Main image of Spicy Miso Sesame Ramen

Spicy Miso Sesame Ramen

30 min

Meal

Soup
This ramen is a miso-based broth, with some creaminess from toasted sesame paste. It has a bit of a kick to it and is loaded with fried tofu puffs, tender bok choy, crisp carrots, and chewy thick noodles.

Servings

Total

30 min

Prep

10 min

Cook

20 min

Contains

Soy symbol

soy

Sesame symbol

sesame

Gluten symbol

gluten

Swap out

Treenut symbol

tree nut

Free from

Peanut symbol

peanut

Ingredients

  • 1½ Tbsp (22 mL)
    Asian sesame paste
  • 1 Tbsp (15 mL)
    white miso paste
  • 2 tsp (10 g)
    doubanjiang chili bean paste
  • ¼ cup (60 mL)
    unsweetened almond milk
  • 1
    medium shallot, minced
  • 2
    cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp
    freshly grated ginger
  • 1.8 oz (50 g)
    shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 Tbsp (15 mL)
    vegetable oil
  • 2 cups (480 mL)
    low-sodium vegetable stock
  • 4
    heads of baby bok choy, halved
  • 5.3 oz (150 g)
    fried tofu puffs
  • 1 tsp (5 mL)
    sesame oil
  • 13 oz (360 g)
    pre-cooked udon noodles
  • ¼
    carrot, julienned
  • ½ cup (45 g)
    fresh bean sprouts

Optional toppings

  • crispy chili oil
  • sliced green onion
  • black sesame seeds

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, mix the Asian sesame paste, miso paste, bean paste, and almond milk.
  2. Fry the shallot, garlic, ginger, and shiitake in oil in sauté pan on medium-high for 5 - 7 minutes.
  3. Add the stock and miso mixture to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 5 - 7 minutes.
  4. In the last 30 seconds add bok choy, tofu, and sesame oil.
  5. Meanwhile, cook the noodles separately for 30 seconds, or according to the package instruction. Drain and add to the bowls.
  6. Pour the soup over the noodles and garnish with desired toppings. Enjoy!

Storage

  • This dish is best enjoyed immediately.
  • The broth can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove and add the tofu, bok choy, and any other toppings before enjoying.
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Plate method

The Plate Method is a visual tool that helps us ensure our dietary needs are on track. Touch the image below to see how this recipe measures up.

Grains & Starches 28%

• pre-cooked udon noodles

Proteins 40%

• Asian sesame paste

• fried tofu puff

Fruits & Veggies 32%

• medium shallot

• clove garlic

• freshly grated ginger

• shiitake mushroom

• head of baby bok choy

• carrot

• fresh bean sprouts

Calcium

• unsweetened almond milk

• fried tofu puff

Fat

• Asian sesame paste

• vegetable oil

• sesame oil

Nutrition info

We believe that focusing on numbers can harm our relationship with food. Instead, our philosophy is to Nourish the Cells & the Soul. If you require specific nutrition information due to a medical condition, please consult with a dietitian or physician. The nutritional information provided is composed with the utmost care. However, we cannot guarantee the correctness of the displayed values, see also our disclaimer.

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Discussion & Rating

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Arthi - March 7, 2023, 12:53 a.m.

This was delicious, thank you for sharing Sadia! 🤤 I've been struggling to find vegetarian/vegan ramen when we go out so I was thrilled to come across your recipes. We had family over for dinner and thought it was the perfect opportunity to try both your ramen recipes! I loved both but I think the winner amongst the family was this one due to the creamier base. Will be adding this to our weekly dinner list! 🤤 Thank you 💛

PUL Team - March 7, 2023, 2:49 p.m.

We appreciate the kind words so much, Arthi, and are so glad the ramen was enjoyed. Thank YOU 🤗

Reply
Jamie - March 6, 2023, 2:05 a.m.

Delicious! I will definitely make this again!

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Angela - Feb. 18, 2023, 9:14 a.m.

I loved it

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Madisyn - Feb. 9, 2023, 4:42 p.m.

The best! I love to make this recipe and my husband cannot get enough. So versatile to help use up whatever is in the fridge. Great meal for those cold winter nights. Thank you!

PUL Team - Feb. 9, 2023, 10:35 p.m.

So glad it's being enjoyed, Madisyn, thank you!

Reply
Eva - Jan. 28, 2023, 5:43 p.m.

This was the first time I made ramen. I couldn’t find the Chili bean paste so I used sambal Oelek instead. It was delicious!!! Thank you for this quick, easy umami recipe!

PUL Team - Jan. 30, 2023, 6:50 a.m.

So glad it was enjoyed, Eva!

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Paula - Jan. 22, 2023, 2:12 p.m.

This recipe is so good that I can't eat ramen in restaurants anymore, they are bland in comparison.

