
If you’re craving a comforting bowl of homemade ramen but want to keep it plant-based and fresh, this Easy Vegan Ramen Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s packed with fragrant ginger and garlic, a rich miso broth that hits all the umami notes, and soft, chewy noodles that soak it all up beautifully. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll ditch those ramen packets forever. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this bowl of cozy goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: You only need 8 ingredients that you can find easily at any grocery store.
- Fresh, Flavorful Broth: The miso combined with fresh ginger and garlic creates a depth of flavor that feels fancy but is quick to prepare.
- Customizable Comfort: You can add optional toppings like sesame seeds or hot sauce for a personal touch.
- Healthy and Vegan: Oil-free and packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a nourishing meal everyone in your family will enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a key role in building that crave-worthy bowl of ramen. The fresh ginger and garlic bring brightness and warmth, while miso adds the perfect umami punch that ramen lovers seek. I always recommend buying ramen noodles without seasoning packets—this way, you control the flavor and keep things fresh and healthy.
- Fresh ginger: Don’t skimp on this! It gives that zesty flavor that makes the broth sing.
- Fresh garlic: Adds depth and a savory backbone to the soup.
- Low-sodium vegetable broth: This keeps the base light and lets the other flavors shine.
- Mellow white miso: Key to nailing ramen’s signature umami—get it from the refrigerated section for best quality.
- Dried parsley: A subtle herbaceous note that brightens the soup.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: For that salty, savory boost without overpowering.
- Fine salt and black pepper: Adjust according to your taste when the soup is done.
- Green onions: Using them in both the broth and as garnish adds freshness and crunch.
- Ramen noodles: Look for ones that come without the seasoning packets; you want noodles with no added oils or preservatives.
- Optional toasted sesame seeds and hot sauce: These give texture and a spicy kick, respectively.
Variations
I love to tailor this recipe depending on what I have on hand or how hearty I want it. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—adding different veggies or swapping noodles is a breeze!
- Veggie boost: Adding mushrooms, baby spinach, or shredded carrots during the broth simmer is my go-to when I want extra nutrition.
- Spicy twist: I sometimes mix in a spoonful of chili garlic sauce or add fresh sliced jalapeños for heat.
- Gluten-free noodles: I’ve used rice noodles or gluten-free ramen noodles successfully with no issues.
- Richness upgrade: For a creamier broth, a splash of coconut milk stirred in at the end is delicious.
How to Make Easy Vegan Ramen Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Ginger and Garlic for that Flavor Base
Start by adding just half a cup of your vegetable broth to a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your minced fresh ginger and garlic, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes—this softens them and really helps release those amazing aromas without burning. I’ve learned that going slow here is key to a flavorful base, so don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Prep Your Miso Mixture Separately
While the ginger and garlic are simmering, take another half cup of broth in a small bowl and whisk in the white miso paste until smooth. Trust me, this step saves you from ending up with chunky, clumpy miso in your soup. Stir it thoroughly until silky, then set it aside.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Next, pour the remaining 7 cups of broth into the pot, followed by your miso mixture. Add dried parsley, soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and half the chopped green onions. Give it all a good stir, then return it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for around 5 minutes until the green onions are softened and everything is harmonized into a flavorful broth.
Step 4: Cook the Ramen Noodles Just Right
Drop in the ramen noodles and cook for about 3 minutes. During this time, press the noodles gently with your spoon so they submerge and soften evenly. I always remove the pot from heat once the noodles are tender but still have a slight chew—then I let it sit for a few minutes off the heat. This resting step is the secret I discovered to making the flavors deepen and the noodles soak up just enough broth without turning mushy.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serving
Give the soup a taste and add an extra drizzle of soy sauce if you’d like it saltier, though I usually find it perfect as is. Ladle into bowls and top each serving with the remaining fresh green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of your favorite hot sauce. My family goes crazy for this final spicy kick!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Vegan Ramen Noodle Soup Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Miso Dissolving Step: Mixing miso with a bit of broth before adding it to the pot prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, balanced flavor.
- Gentle Simmering is Key: Boiling aggressively can dull the fresh ginger and garlic flavors, so keep it at a low simmer.
- Rest Your Soup Before Serving: Letting the noodles sit in hot broth off the heat softens them perfectly without getting too mushy.
- Use Low-Sodium Ingredients: This prevents your soup from becoming too salty, allowing you to adjust seasonings at the end to your liking.
How to Serve Easy Vegan Ramen Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I always top the bowls with the reserved fresh green onions for that crisp bite and bright color. Toasted sesame seeds add a gentle crunch and nuttiness that’s irresistible. And if you like a bit of heat like my family does, a drizzle of chili oil or your favorite hot sauce takes it over the top.
