Let’s face it: Cooking whole foods and grains, making fresh sauces, and baking tasty little vegan cookies are great, but when you’re too busy to create a culinary masterpiece, instant ramen is the ticket!
Several popular brands make “accidentally vegan” options, but there are also plenty of intentionally vegan options in grocery stores today. Just check the ingredients if you aren’t sure. And while you can certainly enjoy this quick meal according to the directions on the package, it just takes a few extra steps and ingredients to level it up.
Here are some easy ways to take your vegan instant ramen from basic to bomb.
Ramen ‘Carbonara’
Avocado, coconut milk, and melted vegan mozzarella make a creamy base for this ramen carbonara, which is topped with smoky meat-free bacon. This easy recipe for leveling up instant noodles is kind to cows and pigs, sentient individuals who don’t want to die.
Veggie Ramen with Tofu
This simple ramen upgrade involves adding tofu and whatever veggies you have on hand. It’s an easy way to turn packaged ramen into a well-rounded meal that includes protein and micronutrients.
Viral Creamy Ramen
To make a vegan version of the viral creamy ramen hack, sauté garlic in a small amount of dairy-free butter and add soy sauce, Sriracha, and your favorite plant-based milk. (This recipe uses oat milk.) The result is a spicy, creamy, and satisfying dish.
Spicy Upgraded Instant Ramen
For this upgrade, use the spice packet that comes with your vegan instant ramen, but take it to the next level with red chili paste and a few more ingredients. You can add tofu and any veggies you prefer. Bok choy, spinach, carrots, broccoli, or green onions would all be great.
Ramen ‘Tower’
Fans of Cup Noodles will love this ramen “tower,” which is made with vegan ground beef (Beyond Meat works well) and chicken-friendly eggs.
Fire Ramen
True spice lovers must try this one. 🔥🔥🔥 The Thai chilies and crushed red peppers pack a punch, which is balanced with sweetness from brown sugar and creaminess from vegan mayo.
Spicy Aglio e Olio Ramen
Add protein to your instant ramen packet with chickpeas and freshness with green peas. It’s a quick and filling Italian-inspired meal.
‘Cheesy’ Vegan Ramen
Plenty of vegan cheese makes a luxuriously creamy sauce for these melt-in-your-mouth noodles, which have a hint of spice from the Korean flavors.
Need more quick meal ideas? We have you covered:
Hoping for more vegan meal inspiration? Our 3-Week Vegan Meal Plan makes going vegan a breeze: