I use fresh ramen instead of instant?
Yes, you can use fresh ramen! Fresh noodles cook quickly and add great texture. Just reduce the cooking time to 2-3 minutes. Follow the same steps for making the sauce. Toss in the fresh noodles, and you’ll have a delightful meal.
How to reduce the spice level?
To make the ramen less spicy, you can adjust the chili paste. Here’s what to do:
– Use less chili paste than the recipe calls for. Start with half a tablespoon.
– Add more soy sauce to balance the heat.
– Mix in some coconut milk for creaminess.
These tips will help you enjoy the flavor without too much heat.
What are some suitable side dishes?
Pair your spicy garlic ramen noodles with these side dishes:
– Edamame for a light and healthy snack
– Seaweed salad for a refreshing crunch
– Gyoza or dumplings for a savory bite
– A simple cucumber salad for freshness
These sides will complement your ramen and make a great meal.
This post gave you all you need for spicy garlic ramen. We covered key ingredients and tips for perfecting your dish. You learned about noodle prep, cooking sauce, and combining all the flavors. We included variations for every diet, plus storing and reheating tips.
Remember, cooking is fun! Don’t be afraid to try new ingredients or adjust flavors to fit your taste. Enjoy your spicy garlic ramen and share it with friend
Spicy Garlic Ramen Noodles
A flavorful and spicy ramen dish with garlic, ginger, and vegetables.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 2
Calories 400 kcal
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 2 green onions sliced, plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- none sesame seeds for garnish
Begin by boiling water in a large pot according to the ramen packaging instructions. Cook the ramen noodles until al dente, usually about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a separate large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the chili paste and soy sauce, cooking for another minute to combine.
Add the julienned carrot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly soft.
Add the spinach and mix until wilted, about 1 minute.
In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar and sugar until sugar is dissolved, then pour it into the skillet.
Toss in the ramen noodles and combine thoroughly to coat them with the spicy garlic sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Place the noodles in deep bowls and add extra green onions on top for a pop of color. You can also drizzle a little more sesame oil around the edge for a gourmet touch.
Keyword noodles, ramen, spicy, vegetarian
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