Side Dishes
To round out this meal, I love pairing this ramen soup with a side of steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt or a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. Both keep the meal refreshing and balanced without overshadowing the ramen’s delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this ramen in beautiful ceramic bowls and added artfully sliced shiitake mushrooms or baby bok choy leaves floated on top. Throwing in a soft tofu cube or avocado slice makes it look extra elegant while adding creaminess. It’s surprisingly simple but feels luxe when guests dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover ramen soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep the noodles separate if I can because they tend to soak up broth and get soggy after a while. But if you don’t mind that, just store it all together and reheat gently.
Freezing
I usually don’t freeze ramen with noodles as they get mushy upon thawing. However, the broth itself freezes beautifully! You can freeze it in portions and add fresh noodles when you’re ready to reheat for a quick meal.
Reheating
When reheating, do it on the stovetop over low heat to gently warm without boiling. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. If you stored the noodles separately, cook fresh ones or gently warm the stored noodles in hot water and add last minute.
FAQs
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Can I use instant ramen noodles in this Easy Vegan Ramen Noodle Soup Recipe?
You can use instant ramen noodles, but I recommend discarding the seasoning packets and cooking just the noodles themselves to keep the soup fresh and less salty. This recipe’s broth is flavorful on its own, so you don’t need the packets.
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Is miso paste necessary, and can I substitute it?
Miso paste is essential for the signature umami flavor of this ramen soup. Without it, the broth won’t have the same depth. While you might experiment with soy sauce or tamari, it won’t replicate that classic ramen flavor.
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How spicy is this recipe, and can I make it kid-friendly?
This recipe isn’t spicy at all by default. The hot sauce is optional and can be adjusted to your family’s taste. It’s very kid-friendly as-is, and you can serve spicy condiments on the side for the adults.
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Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, bok choy, or shredded carrots work wonderfully and add nutrition and texture to the soup.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Easy Vegan Ramen Noodle Soup Recipe, I was blown away by how rich and satisfying it felt, despite being so simple and healthy. It’s now our go-to comfort food on chilly nights, and I love how easy it is to customize and make ahead. If you’re looking for a vegan ramen soup that’s flavorful, fresh, and doesn’t rely on those questionable packets, you absolutely have to give this a try. I promise, your taste buds and your soul will thank you.
PrintEasy Vegan Ramen Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Easy Vegan Ramen Noodle Soup is a healthy, flavorful, and comforting dish made without oil and packed with fresh ingredients like ginger, garlic, and green onions. Featuring a rich broth enhanced with mellow white miso and low-sodium vegetable broth, it offers a perfect balance of savory depth and gentle spice. Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal ingredients, it’s a perfect homemade alternative to store-bought ramen packets, delivering a satisfying plant-based meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Broth and Seasoning
- 8 cups (1,920g) low-sodium vegetable broth, separated
- 3 tablespoons (54g) mellow white miso
- 2 tablespoons (4g) dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon (15g) low-sodium soy sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Aromatics
- 1 1/2 packed tablespoons (15g) minced fresh ginger
- 1 1/2 packed tablespoons (15g) minced garlic
Noodles and Garnishes
- 9 oz ramen noodles (gluten-free or wheat, without seasoning packets)
- 1 packed cup (110g) chopped green onions, divided
- Optional: toasted sesame seeds
- Optional: hot sauce
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, add 1/2 cup (120g) of the vegetable broth, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Heat over medium until simmering, then cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ginger and garlic are softened and aromatic.
- Dissolve Miso: While the aromatics cook, place another 1/2 cup (120g) of broth in a small bowl. Add the miso paste and whisk thoroughly until the miso is fully dissolved and smooth. This step ensures no clumps are added to the soup.
- Combine Broth and Seasonings: Pour the remaining 7 cups (1,680g) of vegetable broth into the pot with the softened aromatics. Add the miso mixture, dried parsley, soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and half (1/2 cup or 55g) of the chopped green onions. Stir well to combine, then bring the soup back to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the green onions to soften.
- Cook Noodles: Add the ramen noodles to the simmering broth. Use a spoon or chopsticks to press and separate the noodles as they cook, simmering for just 3 minutes until the noodles soften but retain a slight bite.
- Rest and Adjust Flavor: Remove the pot from heat and let the soup sit for a few minutes. This resting time lets the noodles fully soften and absorb flavors. Taste the broth and adjust saltiness with an additional drizzle of soy sauce if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the ramen soup into bowls. Garnish with the remaining green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick, if you like. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- This soup is oil-free, vegan, and uses fresh ingredients for a wholesome, healthy meal.
- The mellow white miso is essential for achieving authentic ramen depth and umami flavor; avoid skipping or substituting with other types of miso.
- Low-sodium broth and soy sauce keep the soup balanced and prevent excess saltiness, making it suitable for light diets.
- Use gluten-free or wheat ramen noodles without seasoning packets for best results and to avoid unwanted additives.
- Optional toasted sesame seeds and hot sauce add texture and spice for variety.
- Ready in approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick, comforting meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg