This incredibly craveable Spicy Ramen recipe uses clever ingredient hacks to pack tons of flavor into a rich broth with just 15 min of prep.

Why You’ll Love These Spicy Ramen Noodles

Dive into a bowl of Spicy Ramen, where each slurp is packed with bold flavors and a satisfying heat. This recipe brings together the richness of miso, the warmth of chili flakes, and the comfort of tender noodles, making it a perfect dish for spice lovers and noodle enthusiasts alike.

• Rich and Flavorful Broth: The combination of miso, garlic, ginger, and spices creates a broth that’s deeply flavorful and comforting.
• Customizable Heat: You can adjust the chili oil and red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference, making it perfect for everyone.
• Quick and Simple: This recipe comes together in 40 minutes, shaving hours of the traditional ramen recipe with ingredient hacks that add tons of flavor in way less time.

Here’s What You Need for this Spicy Ramen Recipe

Get ready to create a bowl of spicy, flavorful ramen with these essential ingredients, exciting variations, and necessary tools.

Spicy Ramen Ingredients

Every ingredient adds its unique flavor to make this ramen special:

For the Broth:

• Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics.
• Fresh Ginger: Adds a fresh, zesty flavor.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent, earthy base.
• Low-Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The liquid base of your ramen.
• White Miso Paste: Offers depth and umami. Available at most basic North American grocery stores and asian markets.
• Soy Sauce: Brings salty, umami flavors. Opt for tamari if you want gluten-free ramen.
• Unsalted Butter: Enriches and thickens the broth.
• Chili Flakes: Also known as crushed red peppers, this pantry staple adds heat to the dish.
• Chili Oil: For an extra kick of spice.

To Assemble:

• Instant Ramen Noodles: Grab a couple of packets of ramen noodles (the basic grocery store kind you made in the microwave in college) and discard the seasoning packet.
• Green Onions: Add a fresh, sharp taste.
• Additional Chili Oil: For more heat, if desired. You could also add a drizzle of sesame oil.

What to add to make ramen spicy?
To make ramen spicy, you can add ingredients like chili oil, chili flakes, hot sauce, or even a dab of spicy miso paste.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Customize your ramen to fit your taste:

• Add Proteins: Add soft-boiled egg, cooked chicken, pork, shrimp or tofu for extra protein.
• Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bok choy for a veggie boost. Less traditionally, you could add some ribboned carrots, thinly-sliced bell peppers, asparagus, snap peas or steamed broccoli.
• Ramen Type: Experiment with different types of ramen or noodles.
• Heat Level: Adjust the amount of chili oil and flakes to your preference.

Grab these Tools

Make sure you have the right tools for this recipe:

• Large Pot: For preparing the broth and cooking the ramen.
• Whisk: To mix the miso paste into the broth smoothly.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping ginger and green onions.
• Measuring Spoons: Essential for adding the right amount of spices.
• Ladle: To serve the ramen into bowls.

With these ingredients, variations, and tools at your disposal, you’re all set to create a mouth-watering bowl of Spicy Ramen that’s perfect for any day you need a little extra warmth and flavor.

How to Make Spicy Ramen Noodles: An Easy Guide

Embrace the flavors of this Spicy Ramen recipe, a simple yet deliciously warming dish that’s perfect for any noodle lover. I keep the recipe super simple by cooking the noodles right in the broth. No need to boil them separately and drain unless you are making the broth in advance.

Preparing the Broth

• Sauté Aromatics: Begin by heating vegetable oil in a large pot. Stir in grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
• Simmer Broth: Add chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
• Incorporate Miso Paste: Whisk miso paste into a cup of the broth, then mix it back into the pot. Add soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and chili oil to taste.

Assembling the Ramen

• Cook Noodles: Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and add ramen noodles to the pot. Cook according to package instructions.
• Add Butter: Once noodles are cooked, stir in butter until melted. This step adds flavor and thickness to the broth.

Finishing Touches

• Serve: Divide the ramen and broth between bowls.
• Garnish: Top with sliced green onions and more chili oil if desired.

This spicy miso ramen, with its rich broth and tender noodles, is a surefire way to bring some heat and comfort to your table. Enjoy creating and savoring every spicy, savory bite!

Why Add Butter Just Before Serving Ramen?

Adding butter at the end of cooking a soup or sauce, often referred to as “mounting with butter” or “monter au beurre” in French cooking, serves several purposes:

• Enriches Flavor: Butter adds a creamy richness and can help balance and round out the flavors of a dish.
• Improves Texture: It can give the soup or sauce a velvety, luxurious texture, making it more sumptuous.
• Adds Gloss: Butter imparts a subtle sheen, giving the dish an appealing, glossy appearance.
• Helps Emulsify: When whisked into a sauce or soup, it can help bind together fat and liquid, creating a smoother consistency.

