6 Vegan Ramen Hacks

This page is adapted from peta2.

Let’s face it: Cooking whole foods and grains, making fresh sauces, and baking tasty little vegan cookies is great, but when you’re too busy to create a culinary masterpiece, ramen is the ticket!

Nissin Top Ramen makes TWO “accidentally vegan” flavors—Oriental and Chili. We wouldn’t recommend living off these delish 20¢ meals, but they’re great time- and money-savers. These recipes are really nice on your wallet—we bought almost all the ingredients at the 99¢ store for under $20 total!

Here are six ways to prepare this vegan rock star of a soup:

1. The Time Saver

The simple addition of chili sauce and veggies takes regular ramen up a notch. Taste buds, you’re in for a treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg. ramen (with the seasoning packet)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen veggies (broccoli, edamame, green beans, or mushrooms are good choices)
• Chili sauce, to taste

The Plan:

• Cook the ramen and add the veggies during the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking time.
• Add as much chili sauce as you can handle!

2. Snack Attack

Spice things up with your own snack mix. Like you, this recipe is unique and knows no boundaries.

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg. ramen (without the seasoning packet)
• 1 cup mixed snack foods (try crackers, pretzels, cereal, nuts, etc.)
• Curry powder, to taste
• Cayenne, to taste
• Salt, to taste

The Plan:

• Break the uncooked ramen into bite-sized pieces and combine with the snack foods.
• Sprinkle with the curry powder, cayenne, and salt. Toss.

Pro tip: Start with a little seasoning, then increase the heat as desired.

3. Peanut-Lime Noodle Time

Haven’t quite earned your ramen badge yet? Impress your friends with this easy, Asian-style dish that’ll leave them in awe of your quick culinary skills!

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg. ramen (without the seasoning packet)
• 1 Tbsp. peanut butter
• 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 lime wedge

The Plan:

• Cook the ramen, then drain.
• Add the peanut butter and stir until the noodles are coated.
• Mix in the soy sauce, then squeeze some fresh lime juice over that bowl of goodness!

4. The All-American

This one is hearty and “cheesy”—typical American cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg. ramen (without the seasoning packet)
• 1 can vegan chili
• 1/2 cup vegan shredded cheese
• 1 green onion, chopped

The Plan:

• Cook the ramen, then drain.
• Top with the vegan chili, “cheese,” and green onions.

5. The Chocolate Lover

This recipe is not for the faint of heart. Please welcome “dessert ramen” to your repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg. ramen (without the seasoning packet)
• 1 vegan chocolate bar

The Plan:

• Break the uncooked ramen into large chunks.
• Break the chocolate into small pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted.
• Drizzle the chocolate over the ramen pieces.
• Place in the fridge to cool—this tasty treat will be ready in no time.

6. The Ruby

This gem of a recipe takes a little more time to prepare, but it is so worth it in the end.

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg. ramen (without the seasoning packet)
• 1 cup coleslaw mix
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar mixed with 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil and 1 tsp. sugar
• Sliced almonds, for garnish

The Plan:

• Break the uncooked ramen into chunks.
• In a large container, toss together the noodles, coleslaw mix, and green onions.
• Add the vinegar mixture and toss until the noodles are well coated.
• Cover and let chill in the fridge for one hour, or until the noodles have softened.
• Stir once more before serving and sprinkle sliced almonds over the top. Share with all the friends you turned vegan while this was in the fridge!

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