Spicy Miso Ramen Soup (2024)

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Spicy miso ramen is one of my go-to recipes when I want something really warm & filling but still healthful and nourishing. The shiitake mushrooms and white miso create deep rich umami flavors in my ramen broth that is both vegan and vegetarian. Chili garlic sauce and fresh ginger add that heat that makes spicy miso ramen so craveable. A bold full-bodied broth is a perfect canvas for more subtle vegetables and proteins.

Spicy Miso Ramen Soup (1)

Playing with colors and textures also makes ramen a really fun dish to customize with your favorite toppings—or just to use up the odds and ends of produce in your fridge.

The texture is really important to me when I dive into a bowl of ramen. Extra-firm baked or air-fried tofu is my protein of choice to add that perfect ‘meaty’ bite scooped up with the rich umami broth. I like crisp-tender spring-green bok choy and fresh bright scallions. And the best part—slippery chewy noodles for slurping up the spicy broth.

Ramen soup is an experience and it is so easy to make at home. A few key ingredients and very simple techniques are all you need to make this dish your own. You can play with the proteins and add chicken breast instead. Change up the veggies, add fresh herbs, and make the spicy miso ramen—as spicy as you like.

Jump to:
  • What Is Miso?
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make Spicy Miso Ramen
  • Tips
  • Substitutions
  • FAQ
  • More Instant Pot Soups To Try
  • Recipe

What Is Miso?

The star ingredient in this soup, Miso is a fermented soybean paste used in Japanese cooking. It gives a salty umami flavor to recipes. It's made out of a mixture of soybeans, rice or barley, salt, and koji (a mold). It's either smooth or chunky, depending on the variety.

Most miso is made in Japan, but there are actually more than 1,000 types of miso. All of them differ based on their texture, flavor, and color. Most of the miso that is imported into the United States is divided up into two different categories: light (white) miso and dark (red) miso, although you might also find yellow miso as well.

White Miso (Shiro Miso)

This is the sweetest miso variety you will find. It gets its sweet taste because it is fermented for a shorter time and has less salt. It is great in light sauces, and soups, and even as a dairy replacement in mashed potatoes.

Yellow Miso (Shinshu Miso)

With a slightly bolder flavor than white miso, yellow miso is fermented long. Its color can range from light yellow all the way to light brown. People usually use it on soups and glazes.

Red Miso (Aka Miso)

Red miso is fermented for the longest amount of time so it is the saltiest variety out of all three of them. Since it has such a pungent flavor, it's best for hearty soup, braises, or marinades. It has such a strong flavor that it overpowers milder ingredients, so remember that a little bit goes a long way.

Miso Health Benefits

Did you know that miso is really good for you? It is made with soybeans and grain and is packed with nutrients. Miso is a source of vitamin K (blood calcium), protein (muscles), and zinc (immune system).

The fermentation process also gives it nutritious qualities. This process increases the number of probiotics that are good for your gut. Increasing your intestinal flora helps your digestive system and enhances your immune system.

Spicy Miso Ramen Soup (2)

Ingredients

  • Ramen Noodles - I love the gluten-free brown rice ramen noodles from lotus foods, but you can use any ramen noodles including Japanese Ramen noodles or even the Instant Top Ramen
  • Miso Paste - white miso paste is mild and adds that perfect umami flavor
  • Ginger and Garlic- fresh ginger and garlic make this soup flavorful and aromatic
  • Chili Garlic Paste - adds a nice spicy touch to the ramen and you can add more or less to taste
  • Vegetable Broth - low sodium vegetable broth from better than bouillon
  • Tofu - air fried tofu holds up really well in this soup and adds a satisfying texture and protein
  • Bok Choy - baby bok choy works great in this recipe as it cooks fast and has a mild taste sweet taste and you simply need to trim the thick stems near the roots.
  • Mushrooms - I love adding Shiitake mushrooms but you can add any mushrooms you like