PUL Team - Jan. 22, 2023, 6:25 p.m.

Such a big compliment, Paula - thank you!

Reply
Shalini - Jan. 21, 2023, 4:46 p.m.

My kids (age 10 & 8) love this and set up Friday night noodle night just so they can work through this recipe and all the ramen type recipes they can find!

PUL Team - Jan. 21, 2023, 8:57 p.m.

Awe love Friday night noodle night! So happy to hear 😃

Reply
Lei - Jan. 19, 2023, 9:32 p.m.

Just amazing. And so easy. A favorite of us

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Sophia Bogs - Dec. 29, 2022, 5:47 p.m.

I’ve been really nervous to make my own Ramen for some reason, but tried this recipe and shaboozle bam! It was amazing. I actually added a wee bit more miso and some cashew butter for the creaminess. The broth was also boiled with a piece of kombu. Will make this almost every day I think!
Thank you! Loved this episode.

PUL Team - Dec. 30, 2022, 4:45 p.m.

Mmm sounds delicious, Sophia, we're so thrilled it's being enjoyed!

Reply
Raluca - Dec. 24, 2022, 7:46 a.m.

Best Ramen I have ever eaten. I love asian food but I never knew this creamy version existed, nor the tofu puffs. This will surely become a staple recipe for my family. Thank you for sharing the recipe <3

PUL Team - Dec. 24, 2022, 4:17 p.m.

Oh such a big compliment, Raluca, thank YOU!

Reply
Sonia - Dec. 18, 2022, 2:25 a.m.

Hi, The link to the chilli bean paste is not working. Can the Ghochuchang work or you suggest any other better alternative?

PUL Team - Dec. 18, 2022, 7:01 p.m.

Hey there, Sonia, thanks for the heads up about the link! We've changed it to a more general link so hopefully, it redirects better. You can also use a different chili paste, such as sambal oelek or gochujang. Gochujang is a bit sweeter and less salty so just give the dish a taste and adjust as needed 🙂

Reply
Cierra - Dec. 18, 2022, 12:23 a.m.

Hello, could I use gochujang in place of the chili bean paste? Also I made your sun dried tomato veggie tart and it was so good!!

PUL Team - Dec. 18, 2022, 6:17 p.m.

Hey Cierra, yes you can use an alternative chili paste, such as sambal oelek or gochujang. Gochujang is a bit sweeter and less salty so just adjust the dish to taste. Also so glad the tart was enjoyed too 😃

alice - Feb. 15, 2023, 5:31 p.m.

thats waht i used (along with peanut butter for sesame ) And its SO good !!

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Rebecca - Dec. 10, 2022, 1:56 a.m.

what asian sesame paste does she use (preferably non spicy)?

PUL Team - Dec. 10, 2022, 9:06 p.m.

Hey Rebecca, we got ours from a local Asian supermarket. Asian sesame paste is nutty and not spicy. It's very similar to tahini. Tahini is made by blending raw sesame seeds, and Asian sesame paste is made by blending toasted sesame seeds. If preferred, you could also use an alternative nut or seed butter such as almond butter, peanut butter, or tahini in place of the Asian sesame paste. Just a heads up if you don't want too much spice, the doubanjiang chili bean paste is a tad spicy so you might want to start with less of that and add more to taste. The chili bean paste is often also sold in hot, medium, and mild flavours, so it might be best to choose a mild version - enjoy! 🙂

Reply
Claudia - Oct. 28, 2022, 11 a.m.

hi, i would like to try this recipe, but i don't have sesame paste, can i substitute it with another nutbutter? thank you

PUL Team - Oct. 28, 2022, 6:24 p.m.

Hey Claudia, yes another nut or seed butter such as almond butter, peanut butter, or tahini will work. In case you're interested and haven't already seen it, clicking the green arrow beside ingredient names will show sample alternatives 😃 We hope you enjoy the recipe if you give it a try!

Claudia - Oct. 28, 2022, 8:15 p.m.

thank you :)

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Daniëlle - Oct. 26, 2022, 7:13 a.m.

Really nice!

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Jenny - Oct. 24, 2022, 4 a.m.

Wow! We just had this for dinner and it was fabulous, very easy to put together, creamy and so flavorful! Thank you for yet another delicious recipe!

PUL Team - Oct. 25, 2022, 6:47 a.m.

So glad it was enjoyed, Jenny!

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Diana - Oct. 19, 2022, 10:05 p.m.

This soup is just...ugh...so good😍I already ate it 3 times this week and even my family loved it(they are not the biggest Asian soup fans)...the taste and the different textures just hit different❤️for everyone who's sceptical...give it a try....I promise, you won't regret it!!!

PUL Team - Oct. 19, 2022, 11:29 p.m.

Such a lovely compliment, Diana, thank you for the glowing review 💛

Reply
Esther - Oct. 16, 2022, 2:43 p.m.

