Cheap Vegan Ramen Recipe for Quick and Tasty Weeknight Dinners

There’s something uniquely comforting about a steaming bowl of ramen—especially when you realize you can make a delicious, soul-hugging version without breaking the bank or straying from your vegan lifestyle.

Whether you’re a student watching your budget, a busy professional needing a quick meal, or simply someone who craves savory noodles on a chilly day, this cheap vegan ramen recipe is for you.

By using humble pantry ingredients and a few fresh vegetables, you can whip up a deeply flavorful broth and bouncy noodles in less than 30 minutes. No fancy ingredients, no expensive store-bought broths, and zero animal products—just pure satisfaction.

If you’re ready to transform simple kitchen staples into a bowl of umami-packed goodness, keep reading for a budget-friendly vegan ramen you’ll want again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Affordable: Uses basic, inexpensive ingredients found at any grocery store.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Customizable: Swap in whatever veggies you have on hand, and adjust seasonings to taste.
• Deep Umami Flavor: Miso, soy sauce, and garlic create a rich, savory broth—no meat required.
• 100% Vegan: Completely plant-based, but so hearty even non-vegans will enjoy it.
• Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, protein from tofu, and energizing carbs from noodles.
• Minimal Equipment: All you need is a pot and a knife—no fancy gadgets necessary.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large pot (for broth and noodles)
• Knife (for chopping veggies and tofu)
• Cutting board
• Ladle (for serving)
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Slotted spoon or tongs (optional, for removing tofu)
• Bowl (for serving the ramen)

Instructions

1. Prep the ingredients:
   • Peel and mince the garlic and ginger.
   • Slice the green onions, mushrooms, and julienne the carrot.
   • Cube the tofu and gently pat dry with a kitchen towel.
2. Make the broth:
   • Heat the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Add mushrooms and half the green onions, cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
   • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Add flavor:
   • Stir in the soy sauce and miso paste until dissolved.
   • Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or a pinch of salt if needed.
4. Cook the tofu:
   • Add the cubed tofu to the simmering broth.
   • Let it cook for 5 minutes to absorb flavors. If preferred, you can pan-fry the tofu separately in a non-stick pan with a splash of oil until golden, then add to the broth.
5. Add noodles and veggies:
   • Add ramen noodles (without seasoning packets), carrots, and frozen greens to the pot.
   • Cook according to noodle package instructions (usually about 3 minutes), stirring gently.
6. Finish & serve:
   • Ladle the noodles, tofu, and veggies into bowls.
   • Top with remaining green onions and sriracha or chili garlic sauce for heat if desired.
   • Enjoy your quick, cheap, and delicious vegan ramen!

Tips & Variations

“Don’t be afraid to get creative! Ramen is all about using what you have.”

• Veggie swaps: Use broccoli, bok choy, snap peas, or cabbage if you have them on hand.
• Budget protein: Skip tofu for an even cheaper version—add extra mushrooms or a handful of cooked beans.
• Miso alternatives: If you don’t have miso, use extra soy sauce and a splash of rice vinegar for tang.
• Broth boosters: Add a spoonful of peanut butter for creamy richness, or a dash of nutritional yeast for a cheesy note.
• Flavor upgrades: Top with sesame seeds, nori strips, or a squeeze of lime.
• Gluten-free: Use rice noodles or gluten-free ramen noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Spice it up: Add chili oil or crushed red pepper for more heat.
• Make it a meal: Serve with a quick side, like a Harvest Hash or homemade sweet and sour sauce for dipping veggies.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition will vary based on your brand of noodles, broth, and veggies.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a dash of chili flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil for extra depth.
• Extra veggies: Serve with a side of quick pickled cucumbers or kimchi for a tangy contrast.
• Make it a meal: Pair with a fresh salad or a simple appetizer, such as those from our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes collection.
• Beverage pairing: Enjoy with a cold glass of iced green tea or a fun homemade drink like our Huckleberry Margarita for a festive touch.
• On-the-go: Make a double batch and pack leftovers in a thermos for a warming lunch at school or work.

Conclusion

Vegan ramen doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With just a few budget-friendly staples and a little creativity, you can create a bowl that’s rich in flavor, nutrients, and comfort.

This recipe is designed to be flexible—swap in what you have, taste as you go, and make it your own. The best part?

It’s easy on your wallet and your schedule.

If you enjoyed this cheap vegan ramen, don’t forget to explore more affordable, plant-based ideas like our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula or our savory Lion’s Mane Mushroom Crumble. With a little ingenuity, you’ll find that eating vegan and budget-friendly meals can be utterly satisfying and incredibly delicious.

Happy slurping!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Cheap Vegan Ramen”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly vegan ramen that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“6 cups vegetable broth”, “3 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning)”, “1 tablespoon soy sauce”, “1 tablespoon sesame oil”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 inch ginger, grated”, “2 cups mixed frozen vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)”, “1 cup sliced mushrooms”, “2 green onions, sliced”, “1 tablespoon sriracha (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and ginger, saut\u00e9 for 1 minute until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in soy sauce and frozen vegetables.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add ramen noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Taste and add sriracha for spice if desired.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot, topped with green onions.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280”, “proteinContent”: “8g”, “fatContent”: “5g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “50g”}}