Name: Spicy Vegetarian Ramen Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 TBSP light sesame oil (or avocado oil); 3/4-1 cup chopped dried porcini mushrooms (about 0.5 oz); 3 cloves garlic, smashed and minced; 4 scallions, thinly sliced (white parts for broth, greens for topping); 3-4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 2 TBSP tomato paste; 1-2 TBSP Sriracha; 1-2 TBSP low-sodium soy sauce; 4-5 ounces uncooked ramen noodles; 1/4 cup avocado oil (or vegetable oil); 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1 TBSP sesame seeds; 1 TBSP crushed red chili flakes; Thinly sliced jalapeño (optional); Cooked and shelled edamame; Jammy soft-boiled egg (optional, skip for vegan); Chopped green onion and/or cilantro; Baby bok choy; Chili garlic sauce (for drizzling)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 52 reviews

If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that dances with heat and bursts with flavors, this Spicy Vegetarian Ramen Recipe will quickly become your new obsession. It combines a rich, umami-packed broth made from dried porcini mushrooms and a spicy kick of Sriracha, all balanced perfectly with fresh veggies and crispy garlic chili oil. Whether you’re a longtime ramen lover or dipping your toes into meat-free soups, this recipe is straightforward, customizable, and irresistibly warming.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large black bowl filled with orange-brown broth and a nest of light brown noodles in the middle, topped with small white sesame seeds and red chili flakes, with a drizzle of dark red sauce over the noodles. On the right side of the bowl are two green bok choy leaves partially in the broth. Surrounding the bowl are small round bowls with green sliced jalapeños, bright green edamame, fresh green herbs, a dark red sauce, and a small glass container with white sesame seeds. Wooden chopsticks rest below the bowl on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is half the fun and guarantees a harmonious bowl of ramen. Each element in this recipe plays a vital role, lending distinctive flavors, textures, and colors that come together beautifully in the final dish.

Light sesame oil (2 TBSP): Adds a nutty aroma that lays the perfect flavor foundation for the broth.
Dried porcini mushrooms (3/4-1 cup): Impart a deep, earthy, and savory taste that makes the broth incredibly rich without meat.
Garlic (6 cloves, divided): Used both minced for broth depth and sliced for crispy chili garlic oil topping.
Scallions (4, sliced): Whites sautéed into the broth add mild onion flavor; greens provide a fresh garnish.
Low-sodium vegetable broth (3-4 cups): Keeps the soup light while enhancing all other tastes.
Tomato paste (2 TBSP): Brings subtle sweetness and a velvety texture to the broth.
Sriracha (1-2 TBSP): Responsible for the signature spicy punch in the recipe.
Low-sodium soy sauce (1-2 TBSP): Brings umami and saltiness to perfectly balance the heat.
Uncooked ramen noodles (4-5 ounces): The star carbohydrate, perfectly chewy and ready to soak up the broth flavors.
Avocado oil (1/4 cup): Used for frying garlic to make that crave-worthy chili garlic oil.
Sesame seeds (1 TBSP): Toasted for crunch and subtle nuttiness in the chili oil.
Crushed red chili flakes (1 TBSP): Adds layered heat to the garlic oil topping.
Thinly sliced jalapeño: Optional fresh heat and bright green color for garnish.
Cooked and shelled edamame: Adds pop of protein and vibrant green color.
Jammy soft-boiled egg: (Skip for vegan) Creamy yolk that enriches each spoonful.
Chopped green onion and/or cilantro: Fresh herbs that brighten every bite.
Baby bok choy: Mild leafy green for texture and nutrition.
Chili garlic sauce: Additional spicy drizzle for finishing flair.

How to Make Spicy Vegetarian Ramen Recipe

Step 1: Make the Fried Garlic in Chili Oil

Start by warming your avocado oil over medium heat in a pot, until it’s hot but not smoking. Add your thinly sliced garlic and stir often, letting it gently turn golden and crispy – this will take about 3 minutes. Next, toss in sesame seeds and cook for one more minute to toast them just right. Careful with this step; garlic can burn quickly. Transfer this fragrant, crunchy mixture to a small bowl, add crushed red pepper flakes, mix well, and set aside—it’s the magic topping that brings this bowl alive.

