Ditch the flavour packet and jazz up store-bought ramen noodles in about 10 minutes! These brothless spicy ramen noodles are for those spice lovers out there. With plenty of spice and lots of garlic, they pack quite a punch in the flavour department. Seriously good!
Hi friends!
Have those store-bought packets of ramen sitting in your pantry?
Of course ya do!
And if you don’t, grab some!
They’re super convenient to have on hand. You’re going to want to make these spicy ramen noodles on the regular (I know we do).
As for that flavour packet? Ditch that (or use in another recipe).
I have a scratch made sauce for ramen that you’re going to love.
If you’re a spicy food lover, these brothless hot and spicy noodles are for you.
Fan of noodle recipes? Check out these peanut noodles!
Why We Love These Spicy Ramen Noodles
- It takes a pretty inexpensive pantry item and makes it some extra tasty
- Comes together in about 10 minutes
- Makes a great lunch or side
- Can be customizable with add-ins, like veggies or protein
- Of course, it’s super yummy!
Are They Saucy?
No, there’s not an abundance of sauce here. It’s all about the spice.
Typically when one thinks of ramen, what usually comes to mind is noodles in broth. This recipe, though, is more of a brothless ramen (otherwise known as “mazemen ramen”).
Broth is used, but most of the liquid component gets absorbed by the noodles. The end result? The ramen noodles are spicy, delicious.and simply the easiest ramen noodle recipe you can get your little hands on.
Can I Adjust the Spice?
For sure!
You can simply add less hot sauce and chili sauce. A little maple syrup in the sauce also counterbalances some of the heat.
Can I Add Protein?
Definitely! This is a perfect dish for lunch, but if you want things more substantial, free to add tofu (grilled is lovely) or cooked chicken, pork, beef or shrimp. A jammy soft boiled egg on top is always a good idea too!
Tips and Variations
- Don’t overcook those noodles! You want to undercook them in water before adding to your pan with the sauce (they’ll finish cooking there).
- Like most noodle dishes, these are best enjoyed as they are made.
- Want a looser consistency? Reserve a little of the water that the noodles were cooked in and add to the pot. Remember, a little at a time to get things where you want it.
- Add even more spice and flavour with the addition of kimchi!
More Delicious Recipes
If you make this spicy ramen noodle recipe, be sure to leave a comment below!
Spicy Ramen Noodles (Brothless Noodles)
Ingredients
- 2 (3-ounce) packages of Instant ramen noodles, noodles only, not the seasoning packet (about 85 grams each package)
- ⅔ cup unsalted vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Sriracha), or your favourite variety
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce, like Sambal Oelek
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, optional
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cold water
- ⅓ cup sliced green onion
- 1 large whisked egg, optional
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh chili pepper, sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Crushed peanuts
- Green onion, sliced
- Hot sauce
- Over-easy egg or jammy egg
Instructions
- Cook ramen a little less than full cook time of package instructions. Basically, just cook until almost done but not quite (the noodles will finish in the sauce). Drain.Note: My instant ramen cook time was 3 minutes (per the package) and I cooked for about 2 to 2.5 minutes and that was a good time for me.
- In a small bowl, combine vegetable broth, soy sauce, hot sauce, chili sauce, rice wine vinegar, ginger, maple syrup (if using), sesame oil, fish sauce and garlic. Whisk to combine.
- Whisk together cornstarch with water in a small dish and then whisk into broth mixture.
- Pour sauce mixture into a 10-inch pan on the stovetop over medium to medium-high heat. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 1 minute.
- Place cooked and drained noodles into pan with sauce, along with green onion, tossing to coat. Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Most of the sauce will be absorbed by the noodles.Optional: Stir in one whisked egg until cooked, about 1 to 2 minutes. This will make the noodles more sticky.
- To serve, divide the noodles into bowls and garnish to taste. Enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overcook those noodles! You want to undercook them in water before adding to your pan with the sauce (they’ll finish cooking there).
- Like most noodle dishes, these are best enjoyed as they are made.
- Want a looser consistency? Reserve a little of the water that the noodles were cooked in and add to the pot. Remember, a little at a time to get things where you want it.
- Add even more spice and flavour with the addition of kimchi!
A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.
Tried this recipe?
If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!
Amy | amycaseycooks
Wow! These look amazing. I can’t wait to try the recipe as I know my kids will love it.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thanks Amy! Enjoy!
Marissa
I’m always up for a new ramen noodle recipe, Dawn. These look spicy delicious!! Definitely a must try!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Yay! Me too! Thanks Marissa…enjoy!
Linda M
I was poor growing up but we always had ramen. One of my favorite ways to have it was similar to this with the maze man noodles (not overcooked), beef seasoning, Louisiana rooster sauce, and a little bit of ketchup to balance the heat. My husband thinks it’s gross but for me it’s comfort food.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Isn’t it wonderful how certain foods or recipes can bring so much comfort? Those noodles sound delicious, Linda. 🙂
Katherine | Love In My Oven
So my kind of dish, Dawn! I love ramen noodles. There’s just something about that wavy texture. I would dig a little bit of kick too for lunch! Can’t wait to make these!!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thanks Katherine! Enjoy!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
Hi Dawn, These noodles are too fun! You gotta love ramen noodles, but I’m with you, the flavor packets need to go. This spicy sauce looks just perfect for a flavor packet noodle dish!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Right??! Thanks Kathy!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
Love this idea! Ramen noodles are such a great noodle and dressing them up with a homemade sauce is the perfect way to use them 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thanks Jennifer! Totally!
Kelsea King
Made the recipe, it was great! I didn’t have maple syrup, so I used plum extract instead. The only broth I had was a salted version, and it turned out pretty salty. It wasn’t too spicy at all, I accidentally overcooked the noodles, they cooked so fast! Really happy with the recipe!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thanks very much, Kelsea!! So happy you enjoyed the recipe! It’s a favourite of ours. 🙂
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
How good do these look? (SO GOOD!) I always have ramen in the pantry and now I have a much better way to eat it :). I need to try this recipe asap!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thanks Kelsie! Hope you enjoy!
David @ Spiced
What a fun recipe, Dawn! This one is perfect, too, as Laura likes to save the flavor packets but then use them with other noodles (she ditches the ramen noodles). Now we don’t need to ditch the ramen – we’ll just separate the packets and the ramen! This spicy version sounds like it’s right up my alley, and I’m intrigued by the addition of maple syrup here. Sounds awesome, my friend! Happy Monday!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Lol! Thanks David! Hope you try it out soon!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
What a great idea Dawn! These look super tasty. I can’t wait to share this recipe with my son Casey. He LOVES ramen noodles. Thanks so much for sharing.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Yay! Thanks Mary Ann!
Alex
My kind of flavours, Dawn!! I love ramen – especially when there is a bit of heat! This is so delicious 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Mine too! Thanks Alex!