How to Make Spicy Miso Ramen

  • Heat a tablespoon of oil in a Dutch oven or a large pot over medium-high heat. Add half of the garlic and saute it for 30 seconds on medium heat (photo 1).
  • Add some bok choy and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Take out the bok choy and save it for later (photo 2).
  • In the same pan add another tablespoon of oil and the mushrooms. Cook on medium heat until the mushrooms are soft - about 3 to 4 minutes - stirring frequently. Take out the mushrooms and reserve (photos 3 and 4).
Spicy Miso Ramen Soup (3)
  • Add the remaining oil, ginger, and garlic paste. Saute it for a minute or until it is fragrant (photo 5).
  • Add the chili garlic sauce and broth. Bring to a rolling boil (photo 6).
  • Add your favorite noodles to the broth. Follow the directions on the package for cook time (photo 7).
  • After the noodles are completely cooked, turn off the heat and add the miso paste and water to the noodles and broth (photo 8).
Spicy Miso Ramen Soup (4)
  • To serve it, ladle the broth into a large soup bowl (photo 9).
  • Add the noodles to the bowl of broth with a pair of tongs (photo 10).
  • Top with the sautéed bok choy, mushrooms, and tofu (photo 11).
  • Garnish with scallions, red chili flakes, or chili garlic paste (photo 12).
Spicy Miso Ramen Soup (5)

Garnish with fresh cilantro, sprouts, lime wedges, and sriracha, and get ready to dig in!

Tips

Here are my tips to make the best homemade ramen soup:

  1. Use fresh ginger and garlic that add a burst of flavor to this soup
  2. Save the stems of shiitake mushrooms and use them to make homemade broth
  3. Do not overcook the Bok Choy, the crunch in the stems adds a nice satisfying texture to this soup
  4. Try the Hikari Organic White Miso Paste - It's vegan and you need just a little bit to pack in the deep flavors. It is sold in Asian grocery stores, some US grocery stores, and also on amazon
  5. To prevent any lumps, make sure to dissolve the miso paste in some warm water before adding it to the soup.
  6. Lastly, remember to stir in the miso after you have turned off the heat. You do not want to cook it to preserve all of its nutrients

Substitutions

This spicy miso soup is really versatile and you can change it up to your liking:

  1. I like to use millet and brown rice noodles from lotus foods. They are gluten-free and also healthy and available at whole foods, Costco, and Amazon. You can easily substitute them with your favorite brand of ramen noodles. If you have the Instant Ramen packets in your pantry, try this recipe with those noodles.
  2. I love the meaty shiitake mushrooms in this soup. You can add your favorite type of mushrooms. If you are not a big fan of mushrooms add other veggies like broccoli, zucchini, carrots, etc.
  3. Don't have bok choy? Add any greens you like - spinach, chard, kale just to name a few!
  4. If you enjoy seafood or meats, add some chicken or shrimp to this ramen soup. Simply saute the chicken or shrimp along with the ginger, garlic, and chili garlic sauce. Cook for a few mins and then add broth and cook everything together. Top the ramen soup with a soft boiled egg and nori sheets.
  5. If you are not into spicy foods, add less chili garlic sauce or skip it altogether. The soup is still so flavorful and delish.

FAQ

What type of noodles can I use in miso ramen soup?

I made this soup using Lotus foods brand organic millet and brown rice noodles but you can use any ramen noodles that you want.

What are the best vegetables to add to miso ramen soup?

I added bok choy and shiitake mushrooms but you can add other veggies or types of mushrooms. Try adding some snow peas or corn kernels for more color and texture.

How do you store leftover ramen?

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes the best hot off the stove. When you want to reheat the soup, I suggest heating it on the stove again.

More Instant Pot Soups To Try

  • Chicken Cilantro Soup
  • Creamy Mushroom Soup
  • Coconut Curry Noodle Soup
  • Vegetarian French Onion Soup
  • Chicken Mulligatawny Soup
  • Chicken Tortellini Soup
Spicy Miso Ramen Soup (6)

Recipe

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Spicy Miso Ramen Soup Recipe

Ramen noodles in a spicy ginger, garlic and miso based broth loaded with veggies and tofu

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Brunch, dinner, Entree, Lunch

Cuisine: Japanese

Servings: 4

Calories: 474kcal

Author: Archana Mundhe

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 1 lb baby bok choy
  • 8 oz shiitake mushrooms de-stemmed and thinly sliced

Broth

Optional garnish

Instructions

  • Bake or air fry tofu using these directions.

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil on a dutch oven or a large pot. Add half of the garlic and saute for 30 seconds on medium heat. Add bok choy and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Take out the bok choy and reserve.

  • In the same pan add 1 tablespoon of oil and mushrooms. Cook on medium heat until the mushrooms are soft about 3 to 4 minutes stirring frequently. Take out the mushrooms and reserve.

  • Add remaining oil, ginger, and garlic paste. Saute for a minute or until fragrant. Add chili garlic sauce and broth. Bring to a rolling boil.