This technique is often used to finish sauces in high-end cooking for that extra touch of elegance and depth of flavor.

How to Serve This Spicy Ramen Recipe

Spicy Ramen is best served hot and fresh, perfect for those days when you need a comforting and flavorful meal.

Creative Toppings for Spicy Ramen

Enhance your ramen experience with a variety of toppings:

• Boiled Eggs: Add a creamy, rich texture with a halved boiled egg in each bowl. Try my quick and easy method for making boiled eggs in the microwave.
• Bamboo Shoots: For a bit of crunch and unique flavor, bamboo shoots are a great addition.
• Cooked Corn: A spoonful of cooked corn can add sweetness to balance the spice.
• Nori Sheets: Torn nori sheets contribute a subtle ocean flavor and make your bowl look restaurant-quality.
• Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms provide an earthy flavor that complements the broth well.
• Fried Garlic or Shallots: For an extra punch of flavor and texture, top with fried garlic or shallots.

You could also add some sesame seeds and sriracha sauce or chili garlic sauce to taste.

Side Dishes for Spicy Ramen

Pair your Spicy Ramen with these side dishes for a complete meal:

• Asian Cucumber Salad: A light, tangy cucumber salad helps to balance the richness of the ramen.
• Steamed Edamame: Simple steamed edamame with a sprinkle of salt makes a great side that’s easy to prepare.
• Gyoza or Dumplings: Serve with a side of gyoza or dumplings for an indulgent, satisfying meal.

This Spicy Ramen, with its customizable toppings and potential side dishes, offers a versatile and delightful dining experience. Enjoy crafting your perfect bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing and prepping your Spicy Ramen ahead can save time and enhance flavors.

• Broth Preparation: You can make the broth a day ahead and refrigerate it. This deepens the flavors.
• Storing Broth: Keep the broth in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing Broth: Freeze the broth for longer storage, up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Noodles Separate: Cook noodles fresh when ready to serve. Storing cooked noodles in broth makes them soggy.
• Reheating Broth: Gently reheat the broth on the stove or in the microwave. Avoid boiling to maintain flavors.
• Adding Fresh Toppings: Prepare fresh toppings like green onions just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

By following these make-ahead and storage tips, you can enjoy your Spicy Ramen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

How to Make the Best Spicy Ramen: Final Notes + Secrets

Unlock the full potential of your Spicy Ramen with these key takeaways:

• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ginger and garlic makes a huge difference in the depth of flavor.
• Miso Paste: Dissolve miso paste in a small amount of broth first to ensure even distribution in your ramen.
• Heat Adjustment: Start with less chili oil and flakes, then add more according to your spice tolerance.
• Simmer Gently: Let the broth simmer gently to meld the flavors without reducing it too much.
• Noodle Watch: Cook noodles just until tender. Overcooked noodles can become mushy.
• Butter Trick: Adding butter at the end gives the broth a silky, rich texture.
• Taste As You Go: Keep tasting and adjusting the seasoning, especially the soy sauce, to get the perfect savory balance.
• Garnish Right Before Serving: Add the green onions and extra chili oil right before serving to maintain their fresh flavors and vibrant colors.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a Spicy Ramen that’s not just good but restaurant-level amazing. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

FAQs About Spicy Ramen

Got questions about making Spicy Ramen? Here are some answers to help you make the perfect bowl every time.

Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?
Absolutely. While traditional ramen noodles are ideal, you can use udon, soba, or even spaghetti noodles.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Is there a way to make this less spicy?
Definitely. Reduce or omit the chili flakes and chili oil to lower the heat level.

Can I make this ramen in advance?
The broth can be made in advance, but it’s best to cook the noodles fresh when you’re ready to serve.

How do I store leftovers?
Store the broth and noodles separately in the fridge to keep the noodles from getting soggy. Reheat the broth and add fresh noodles if possible.

What are some other toppings I can add?
Sliced radishes, bean sprouts, or sautéed bok choy are great additions to add texture and flavor.

Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, sliced cooked chicken, pork, or beef would be delicious in this ramen.

How long will the broth last in the fridge?
The broth can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before serving.

What is the very spicy ramen called?
The very spicy ramen is often referred to as “Shin Ramyun” or “Buldak Bokkeum Myeon,” known for its intense heat.

What spices can I add to ramen to make it spicy?
To spice up your ramen, consider adding spices like cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, black pepper, or even a bit of Sriracha or gochujang for a unique kick.

These FAQs should help you navigate the process of making Spicy Ramen and customize it to your liking. Enjoy crafting your perfect bowl!

If you love quick, easy Asian takeout-inspired recipes, you must also try:

• Chili Oil Ramen
• Chow Mein Noodles
• Pad Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Stir Fry)
• Dan Dan Noodles