Spicy Garlic Ramen Noodles

$- 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 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. 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. {{ingredient_image_1}} 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. {{image_2}} 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 friends!$

A flavorful and spicy ramen dish with garlic, ginger, and vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 2

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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.

Notes

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