A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Vegan Ramen with Smoked Tofu and Greens That’ll Be Ready in Just 30 Minutes!

Ramen is the ultimate comfort food, and when you make it vegan, it satisfies your cravings without compromising on flavor. This Weeknight Vegan Ramen with Smoked Tofu and Greens is not only easy to whip up, but it also packs a punch with healthful ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe will have you slurping up a hearty bowl of umami goodness in no time!

Why Make This Recipe

Do you want a quick meal that’s delicious and nourishing? This vegan ramen is the solution! It takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect option for those nights when you don’t have much time to cook. Plus, with smoked tofu and a variety of greens, you’re getting a satisfying dish full of protein and vitamins. It’s also incredibly adaptable—add your favorite veggies or swap the type of noodles based on what you have at home.

How to Make Weeknight Vegan Ramen with Smoked Tofu and Greens

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons avocado oil (or other, neutral oil)
4 whole green onions (thinly sliced, see notes for LoFO)
2 cloves garlic (chopped)
1 inch piece ginger (finely chopped)
1 small bunch greens (thinly sliced: kale, chard, bok choy, or gai lan are all great options)
4 cups water (or swap for your favorite broth and omit bouillon concentrate)
1 tablespoon better than bouillon vegetarian beef concentrate (see below for GF/LoFO options)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
1 – 2 tablespoons gochujang (or your favorite hot sauce, GF/LoFo if needed)
1 package smoked tofu (diced)
4 bricks ramen (any kind!)

Directions:

You’ll want to start by being eco-conscious—if your greens have stems, separate and finely chop them. We’re using them for additional flavor and texture! Heat the oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the garlic, green onions, ginger, and any chopped stems you have. Stir often and let it cook for about three minutes until fragrant.

Next, introduce the kale leaves to the pot and sauté for about two minutes to soften them. Now it’s time for the magic: add in the water (or broth), bouillon concentrate, gochujang, and soy sauce. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat.

Once it’s boiling, add the diced smoked tofu and ramen bricks. Cook according to the package directions, usually just 3-4 minutes. And just like that, your delicious ramen is ready to enjoy!

A quick flavor tip: If you’re using something other than the BTB concentrate, taste your broth as it cooks. You can always adjust it with a bit more soy sauce, hot sauce, or even some garlic powder if you like.

How to Serve Weeknight Vegan Ramen with Smoked Tofu and Greens

Serving your ramen is all about presentation and personal touch! Ladle the steaming broth and noodles into bowls. You can garnish with extra green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sesame oil for an added layer of flavor. Feel free to add some fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a pop of freshness.

How to Store Weeknight Vegan Ramen with Smoked Tofu and Greens

If you find yourself with leftovers (though we doubt there’ll be much!), store the ramen in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Keep in mind that the noodles might soak up a bit of the broth, so you may need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

Tips to Make Weeknight Vegan Ramen with Smoked Tofu and Greens

Don’t be shy with the greens! They add a wonderful flavor and nutritional boost.
Adjust the spice level to your liking by varying the amount of gochujang or choosing a milder hot sauce.
Feel free to add in other vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots.

Variation

You can easily customize this basic recipe! Try using different types of noodles, like rice noodles or soba, if you prefer. You could also make it a heartier meal by adding chickpeas or adzuki beans for extra protein.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ramen gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free ramen noodles and ensure that your soy sauce and gochujang are gluten-free options.

2. How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you love heat, increase the amount of gochujang or add in some sliced fresh chilies. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes on top when serving.

3. Can I use different vegetables?
Yes! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to swap in any vegetables you like or have on hand. Just adjust cooking times based on what you’ve chosen to keep everything tender yet crisp.

In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious, nourishing bowl of ramen that’s perfect for any weeknight. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a regular mainstay in your dinner rotation!

Weeknight Vegan Ramen