Spicy Peanut Butter Ramen
A quick, crave-worthy bowl of ramen transformed with creamy peanut butter, aromatic garlic, ginger, and customizable spice levels. This umami-rich comfort food combines pantry staples into an impressive meal ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 packages instant ramen noodles discard the seasoning packets
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1- inch piece ginger grated
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Optional protein: shredded rotisserie chicken tofu cubes, or a soft-boiled egg
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, lime wedges, bean sprouts
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce base by whisking together peanut butter, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth. If the mixture seems too thick, add a tablespoon of warm water to loosen it.
- Bring a pot of water to boil for the ramen noodles. Cook according to package instructions minus 1 minute (they’ll continue cooking in the sauce). Drain and set aside.
- Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and whisk in the peanut butter sauce mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Add the cooked ramen noodles to the sauce and toss gently to coat. Allow the noodles to simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes, absorbing the flavors.
- Divide the noodles between bowls and top with your choice of protein and garnishes. For maximum enjoyment, serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, use less broth. For a more soup-like consistency, add more broth.
- Natural peanut butter works best for this recipe, but any creamy variety will do.
- This dish reheats well, though you may need to add a splash of water when warming leftovers.
- For meal prep, keep the sauce separate from the noodles until ready to serve.
- The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.