These Healthy Ramen Noodles make a quick and easy meal for a busy weeknight.
Ramen noodles have come a long way since I was in college. Sure, there are plenty of dried ramen products on the market, but there’s nothing like a bowl of ramen noodle soup made with fresh, whole ingredients, for a hearty and healthy meal.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, one of my college aged boys is living off-campus and is now cooking all his meals. So, I’m posting some easy, healthy recipes here on my blog for him in hopes that he’ll expand his meal options and eat more healthily.
Ramen noodles are a super fast and easy meal in a bowl, and can be a really healthy meal when good, whole ingredients are included, such as leafy green vegetables (e.g., Chinese broccoli, napa cabbage, bok choy, spinach, kale, Swiss chard), carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, tofu, chicken and eggs. Soba noodles are an even healthier option and can often be found in the Asian section of your local grocery store.
For convenience (and less chopping), you can use frozen vegetables or look for prepackaged cut up vegetables in the produce section at your supermarket or Trader Joe’s.
Leftovers can easily be used in ramen noodle soup. I’ve used leftover 15 Minute Spice Rubbed Roasted Salmon and stir-fried vegetables in ramen noodle soup and it’s delicious. There’s no need to reheat leftovers – just put them in the bottom of the serving bowl and pour the hot noodles and broth on top, which will warm everything up. If you made the Easy Pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables I posted earlier this week, you can use any leftovers in this ramen noodle soup.
One rule of thumb I try to follow for a healthier ramen noodle soup is to make 75% of the toppings vegetables/plant-based, and the remaining 25% lean protein. Also, instead of using the packet that comes with the ramen noodles (which often contain MSG), I use vegetable or chicken broth. I actually sent my son some soba noodles and some fresh ramen noodles as a special treat, hoping he’ll try this healthy, quick and easy meal.
Healthy Ramen Noodles
Ingredients
- 1 bundle soba noodles or 1 pack fresh or dried ramen noodles Lotus Foods and King Soba make gluten-free versions
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups vegetables e.g., Chinese vegetables, kale, spinach, zucchini, broccoli, sugar snap peas, snow peas, mushrooms
- 1/4 block tofu soft, regular or firm, cut up
- 1/2 cup boneless chicken cut into strips
- 1 egg
- Optional:
- low sodium soy sauce
- sesame oil
Instructions
-
Cook noodles according to package directions. Remove noodles to serving bowl. In same pot, bring broth to a boil, then add vegetables, tofu and chicken to broth; break egg into pot; cook on medium low for 2-3 minutes, until vegetables are just tender and chicken is cooked through. Pour into bowl over ramen noodles. Drizzle a little soy sauce and sesame oil on top, if desired.
Amy @ Happy Healthy RD says
That does look super easy! Looking forward to trying out this recipe.
Jeanette says
This is so easy – it comes together in less than 10 minutes!
Kristen Chang says
Ramen is always a hit in our household… especially this time of year. Can’t wait to make this for my hubby!
Jeanette says
I hope you and your hubby enjoy this!
Emily @ Zen and Spice says
Love the pre packaged stir fry mix. That’s so handy!
Jeanette says
There are so many different kinds of stir fry mixes available in the supermarket, which makes it so easy to include vegetables in this dish and others.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Light yet satisfying and appetizing…my kind of lunch!
Jeanette says
I love Asian noodle soups for lunch!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Mom-approved ramen? I’m sure he’ll love it 😉
Jeanette says
I’m hoping my son will find this one bowl meal nourishing and filling 😉
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Jeanette, I love this!!!! going to try this!
Jeanette says
Thanks Alice – I’m kind of obsessed with ramen, especially when it’s so cold out!
John T. says
Hi Jeanette, on my list to try! ????
Jeanette says
I know you like kimchi John, so you could use dashi and kimchi in the soup to spice things up!
John T. says
Kimchi, a good idea with almost any meal, lol!
Liz says
Thanks Jeanette. This sounds nice.
Jeanette says
You’re welcome Liz – I hope you have a chance to try this 🙂
Connie says
Hello Jeanette. First time writing. I love Asian food. Can’t wait to try this out.
Jeanette says
Thanks Connie – appreciate you leaving a comment!