  • Add noodles and cook until the noodles are cooked through and soft. Follow the directions on the package for cook time.

  • Once the noodles are cooked, turn the heat off. Mix together miso paste and water and add to the noodles.

To Serve:

  • Ladle broth in a large soup bowl. Add the noodles over using a pair of tongs and top with sauteed bok choy, mushrooms, and tofu. Garnish with scallions. Add red chili flakes or chili garlic paste to taste and serve hot.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 474kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 787mg | Potassium: 705mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 5179IU | Vitamin C: 55mg | Calcium: 193mg | Iron: 3mg

Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @ministry_of_curry or tag #ministryofcurry

Author: Archana

Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Rene says

    Really delicious recipe!!!
    Thank youSpicy Miso Ramen Soup (12)

    Reply

  2. Anjali Gupta says

    So easy to follow and so delicious!!!! I made it for the first time today.... My hubby, my teenage boys and I loved it!!! The pot was completely EMPTY - that’s all I have to say! Thank you Archana for the amazing recipes and always quickly answering questions!!! I highly recommend trying this recipe!!!Spicy Miso Ramen Soup (13)

    Reply

  3. SRao says

    Agree, Agree and AGREE with the recent comments....
    Thank you for your wonderful recipes. This one rocks as well!!!! Never had such good tofu at homeSpicy Miso Ramen Soup (14)

    Reply

  4. Danita says

    Great recipe. I added some organic power greens to the bok choy as I didn't have quite enough bok choy. Love the spice. We like spicy so did add the additiinal chili garlic sauce on top as a condiment definitely recommend the lotus brand millet brown rice noodles. They are the ones I keep in stock. Great for many dishes.Spicy Miso Ramen Soup (15)

    Reply

  5. Nick S. says

    This was very tasty. I used Ming Teh Doubanjian Broad Bean Paste with Chili and dried sh*takes. Thanks for sharing.Spicy Miso Ramen Soup (16)

    Reply

    • Archana says

      Thank you!

      Reply

  6. Karen says

    Love it! As a ramen lover, this vegetarian version won me over! Great recipe Archana!Spicy Miso Ramen Soup (17)

    Reply

    • Archana says

      Thank you! Means a lot coming from you!

      Reply

  7. Kanchan says

    I made it today for dinner and it was YUM!!! Thanks Archana for a wonderful recipe.Spicy Miso Ramen Soup (18)

    Reply

  8. Sherin says

    Really delicious recipe and easy to make!! Thank you!Spicy Miso Ramen Soup (19)

    Reply

  9. BINNIE SAINI says

    Tried the recipe and turned out damn good. Thank you for sharing.Spicy Miso Ramen Soup (20)

    Reply

  10. Holly says

    This was really good! I’m new to the air fryer and felt like I could have made a better batch of tofu, but that’s my bad. We had no leftovers! I’ll be making this one again.Spicy Miso Ramen Soup (21)

    Reply

  11. Archana Saini says

    Yummy ! Can you suggest any other recipe where white miso paste can be used.

    Reply

  12. Aparna Kumar says

    Such a simple and yum recipe... Have been wanting to try this recipe for quite sometime and finally did.. worth the wait ..Spicy Miso Ramen Soup (22)

    Reply

  13. Aparna Kumar says

    Tried this easy recipe today and was a hit with the fam. One bowl meals. I have been wanting to try this one for quite sometime. So worth the wait..
    One of many simple and easy recipes from Archana that I have tried making . Thank you!!Spicy Miso Ramen Soup (23)

    Reply

  14. Emily says

    Tried it, loved it!! Spicy and savory.
    I ended up cooking the mushrooms with the broth so they were melted,which was perfect since my boyfriend just got his wisdom teeth out and needed a soft meal.Spicy Miso Ramen Soup (24)

    Reply

    • Archana says

      Thank you for the lovely review!

      Reply

Spicy Miso Ramen Soup (2024)

FAQs

What is spicy miso ramen made of? ›

A mix of soy sauce, miso paste, hot chili oil, garlic, and ginger create the most dynamic flavor profile. To further bolster the broth, I love adding shiitake mushrooms, sweet pops of corn, ground meat or tofu, and of course, plenty of noodles.

Is spicy miso ramen good for you? ›

Miso contains a particular strain of probiotics called “Aspergillus oryzae,” and they're great for your gut. Having a healthy gut is known to be linked to our overall mental and physical wellness. Soy miso is also a good source of fiber and protein, and a great way to increase your overall nourishment.

