Description
This Miso Peanut Ramen Bowl recipe delivers a rich and creamy noodle dish packed with bold flavors from a miso and peanut butter infused broth, crispy caramelized tofu, and vibrant fresh toppings. The hearty broth is made with coconut milk, red curry paste, and soy sauce, creating a satisfying umami base that pairs perfectly with tender ramen noodles. Crispy pan-fried tofu adds texture and protein, while fresh cucumber, cilantro, green onion, and chili crisp provide bright, spicy contrasts. This easy stovetop recipe is a flavorful and comforting vegetarian meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Tofu
- 1 block extra firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (such as Bachan’s Japanese BBQ sauce)
- 1 clove garlic, grated
Broth and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste or roasted red chili paste
- 1 tablespoon white miso
- 1–2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon roasted chicken or vegetable base (or substitute 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth)
- 1 (14-ounce) can full fat coconut milk
Noodles and Toppings
- 6 ounces uncooked ramen noodles (two 3-ounce packets, just noodles)
- Finely sliced cucumbers
- Cilantro and/or green onion
- Chili crisp
Instructions
- Prep Tofu: Press the extra firm tofu between paper towels to remove excess water. Then grate the tofu using a box grater with medium to large holes to create shredded tofu pieces.
- Crisp Tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded tofu and sauté for 10-15 minutes until the tofu develops a golden color and a lightly crisped, chewy texture.
- Sauce Tofu: Add 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce and the grated clove of garlic to the tofu in the skillet. Continue to sauté for another 5-10 minutes to caramelize the tofu further, adding an additional 1-2 tablespoons of sauce as desired. Once done, transfer the tofu to a separate bowl and wipe out the pan.
- Make Ramen Broth: In the same skillet, combine 1 tablespoon red curry paste, 1 tablespoon white miso, 1-2 tablespoons peanut butter, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Heat and stir until the mixture forms a thick paste. Stir in 1 (14-ounce) can full fat coconut milk and 1 1/2 cups water mixed with 1 1/2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon base or broth. Whisk everything together until fully incorporated. Simmer the broth for 5-10 minutes until it slightly thickens and becomes creamy.
- Cook Ramen: Meanwhile, bring a separate pot of water to a boil and cook the 6 ounces uncooked ramen noodles according to package instructions, about 3-4 minutes. Drain the noodles and add them to the simmering broth in the skillet. Simmer the noodles in the broth for 1-2 minutes so they absorb the flavors and are well-coated. Add extra broth if you prefer a soupier consistency.
- Serve: Divide the ramen noodles and broth evenly into bowls. Top each bowl with a generous scoop of the caramelized tofu, finely sliced cucumbers, cilantro and/or green onions, and a drizzle of chili crisp for added spice. Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of creamy, savory, and spicy flavors.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu is essential to achieve crispy texture; be sure to remove as much water as possible.
- You can substitute red curry paste with roasted red chili paste depending on your spice preference.
- Adjust the amount of peanut butter to your taste; it adds richness and nuttiness to the broth.
- Use reduced sodium soy sauce and broth bases to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Chili crisp adds a spicy crunch but can be omitted or replaced with chili oil if unavailable.
- This recipe is vegetarian if using vegetable broth base; switch to chicken base for a non-vegetarian variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Keywords: miso peanut ramen, tofu ramen, creamy ramen broth, vegetarian ramen, miso ramen, peanut butter ramen, curry paste ramen, coconut milk ramen
