Inspired by Japanese and Thai flavours, this Spicy Peanut Ramen is comforting, flavourful and just what you need this season. Creamy peanut butter, infused with chili lots of aromatic flavours will make this your new favourite go-to soup.
Creamy, flavourful and oh so delicious. This Spicy Peanut Ramen is just the comfort you need for the fall and winter seasons. Inspired by Japanese and Thai flavours, this recipes brings together bright and savoury flavours to make a big bowl of deliciousness.
Inspired by Half Baked Harvest’s Thai Peanut Ramen – this recipe is by no means authentic. Authentic Japanese ramen takes years to perfect and hours to make. There’s a reason that a bowl of ramen at a Japanese restaurant tastes so good, it takes time! Our version is a shorten, at-home version you can make when in need of something quick.
What is ramen and where is it from?
Ramen is a Japanese version of Chinese wheat noodles. While its associated with Japanese cuisine, it’s actual origin is most likely Chinese. It’s thought to have been brought to Japan by Chinese immigrants before it was adopted into Japanese culture. Learn more about ramen Tofugu.
A variety of ramen is available, but generally speaking ramen is categorized as noodles and broth. Traditionally made by hand, ramen noodles contain wheat flour, salt, water, and kansui (a type of alkaline water). Ramen soup is usually made with a chicken or pork stock (ours obviously isn’t), and a variety of ingredients like kombu, mushroom, bones, and more. Ours being vegan is far from authentic. However vegan and vegetarian based ramen soups have been becoming increasingly more and more popular.
The keys to a flavourful ramen soup:
- High-flavour Ingredients – Ingredients can go a long way, especially when they include garlic, shallots, ginger, and lime. The lime is especially delicious, because it gives it an amazing bright flavour.
- Umami Flavour – We always add soy sauce to our ramen recipes because of that great umami flavour it provides. Just a little goes a long way and you won’t be sorry you added this key ingredient.
- Time – The key to any great ramen is building layers of flavour and the only way you do this is with time. Ramen is a game of patience, and while ours doesn’t even compare to the time it takes for an authentic ramen recipe, it’s a great shortened version.
Spicy Peanut Ramen FAQ
I’m allergic to nuts, but still want to try this recipe.
While we haven’t tried making this recipe with a substitute for peanut butter. We do imagine that you could enjoy this recipe with a sunflower seed butter or another other nut or seed butter you are not allergic too. Then just top with toasted sesame seeds instead of crushed peanuts. Alternatively, if you could try our Easy Vegan Ramen recipe that isn’t peanut based.
Where can I find mushroom powder?
We found ours at Trader Joes, but if you can’t find it near you, you can make it yourself! Just purchased a bag a dried mushrooms (most grocery stores should have this) and grind them into a fine powder in a blender or food processor.
How to make Spicy Peanut Ramen:
Spicy Peanut Ramen
Ingredients
- 15 mL (1 tbsp) vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 " ginger, finely grated
- 2 shallots, sliced
- 960 mL (4 cups) veggie broth
- 480 mL (2 cups) non-dairy milk
- 30 mL (2 tbsp) soy sauce
- 30 mL (2 tbsp) maple syrup
- 120 g (1/2 cup) creamy natural peanut butter
- 1 lime, juiced
- 7 g (1 tbsp) chili flakes
- 12 g (1 tbsp) mushroom powder
- 15 mL (1 tbsp) sesame oil
- 1 sheet nori, shredded
- 170 g ramen noodle, uncooked
- 350 g (1 block) firm tofu, cubed
- 15 mL (1 tbsp) vegetable oil
Toppings:
- cilantro
- lime wedges
- green onions, sliced
- crushed toasted peanuts
Instructions
- To a pot on medium heat add oil, shallot, garlic and ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add broth, non-dairy milk, soy sauce, maple syrup, peanut butter, lime juice, chili flakes, mushroom powder and sesame oil. Cook for at least 10 minutes – the longer you cook here the more flavour will develop.
- While the soup simmers, make the crispy tofu. To a cast iron pan (or other pan) add vegetable oil and heat. Once heated add tofu and cook until golden, flip on each side and cook each side until golden and crispy. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Add noodles to the simmering peanut ramen soup and cook until just al dente. Add crispy tofu and stir. Remove from heat and serve with desired toppings.
Video
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