What is the difference between miso soup and miso ramen? ›

For one, ramen is made with wheat noodles while miso soup is made with rice noodles. Ramen also has a stronger flavour due to the addition of meat and vegetables, while miso soup is more delicate. Finally, ramen is typically served in a broth, while miso soup is more like a soup or stew.

How to jazz up miso soup? ›

Adding even more ingredients to your miso soup can make it into a stew. If you love a vibrant taste, use your miso soup as the foundation on which you build other great flavors. Add ingredients like mushrooms, red and green peppers, edamame, onions, leeks and other vegetables.

Is miso soup healthy? ›

Is miso soup actually good for you? Miso soup contains several beneficial vitamins, minerals, and components that may improve your gut and heart health and may lower your risk of cancer. If you are on a low-salt diet, read the label on packaged miso soup to choose one that's low in sodium.

Why is miso ramen so good? ›

Miso ramen is rich in umami flavors but also comes with a heightened creaminess. The miso paste brings salty-sweet and deep layers to the dish and the springy noodles, crunchy toppings, and tender meat, veggies, or tofu all add to a tantalizing texture.

What is the unhealthiest part of ramen? ›

The culprit is the highly processed ingredients like saturated fat and high sodium. They contribute to high blood sugar, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Is it OK to eat spicy ramen everyday? ›

While instant ramen is not bad for you, it isn't recommended as a single food daily or multiple times per day on its own due to its high-sodium flavoring packet or broth. Adding additional toppings, such as protein and vegetables, to the wheat noodle and broth base can increase its nutrition profile.

Is miso ramen good for stomach? ›

Eating fermented foods such as miso may improve digestion, reduce gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.

Why do Japanese people like miso soup? ›

One of the foundations of Japanese food, miso soup can now be found all over the world. Made from traditional Japanese flavours, miso soup is both delicious and nutritious — it's high in protein while being low on calories.

Which ramen broth is healthiest? ›

Shio is considered a healthier ramen because of the thinner broth. Instead of the flavor from fat in the liquid, it comes from salt and other seasonings. Keep it low in calories by minimizing the fatty toppings or adding more vegetables to your noodles.

How do you eat miso ramen soup? ›

Mix the toppings and noodles together. Pick up noodles with your chopsticks and ladle some broth in with your spoon. When you've finished eating the noodles slurp up the broth with your spoon. This ensures that one you have all the flavour of the noodles and broth in one bite.

How do you make store bought miso soup taste better? ›

-Vegetables:

Instant miso soup is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. Simply chop up some of your favorite veggies and add them to the soup. Popular vegetables include mushrooms, green onions thinly sliced, spinach, tofu, bean curd, wakame seaweed, nori seaweed, onions, daikon radish, and carrots.

Why do I feel better after having miso soup? ›

Rich in nutrients: Miso contains many healthy vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, manganese, zinc, protein and calcium. Many of these nutrients support essential structures like the bones and nervous system. Improves digestion: Because miso is high in probiotics, it helps the body maintain healthy bacteria levels.

Why can't you boil miso soup? ›

The aromatic qualities of miso – as well as some of the nutritional benefits – are damaged when boiled. This is why miso is traditionally stirred in at the final stage of cooking, either over a gentle simmer or heat with turned off.

Is spicy miso ramen vegan? ›

This delicious and flavorful Spicy Creamy Miso Ramen takes only 20 minutes to make. An easy recipe to put together, and it's vegan! The perfect meal for any time of the day.

What are the ingredients in maruchan spicy miso bowl? ›

INGREDIENTS: ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), VEGETABLE OIL (CONTAINS ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING: CANOLA, COTTONSEED, PALM) PRESERVED BY TBHQ, DEHYDRATED VEGETABLES (RED BELL PEPPER, CORN, GARLIC, ONION, CHIVE), SALT, MISO POWDER (SOYBEANS, WHEAT, ...

What does spicy miso soup taste like? ›

The paste and the soup have a deep savory flavor, with toasty, funky, salty-sweet richness. This umami flavor forms the base of a lot of everyday Japanese cooking.

What are miso noodles made of? ›

Miso is a Japanese seasoning paste made from fermenting soybeans with salt and koji, the ingredient used for fermentation. Miso may also contains rice, barley, seaweed or other ingredients. Miso comes in a paste and is used to add salty, umami flavor to all kinds of dishes.

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