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- 2 packs of instant ramen noodles - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup coconut milk - 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 cup baby bok choy, chopped - 1 medium carrot, julienned - 1 green onion, chopped (for garnishing) - Sesame seeds (for garnishing) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this creamy chili garlic ramen. Start with instant ramen noodles. They are quick and easy to cook. For the broth, use vegetable broth for a rich flavor. Coconut milk adds that creamy texture we all love. Next, we need flavor enhancers. Chili garlic sauce brings heat and zest. Fresh garlic and ginger add depth. Soy sauce and sesame oil round out the taste, giving umami notes. For veggies, baby bok choy brings a nice crunch. Carrots add sweetness and color. Don't forget green onions for garnish. Sesame seeds add a delightful crunch on top. All these components create a simple yet tasty dish that will please everyone at the table. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Sauté them for about 1 minute until you smell their lovely aroma. Next, pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Now, it’s time to add some creaminess. Stir in 1 cup of coconut milk and 2 tablespoons of chili garlic sauce. You can adjust the sauce to match your taste. Mix everything until it is well combined. Then, add 1 cup of chopped baby bok choy and 1 medium julienned carrot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still bright. Next, add 2 packs of instant ramen noodles directly into the pot. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 3-4 minutes. Once the noodles are tender, stir in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Taste the ramen and adjust the seasoning if you need to. Let the ramen sit for a minute to thicken slightly before serving. To make your ramen truly creamy, use full-fat coconut milk. This gives a rich texture. You can also adjust the chili garlic sauce. If you like it spicy, add more sauce. If you prefer mild, use less. Let the ramen sit for a minute before you serve it. This helps the flavors mix well. Fresh herbs, like cilantro or basil, can add a nice aroma. They also bring a burst of color to your dish. Serve your ramen in deep bowls. This helps keep it warm. Add garnishes like chopped green onions and sesame seeds. You can also place some colorful toppings on top. Sliced chili peppers look great and add a pop of color. Pro Tips Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, start with a smaller amount of chili garlic sauce and gradually increase until it reaches your desired heat. Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and ginger instead of pre-minced versions. Their aromatic oils add depth to the broth. Extra Toppings: Consider adding protein such as tofu, chicken, or shrimp for a heartier meal, along with additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store the broth and noodles separately to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy. Reheat and combine when ready to serve. {{image_2}} You can easily change up the protein in your creamy chili garlic ramen. If you want a plant-based option, try adding tofu. Simply cube it and toss it in during the cooking process. It soaks up flavors well and adds good texture. If you prefer meat, chicken or shrimp works great too. Cook them first in the sesame oil. Then, add them back in when you stir in the noodles. This gives you a hearty meal that fills you up. You can also switch out the vegetables in this dish. Instead of baby bok choy, use spinach or kale. Both add great color and nutrients. If you want more crunch, add bell peppers or mushrooms. These give a nice flavor and texture contrast to the creamy broth. If you like heat, you can adjust the spice level easily. Just add more chili garlic sauce while cooking. This will give your ramen a nice kick. For extra spice, add fresh chili slices on top when serving. It not only looks appealing but also adds more flavor to each bite. To keep your creamy chili garlic ramen fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from spoiling the dish. Aim to consume it within 2-3 days for the best quality. The flavors will stay sharp, and the texture will remain pleasant. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove. This method helps maintain the texture of the noodles and broth. To revive the creaminess, add a splash of broth while reheating. This small step can make a big difference in taste. If you want to save some ramen for later, freeze the base without the noodles. This makes it easy to cook fresh noodles when you are ready to serve. Just thaw the base overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal with all the rich flavors intact. To spice up your ramen, add more chili garlic sauce. Start with one more tablespoon. You can also use fresh chili slices. They bring heat and color. For the best sauce, I recommend brands like Huy Fong or Lee Kum Kee. They offer great flavor and heat. Yes, you can substitute coconut milk. Almond milk or cashew cream works well. These options create a lighter dish. However, using these alternatives changes the flavor. Coconut milk has a rich, creamy taste that adds depth. Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly. All the ingredients are plant-based. Just check your chili garlic sauce for any hidden animal products. If you want more protein, consider adding tofu or edamame. Both boost the meal's nutrition and keep it vegan. This recipe for creamy ramen is easy and fun to make. You learned how to create a rich broth with coconut milk and tasty veggies. The tips also help you perfect the flavor and presentation. You can customize it with proteins, spice, or different veggies too. Remember, enjoy your ramen fresh or store it for later. Cooking should be a pleasure, and this dish proves it. Happy cooking!

Creamy Chili Garlic Ramen

A delicious and spicy ramen dish with a creamy coconut broth.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 2 packs instant ramen noodles
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 cup baby bok choy, chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1 green onion chopped (for garnishing)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnishing)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Stir in the coconut milk and chili garlic sauce. Mix well until fully combined.
  • Add the chopped baby bok choy and julienned carrot to the pot. Allow them to cook for about 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
  • Next, add the instant ramen noodles directly into the broth and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-4 minutes.
  • Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the soy sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Remove from heat and let the ramen sit for a minute to thicken slightly.
  • Serve the ramen hot in bowls, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added crunch.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls and place a few chili slices on top for a pop of color. Add a sprig of fresh cilantro for a nice aromatic touch.
Keyword ramen, spicy, vegetarian