Upgrade your pantry staples with this Easy Tomato Ramen! This 20-minute recipe transforms a simple pack of instant noodles into a gourmet, flavor-packed meal. Using tomatoes, garlic, and basil, you get a rich broth that’s miles better than the seasoning packet alone!
Tomato ramen is a glorious dish. Ramen noodles in a seasoned broth rich with tomato flavor is wildly delicious!
I was introduced to this simple recipe while perusing my friend Makoto's blog Japanese Food Cooking. Makoto is Japanese and lives on Kyushu Island, Japan, and mentioned they have a lot of tomato ramen places there.
When I read about Tomato Ramen, I knew I had to try it! It's now my favorite ramen recipe and I'm so excited to share my version with you!
This homemade ramen recipe is adapted from Makoto's delicious Tomato Ramen recipe.
Why You Will LOVE This Easy Ramen Recipe!
If you love ramen, then you will LOVE this dish! Here are just some of the reasons why you should make this recipe:
- This dish is perfect when you need an easy dinner. The recipe is simple and the ingredients are mostly pantry ingredients. You may already have the ingredients in your pantry!
- Obviously this is a very budget friendly dish. However, it's not just great for college days! Whether you are on a tight budget or not, you'll enjoy this ramen dish with a rich flavorful broth!
- The basic recipe is quick and ready in about 20 minutes! If you are taking the time to prepare special toppings, it may take you a little longer, but it's still quick.
- I have included some suggested toppings, but you can add whatever toppings you fancy!
Ok, now let's move on to the ingredients!
🥘 Ingredients
So here's what you'll need to make this Tomato Ramen recipe:
- Sapporo Ichiban Instant Ramen Noodles - I am using the Original Flavored type (you will need the flavor packet or seasoning packet so hold onto that)
- Crushed Italian tomatoes - I stick to Italian tomatoes in my cooking as I believe they have the BEST flavor!
- Chicken broth - use low sodium or unsalted chicken broth; you can substitute low sodium or unsalted vegetable broth if you prefer
- Fresh garlic
- Dried basil
- Extra virgin olive oil
Six simple ingredients, which you should be able to find at your local grocery store, are all you need for this basic recipe!
Of course you can enjoy this ramen noodle dish as is, but I'll bet if you are like me you'll be eager to add some delicious toppings!
Here are some suggested toppings:
- Green onions (or spring onions)
- Hard boiled eggs (or soft boiled egg)
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Sautéed baby bok choy
Now allow me to show you how EASY it is to make this ramen noodle recipe!
🔪 Instructions
Add plenty of water to your large pot or pan, and bring this to the boil for cooking the noodles. While waiting for this water to boil, start on the next step. (You can cook the noodles at a later step see below).
Heat the olive oil in your large pan or Dutch oven on medium-low heat. Once hot, add the garlic and stir fry for around 30 seconds or until fragrant.
Now add the tomatoes, the Sapporo Ichiban seasoning packets, and the dried basil and bring this to the boil on medium heat to medium high heat, stirring well until all ingredients are incorporated.
It's time to add the chicken (or vegetable) broth. Stir this in and bring to the boil again, then lower the heat to a simmer, and simmer for around 5 minutes.
PLEASE NOTE: 2 cups of chicken broth results in a dish that is fairly "dry." If you like a more soupy ramen, you can add additional broth.
While the broth is simmering, cook the noodles for 3 minutes in boiling water stirring occasionally. Drain once they have finished cooking.
To serve, divide the cooked noodles into 2 portions and place into gorgeous noodle bowls. Then add half of the broth to each bowl, and top with your choice of delicious toppings!
Suggestions For Serving
You can serve a bowl of this Tomato Ramen as meal in itself, enjoyed with your favorite pair of chopsticks.
A couple of side dishes served alongside this great ramen wouldn't go amiss, however. Consider having some Japanese Pickled Cucumbers or Okinawan Carrots to indulge in as well.
I hope that you will fall in love with this Tomato Ramen as I have!
Find the recipe card with the printable full recipe below!
FAQ
Store leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator and enjoy within 2-3 days.
There are endless toppings that you can add to this ramen to make it extra enjoyable! Consider sesame seeds, sliced bell peppers, sliced chicken breast or pork belly, and other fresh vegetables or bean sprouts. A drizzle of sesame oil would also add extra flavor!
Some Other Great Recipes You May Enjoy!
Here are some other great noodle recipes that you may enjoy:
- Garlicky, Buttery, and Cheesy Asian Noodles
- How To Make Divine Dan Dan Noodles
- Instant Asian Noodles Soup With Hoisin Pork
Join Me On A Fun Food Journey!
Finally, I invite you to come along on this food journey with me! Please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food horizons! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here.
Cheers!
Grace
Easy And Quick Tomato Ramen Instant Noodle Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large pan or Dutch oven for cooking the tomato based broth and combining all ingredients
- 1 large pan or pot for cooking the instant ramen noodles
Ingredients
- 2 packs instant Ramen noodles I used Sapporo Ichiban Original and we'll make use of the seasoning packets so hold onto those!
- 14 oz crushed Italian tomatoes I used Alessi brand crushed Italian tomatoes which will give you amazing flavor!
- 2 cups chicken broth use low sodium or unsalted chicken broth; you can substitute low sodium or unsalted vegetable broth if you prefer; this dish is fairly "dry"; if you like a more soupy ramen you can add additional broth
- 6 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Suggested Toppings and Garnishes
- 2 each hard boiled or soft boiled eggs halved
- ¼ cup shiitake mushrooms sliced (can sub your mushroom of choice)
- ¼ cup green onions sliced
- 1 small baby bok choy chopped and lightly stir fried in sesame oil
Instructions
- Add plenty of water to your large pot or pan, and bring this to the boil for cooking the noodles. While waiting for this water to boil, start on the next step. (You can cook the noodles at a later step see below).
- Heat the olive oil in your large pan or Dutch oven on medium-low heat. Once hot, add the garlic and stir fry for around 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Now add the tomatoes, the Sapporo Ichiban seasoning packets, and the dried basil and bring this to the boil on medium heat to medium high heat, stirring well until all ingredients are incorporated.
- It's time to add the chicken (or vegetable) broth. Stir this in and bring to the boil again, then lower the heat to a simmer, and simmer for around 5 minutes.
- While the broth is simmering, cook the noodles for 3 minutes in boiling water stirring occasionally. Drain once they have finished cooking.
- To serve, divide the noodles into 2 portions and place into gorgeous noodle bowls. Then add half of the broth to each bowl, and top with your choice of delicious toppings!
Grace
I am LOVING this tomato ramen! It's super easy to make great for a quick weeknight dinner or snack! Italian tomatoes are the way to go!