If you’re craving a meal that’s quick, tasty, and a little different, you’ve come to the right place! Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for Chili Crisp Peanut Butter Ramen. This dish combines rich flavors and crisp textures, all in under 20 minutes. With easy ingredients and plenty of ways to customize, you’ll want to whip this up again and again. Get ready to impress your taste buds!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 200g ramen noodles
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
– 2 tablespoons chili crisp oil
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
To start, you need the right main ingredients for this tasty meal. Ramen noodles are the base of the dish. They are quick to cook and absorb flavors well. Peanut butter adds creaminess and richness. Chili crisp oil brings heat and crunch. Soy sauce adds depth, while sesame oil and rice vinegar give a nice balance to the flavors.
Vegetables and Optional Toppings
– 1-2 scallions, finely chopped
– 1 carrot, julienned
– ½ cup snap peas, trimmed
– 1 boiled egg, halved (optional)
– Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Next, I love to add some vegetables to my ramen. Scallions give a fresh taste. Carrots add a sweet crunch. Snap peas bring a nice green element and keep things bright. The boiled egg is optional but adds protein and a creamy texture. Finally, sesame seeds and fresh cilantro make great garnishes. They elevate the dish and add more flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Ramen
To cook the ramen, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is bubbling, add 200g of ramen noodles. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, following the package instructions. When the noodles are tender, drain them and set them aside. This step is easy, but timing is key to avoid mushy noodles.
Preparing the Sauce
Next, you will prepare the sauce. In a mixing bowl, add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of chili crisp oil, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar. Use a whisk or fork to mix these ingredients together until the sauce is smooth. This sauce is the star of the dish, so make sure it’s well combined.
Sautéing the Vegetables
Now, it’s time to sauté the vegetables. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of sesame oil. Once the oil is warm, toss in the chopped scallions, julienned carrot, and snap peas. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes. The goal is to make them tender but still crisp. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Final Assembly
For the final assembly, add the cooked ramen noodles to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the peanut butter sauce over the noodles. Toss everything together gently until the noodles are fully coated in sauce. This step combines all the flavors into one delicious dish. Once mixed well, divide the ramen into bowls. If you like, top each bowl with a halved boiled egg, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and some fresh cilantro. Enjoy your tasty and quick meal!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Sauce
To make the sauce just right, taste as you go. Start with the basic mix of peanut butter, chili crisp oil, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more peanut butter. If you want it spicier, add more chili crisp oil. You can also add a splash of lime juice for a bright flavor. Experiment until it fits your taste.
Cooking Noodles to Perfection
When cooking ramen noodles, timing is key. Follow the package instructions carefully. Usually, 3-4 minutes is enough. Keep an eye on them. Test a noodle to check if it is al dente—firm but not hard. Drain them quickly to stop the cooking process. Rinse them briefly under cold water to keep them from sticking together.
Customizing the Garnish
Garnishes add fun and flavor. You can use halved boiled eggs for richness. Toasted sesame seeds add a nice crunch. Fresh cilantro gives a fresh taste. You can also add chili flakes for extra heat or diced avocado for creaminess. Feel free to mix and match based on what you love!
Variations
Protein Additions
You can add protein to your Chili Crisp Peanut Butter Ramen. Here are some tasty choices:
– Chicken: Cook bite-sized pieces in a pan until golden.
– Tofu: Use firm tofu, cut into cubes, and sauté until crispy.
– Shrimp: Sauté shrimp until pink and tender.
Adding protein makes the meal more filling and adds flavor.
Spicy Version
Want more heat? You can easily boost the spice level. Here’s how:
– Add an extra tablespoon of chili crisp oil for more flavor.
– Toss in sliced fresh chili peppers, like jalapeños or Thai chilis.
– If you like it very hot, use a hot sauce of your choice.
This will give your ramen a fiery kick that pairs well with the creamy peanut butter.
Vegetarian and Vegan Alternatives
If you want to keep it vegetarian or vegan, here are some swaps:
– Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for protein.
– Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you need a base.
– Ensure your chili crisp and soy sauce are vegan-friendly.
These changes keep your dish delicious without any animal products.
Storage Info
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the ramen fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cool the ramen completely before sealing it. This step prevents moisture build-up that can make the noodles soggy.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat ramen, place it in a pot over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently as it heats up. You can also use the microwave. Place the ramen in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze this dish for later. Divide the ramen into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out the air before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. The ramen can last for about a month in the freezer. To eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
FAQs
What is chili crisp?
Chili crisp is a spicy oil blend. It contains chili flakes, garlic, and onions. People use it to add flavor and heat. It works well in many dishes, like ramen or rice.
Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can use other noodles. Try udon, soba, or even egg noodles. Rice noodles are a great gluten-free option. Just cook them according to package directions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free ramen noodles. Check labels on soy sauce and chili crisp. Choose gluten-free versions to ensure safety.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce heat, use less chili crisp oil. You can also add more peanut butter. Mix in coconut milk for creaminess. Adding more veggies can help balance the spice, too.
In this blog post, we explored how to make a tasty ramen dish. We covered key ingredients like ramen noodles, peanut butter, and chili crisp oil. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking perfect noodles and making a flavorful sauce. We shared tips to customize your ramen with vegetables and toppings.
My final thoughts: Experiment with flavors and ingredients. Enjoy this easy dish any way you like!
