Savor the rich flavors of this vegan shoyu ramen, featuring shiitake mushrooms, tofu scramble, fresh onion, carrot, and optional canned corn and sesame seeds for a delightful, nourishing bowl of comfort.

Ramen has a special place in many hearts as the ultimate comfort food. Today, we’re taking this beloved dish and giving it a plant-based twist. Our Vegan Shoyu Ramen is packed with flavors and nutrients, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. The combination of shiitake mushrooms, tofu scramble, fresh onion, carrot, canned corn and sesame seeds creates a symphony of tastes and textures that will leave you craving more.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Shoyu Ramen

This vegan shoyu ramen is the perfect balance of simplicity and comfort, making it an ideal go-to meal for busy days. The savory broth is infused with rich umami flavors from the shiitake mushrooms, tamari, and vegetable bouillon, while the rice ramen noodles provide a satisfying base that’s gluten-free and wholesome.

It’s highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings like tofu scramble, fresh veggies, or toasted sesame seeds for a personal touch. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish delivers all the warmth and depth of traditional ramen without the hassle or animal products—perfect for plant-based eaters and ramen lovers alike!

Ingredients

For the Ramen:

2 blocks rice ramen noodles (e.g., Lotus Foods ramen from Costco)
1 handful dried shiitake mushrooms (available on Amazon or local stores)
1 tsp vegetable bouillon paste (e.g., Better than Bouillon, original flavor)
2.5 quarts water
1 tbsp low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
1–2 tsp umami seasoning (adjust to taste)

Optional Garnishes:

Tofu scramble (recipe attached)
Thinly sliced fresh onion
Shredded carrot
1 tbsp canned corn
Toasted sesame seeds
Bok choy
Chopped green onions

Equipment Needed

3-quart pot
pasta strainer

Instructions

Cook the Noodles:
- In a 3-quart pot, bring 2–2.1 quarts of water to a boil.
- Add the rice ramen blocks to the boiling water, ensuring they don’t stick together. Cook for 7–10 minutes or until tender.
Prepare Garnishes:
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare your chosen toppings: slice onions, shred carrot, or sauté tofu scramble.
Drain and Add Mushrooms:
- Drain the cooked noodles using a pasta drainer.
- Add fresh water to the pot, then return the noodles to the pot. Bring to a boil, then add the dried shiitake mushrooms. Simmer on medium heat for 5 minutes.
Season the Broth:
- Stir in the vegetable bouillon paste, tamari (or soy sauce), and umami seasoning. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Ramen:
- Ladle the noodles and broth into serving bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes: tofu scramble, fresh onion, shredded carrot, corn, sesame seeds, bok choy, or green onions.

Tips for the Perfect Vegan Ramen

Creating the perfect vegan ramen is both an art and a science. Here are some tips to help you achieve a delicious, restaurant-quality bowl of ramen at home:

1. Rich and Flavorful Broth

Base Ingredients: Start with a robust vegetable broth. Incorporate ingredients like kombu (dried kelp) and dried shiitake mushrooms for umami depth.
Seasoning: Balance the flavors with soy sauce, umami seasoning, and a touch of sesame oil (optional). You can also add minced garlic and ginger for aromatic depth.

2. Perfect Noodles

Choosing Noodles: Opt for fresh ramen noodles if available. If using dried noodles, follow the package instructions carefully to avoid overcooking.
Cooking Noodles: Cook the noodles separately from the broth to prevent them from becoming too starchy or mushy. Rinse them under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.

3. Balanced Toppings

Variety and Texture: Use a mix of fresh and cooked toppings to add different textures and flavors. Sautéed shiitake mushrooms, tofu scramble, and fresh vegetables like carrots, onions, and green onions are excellent choices.
Seasoning Tofu: Season your tofu scramble well with nutritional yeast, turmeric, and black salt (if desired) for a rich, eggy flavor that complements the ramen. We used this tofu scramble recipe for our ramen.
Optional Add-Ons: Consider adding canned corn, bamboo shoots, or baby spinach for additional variety.

4. Garnishes and Finishing Touches

Herbs and Seeds: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a burst of freshness and crunch.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of chili oil, sriracha, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

5. Presentation

Layering: When assembling your ramen, layer the toppings neatly on top of the noodles before pouring the hot broth over them. This not only looks appealing but also ensures that each bite is a mix of all the delicious components.
Serving: Serve the ramen immediately after assembling to enjoy it at its best. Hot broth, tender noodles, and fresh toppings make for a delightful eating experience.

6. Experiment and Customize

Personal Touch: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, tofu marinades, or even homemade ramen noodles. The beauty of ramen lies in its versatility.
Seasoning Adjustments: Taste your broth and adjust the seasoning as needed. Every batch of ingredients can vary, so a final taste test ensures the perfect balance of flavors.

Enjoy your cozy, flavorful vegan shoyu ramen in just 20 minutes!