A homemade ramen night made easy
This teriyaki tofu ramen bowl takes a little inspiration from Japanese flavours, combining crispy tofu with homemade teriyaki sauce.
There is something wonderfully comforting about a big bowl of ramen. Slathering crispy, shredded tofu in a homemade teriyaki sauce is one of the most satisfying meals you will make this week. Let it cook together for a minute or two, turning the tofu so every piece becomes glossy and coated. The result is a sticky, and slightly sweet protein, exactly what you want sitting on top of a bowl of noodles.
This is not about re-creating a restaurant ramen bowl with complicated ingredients and hours of preparation. I have deliberately made the ramen broth simple so the teriyaki tofu shines through in this dish. Prepare your ramen noodles like you normally would, using the flavour packet that comes with your noodles. If you prefer to use your own seasoning please do.
How to make homemade teriyaki sauce
Homemade teriyaki sauce is incredibly simple and tastes much better than you might expect for something that takes only a few minute to prepare.
A combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, a little sweetness from brown sugar and a tangy hoisin sauce creates the perfect balance of salty, sweet, savoury and slightly tangy.
Simmer it briefly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
For complete measurements and full recipe, see the recipe card below.
Substitutes
Make it your own. Because the toppings are flexible, it is a great way to use up vegetables sitting in the fridge.
You can also swap tofu for chicken, salmon or another protein, see my other recipes below for more inspiration.
Freezable
The best part is that the teriyaki sauce can be made ahead and kept in the fridge or freezer, ready to turn tofu, vegetables or noodles into something special whenever you need it.
Big batch cooking tips
Prep your toppings and your teriyaki sauce ahead of time and keep refrigerated until you need it. Easier when you want to make a big batch.
Similar recipes for you to enjoy
For a completely vegan recipe try my shredded teriyaki tofu in salad cups. Or try an easy meal prep teriyaki tofu rice bowl.
Final thoughts on teriyaki tofu ramen bowl
To achieve the best ramen bowl, is a balance of texture. Soft chewy noodles, silky broth, tender vegetables and crispy tofu coated in a sticky teriyaki glaze. Every bite is a little different. Creating a really satisfying bowl of noodles at home, using a few simple components and especially my homemade teriyaki sauce.
Teriyaki tofu ramen bowl
Ingredients
- 500 g firm tofu
- 4 packs of your favourite ramen
- 800 ml water
- ½ tbsp vegetable oil
Teriyaki sauce
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- 8 tbsp dark brown sugar
- 8 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 4 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 4 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger minced.
Toppings
- 2 medium sized carrots
- 200 g of broccoli florets
- 100 g corn
- 2 tbsp white sesame seeds
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha
Instructions
Tofu prep
- Press 500 g firm tofu between paper towels and put a pot on top, to release excess liquid.
- Shred tofu on largest side of your box grater.
Teriyaki sauce
- Gently fry the 4 cloves of garlic in a bit of sesame oil.
- Add 8 tbsp dark brown sugar, 8 tbsp hoisin sauce, 4 tbsp dark soy sauce, 4 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp fresh ginger, to the pot.
- Whisk together and bring to boil.
- Lower the heat and let simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Let cool.
- Mix the shredded tofu with the cooled teriayki sauce. Let sit for about five minutes to let the teriyaki soak into the tofu.
- Add 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil to a hot pan and add the shredded teriyaki tofu. Let fry for up to ten minutes, stir frequently until your tofu is crispy.
Toppings prep
- Cut the 2 medium sized carrots in half and slice into thin sticks.
- Quickly steam your 200 g of broccoli florets and 100 g corn.
Ramen prep
- Boil 800 ml water
- Add 4 packs of your favourite ramen and the flavour package. Depending on the brand of your ramen two packages might be enough.
- Take out the noodles and divide the liquid into four bowls.
Assembly
- In your bowls with the ramen liquid add back the noodles equally in each bowl.
- Top the bowls with the vegetables and teriyaki tofu.
- Lastly sprinkle the sesame seeds and drizzle sriracha to your liking.
- Serve right away.
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