Step 2: Build the Broth Base

Using the same pot, add a drizzle of oil and toss in minced garlic, the white parts of scallions, and chopped dried porcini mushrooms. Sauté for about a minute until everything smells irresistible. This step extracts maximum flavor and aroma from those mushrooms, elevating your broth to a rich, savory masterpiece.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer

Pour in your vegetable broth alongside the soy sauce, tomato paste, and Sriracha. Give everything a good stir to combine. Cover the pot and let it simmer on medium-low heat for 10 minutes. This gentle simmering melds all the flavors, creating the heart and soul of your Spicy Vegetarian Ramen Recipe.

Step 4: Prepare Toppings and Strain the Broth

While the broth simmers, get your veggies, herbs, and eggs ready. Once the broth smells so good you can hardly wait, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove the mushroom bits and scallion whites, returning the smooth broth back to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or Sriracha if you want that extra kick or saltiness. You can add an extra cup of broth here if you like a soupier bowl.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

For a broth that’s thick and velvety, cook your ramen noodles directly in the simmering broth for about 3 to 4 minutes, until tender. If you prefer a more delicate broth, cook noodles separately then add them to the bowl just before serving. This flexibility makes this Spicy Vegetarian Ramen Recipe truly your own.

Step 6: Customize with Vegetables

If you want soft veggies like sliced carrots or jalapeños, toss them into the broth before or while simmering to tenderize them nicely. This soup loves to be personalized, so feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables or tofu. Everything melds beautifully into the spicy, mushroomy broth.

Step 7: Assemble and Eat!

Pour your hot broth and noodles into bowls, drizzle generously with the chili garlic oil you made earlier, then decorate with all your favorite toppings. A soft-boiled egg, fresh green onions, edamame, and baby bok choy add layers of texture, taste, and color that make every bite exciting. Don’t forget to check out additional topping ideas if you want to get really creative.

How to Serve Spicy Vegetarian Ramen Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a black bowl filled with light brown broth and thin noodles swirling through the soup. A half of a soft-boiled egg with a bright yellow yolk sits near the edge of the bowl, topped with black and white sesame seeds and red chili flakes. The broth appears rich and slightly oily, with some chili and sesame seeds floating on the surface. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The simplest garnishes often elevate a bowl from good to unforgettable. Freshly sliced jalapeños add crisp bite and heat; chopped cilantro and green onions bring freshness and brightness. A jammy soft-boiled egg, if you’re not vegan, lends creamy richness that complements the spicy broth perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve your ramen alongside light, refreshing sides such as pickled vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad to contrast the bold broth. Steamed dumplings or a simple seaweed salad can also make the meal feel more complete and adventurous.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, layer the toppings artfully on top so every ingredient is visible, not hidden beneath noodles. Serve ramen in deep bowls to keep it warm longer and consider adding a swirl of chili garlic sauce in a spiral pattern to impress your guests visually as well as with flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Spicy Vegetarian Ramen Recipe stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep your broth and noodles separate if possible to avoid sogginess, and store toppings in airtight containers to preserve freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the broth but avoid freezing cooked noodles as their texture suffers. Freeze broth in portions to quickly reheat for a comforting meal any night of the week. Use airtight freezer-safe containers and label with the date for easy rotation.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the broth gently on the stovetop and cook fresh noodles separately to toss together just before serving. Add your toppings fresh or quickly sauté them to retain crispness and flavor. A quick drizzle of leftover chili garlic oil will instantly revive the heat and aroma.

FAQs

Can I make this Spicy Vegetarian Ramen Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply skip the jammy soft-boiled egg and use your favorite vegan-friendly toppings like tofu, mushrooms, or extra veggies. The broth is already completely meat-free and packed with umami.

What type of noodles work best?

Traditional fresh ramen noodles are ideal, but dried instant ramen noodles or even soba noodles can be great substitutes. Just adjust cooking time accordingly so they don’t overcook.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on how much Sriracha and chili flakes you add. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice, but this recipe is meant to have a pleasant, lively kick that warms you up.

Can I add protein other than egg?

Yes! Firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan are excellent meat-free options. You can pan-fry or marinate them before adding on top for extra texture and flavor.

Is it possible to prepare the broth in advance?

Definitely. The broth develops even deeper flavor the next day. Store it separately from noodles and toppings, then assemble when ready to eat for the freshest experience.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Vegetarian Ramen Recipe is a celebration of bold, comforting flavors that you can make anytime without fuss. It’s a bowl that hugs you from the inside out, filled with vibrant textures, exciting heat, and nourishing ingredients. I can’t wait for you to try making it in your kitchen—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and an instant favorite for cozy nights.