A deliciously creamy and flavorful broth poured into bowls filled with noodles, crispy tofu crumbles, and vibrant vegetables! These ramen bowls are absolutely AMAZING.
First of All.
FIRST OFF. (!!) These ramen bowls are undoubtedly my top creation in recent memory.
Key Points to Note:
- The miso peanut ramen itself is truly divine. Savory, slightly sweet, creamy, and incredibly comforting. I often find myself hovering right over the skillet, spooning the sauce/broth/noodles straight into my mouth.
- Moreover. The crumbled tofu atop these stunning ramen bowls might be my new favorite tofu?! I’ve been preparing the crumbles separately and enjoying them over rice bowls because it’s just so easy – and so tasty.
The entire mix of slippery, smooth noodles, the chewy tofu, and crunchy fresh vegetables – wow, it’s a little burst of happiness in every bite.
Surprisingly, my kids really liked it – we kept their servings simple with just bowls of creamy noodles + tofu on top (served in paper bowls, in the basement, due to kitchen renovations). They particularly adored the tofu – little girls after my own heart.
I could savor a bowl of this every day. I believe you’re going to adore it.
Miso Peanut Ramen Bowls
Total Time:
35 minutesYield:
4 servings 1x
Description
A deliciously creamy and flavorful broth poured into bowls filled with noodles, crispy tofu crumbles, and vibrant vegetables! These ramen bowls are absolutely AMAZING.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Crispy Tofu Bits:
Miso Peanut Ramen:
Toppings:
Instructions
- Prep Tofu: Press tofu with paper towels to eliminate some moisture. Grate the tofu using a box grater with medium/large holes.
- Crisp Tofu: In a nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the tofu shreds and salt; sauté until golden and lightly crisped (typically takes me 10-15 minutes to achieve the desired crispy/chewy texture).
- Sauce Tofu: Incorporate teriyaki sauce and grated garlic to the “thirsty” tofu. Sauté an additional 5-10 minutes to further caramelize. Add 1-2 tablespoons more sauce as needed. Transfer to a separate bowl and clean out the skillet.
- Prepare Ramen Broth: In the same skillet, heat the curry paste, miso, peanut butter, soy sauce, and brown sugar until blended into a thick paste. Add the coconut milk and broth, whisking until fully combined. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Combine: Place ramen noodles (not sauce packets) directly into the simmering broth. They will cook in 4-5 minutes; allow to simmer for an extra 1-2 minutes to thicken to your preferred sauciness.
- Serve: Dish out ramen into bowls, pouring broth over the top. Garnish with tofu, herbs, and chili crisp on top. It’s so very delicious!
Notes
Brown Rice Ramen: I’ve also prepared this using the Lotus Foods brown rice ramen from Costco – for these (or any rice noodles) reduce the amount of chicken or vegetable broth to 1 cup, and cook the noodles by boiling in a separate pot. After boiling and draining, incorporate them into the sauce pan. This avoids stickiness. (This approach can be seen in the video.) If using Lotus Foods brown rice ramen, I’d recommend cooking 3 noodle bricks (7.5 ounces total).
Better Than Bouillon: Utilizing this broth base dissolved in water, instead of standard broth, significantly enhances the flavor. It simply tastes much better. Highly recommend using this for your broth if available! I always keep a jar in my fridge!
Other Proteins: This recipe would also work well with ground chicken instead of tofu.
Leftovers: The noodles will absorb broth while stored in the fridge, so you may add a splash of water to loosen it up after reheating if you desire a saucier/brothier outcome.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-4 (we generally get 3, or 2 adults + 2 small kids)
Keywords: peanut ramen, ramen recipe, coconut curry ramen, coconut ramen, easy ramen recipe, tofu ramen, vegetarian ramen
Three More Delightful Ramen Bowls
**Discovering the Wonderful Blend of Ramen Bowls with Miso and Peanut Sauce**
Ramen, a cherished Japanese noodle meal, has won over food lovers globally. Conventionally, ramen features Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a broth based on meat or fish, often seasoned with soy sauce or miso, and enhanced with toppings like sliced pork, nori, menma, and scallions. However, the culinary sphere is constantly changing, and mash-up dishes are becoming more popular. One innovative dish is the ramen bowl with miso and peanut sauce, marrying traditional Japanese tastes with a rich, nutty twist.
**The Foundation: Ramen Noodles**
At the core of any ramen dish lies the noodle. Ramen noodles are usually crafted from wheat flour, water, salt, and kansui, an alkaline mineral water that provides the noodles with their characteristic chewiness and golden hue. For a miso and peanut sauce ramen bowl, the noodles act as the ideal base to absorb the intricate flavors of the broth and sauce.
**Miso: A Fundamental Component of Japanese Cooking**
Miso, a fermented soybean paste, is pivotal in Japanese culinary practices. Renowned for its umami-rich taste, it imparts depth and complexity to various dishes. Several miso varieties exist, from white (shiro) miso, which is mild and slightly sweet, to red (aka) miso, which is richer and saltier. For a ramen bowl, white or yellow miso is typically chosen to balance the richness of the peanut sauce.
**The Peanut Sauce: A Nutty Enhancement**
Peanut sauce, often linked with Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly Thai and Indonesian dishes, introduces a creamy, nutty quality to the ramen bowl. Composed of ground peanuts, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a bit of sweetness from honey or sugar, this sauce contributes a distinct flavor profile that complements the savory miso broth. The combination of miso and peanut sauce achieves a delightful fusion of salty, sweet, and umami notes.
**Constructing the Ramen Bowl**
To create a ramen bowl with miso and peanut sauce, begin by preparing the miso broth. This entails simmering vegetable or chicken stock with miso paste, soy sauce, and fragrant additions like garlic and ginger. Once the broth is prepared, cook the ramen noodles according to package directions and set them aside.
Proceed to make the peanut sauce by blending or whisking together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Adjust its thickness with water or coconut milk to reach a pourable consistency.
For serving, place the cooked noodles in a bowl and pour the hot miso broth over them. Generously drizzle the peanut sauce on top. Garnish with a variety of toppings such as sliced green onions, bean sprouts, soft-boiled eggs, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For added texture and flavor, consider including sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or grilled chicken.
**In Conclusion**
Ramen bowls featuring miso and peanut sauce provide a delightful fusion of tastes that celebrate the best of Japanese and Southeast Asian culinary traditions. This dish not only satisfies the taste buds with its rich and savory characteristics but also offers a comforting and nourishing meal. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend indulgence, this innovative ramen bowl is bound to impress and spark culinary creativity.