My first ramen ever and I loved it! Can't wait to try Robin's! Where do you buy this tofu, though? I used regular one, pan-Fried.
PUL, YOU ARE THE BEST! 🧡

PUL Team - Oct. 16, 2022, 6:23 p.m.

Oh Esther, YOU are the best! We got our tofu puffs at a local Asian supermarket called Toko. Frying up some regular tofu cubes is a lovely substitute too 😃

Reply
Ghazal - Oct. 12, 2022, 3:25 a.m.

Made it tonight a second time, its thats good!

PUL Team - Oct. 12, 2022, 3:43 a.m.

So glad it was enjoyed, Ghazal!

Reply
Ema - Oct. 11, 2022, 8:39 p.m.

Perfectly delicious, thank you🥰🙏

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Janette - Oct. 5, 2022, 5:10 a.m.

Whoah! So easy to prepare, creamy, so delicious and loaded with veggies!

PUL Team - Oct. 6, 2022, 5:11 p.m.

Woohoo! Thank you, Janette 😊

Reply
Chloe - Sept. 26, 2022, 12:21 p.m.

Easy, tasty, quick. Perfection!

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Krupali - Sept. 23, 2022, 5:39 a.m.

Tried this recipe and loved it!! First time trying ramen and couldn't have tasted better. Thanks so much Pick Up Limes (and Sam) for a quick, delicious recipe!

We used stir fried tofu instead of the tofu puffs and it was perfect. Also added some peanuts for a crunch and loved it.

PUL Team - Sept. 23, 2022, 4:55 p.m.

How exciting that it was your time 😃 We're so glad it was enjoyed, Krupali, and love the addition of peanuts!

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Robin - Sept. 16, 2022, 10:40 a.m.

Very good! The broth was very tasty. I think that I will prepare these ramen at least once a week. ^^ It is quick and easy to make, with ingredients that you can find in any Asian store.

Quick note about the print function on the website: the text only occupies about 2/3 of the page, which can be a little bit frustrating with long recipes. I believe that the issue appeared in early 2022 (no problem in November 2021). I hope that it could be solved!

PUL Team - Sept. 16, 2022, 5 p.m.

Hi Robin, so glad the recipe is being enjoyed and thank you for the feedback! It's definitely helpful for us to work towards improving. In the meantime, opting not to print the photo (unchecking the "print image" box) and making the font smaller by pressing the green "-" button at the top of the print preview page may help. Feel free to email us at [email protected] if you'd like any further support 🙂

Reply
Katya - Sept. 16, 2022, 1:52 a.m.

Bonjour !
Really good and easy. Not enough broth for me, I like soupe with more liquid goodness. Next time I will make more. Also with my tahini it separted but it still taste really good. I did not find the tofu puff here in Québec so I use the smoked tofu idea from your husband receipe. Thank you !

PUL Team - Sept. 16, 2022, 1:56 a.m.

Hi Katya! Thanks for taking the time to share the feedback - it's so appreciated. We find blending our tahini batch in the food processor especially helpful to prevent it from separating when cooking. Otherwise, giving the sauce in this recipe a good stir may help. Love the modifications and sending our biggest hugs to Québec 🤗

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Miriam - Sept. 15, 2022, 11:25 p.m.

Ok, you got me addicted to this one! 😅
Sadia, you can tell your sister I love love looove her recipe! 🤤 I made it twice this week and will most likely cook it again soon. I shall give Robin's Ramen a chance too though 😉
I sent the link to a few friends and they all say it looks amazing! 😀
Greetings from Germany,
Miriam 🍜

PUL Team - Sept. 16, 2022, 1:52 a.m.

We'll be sure to pass on the message, Miriam, thanks for sharing your kindness! Do let us know what you think if you give Robin's a try. Sending lots of love to Germany 🤩

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Charlotte - Sept. 15, 2022, 9:38 p.m.

This was my first time making and trying ramen and it was a complete win! 🏆🙌🏻 Thank you Sadia for inviting your sister to share this recipe with us, it's so appreciated! I couldn't get a couple of the ingredients so I swapped them out and also used brown rice noodles to make it GF, but it still tasted wonderful! Will definitely be making again! (Onto making Robin's recipe next. 👀)

PUL Team - Sept. 15, 2022, 10:12 p.m.

How exciting to hear, Charlotte, it means so much and love the recipe adjustments! Let us know your thoughts after trying Robins 😃

Miriam - Sept. 15, 2022, 11:27 p.m.

I used Brown Rice noodles and it's equally delicious 😊

Reply
Olivia - Sept. 14, 2022, 11:22 a.m.

What a great and easy ramen!
UnfortunatelyI had some issues with the sesame paste (i used Tahini) since they're always a bit different in consistency/oiliness - so when it was cooking it started to flock. Maybe it was the fusion with the milk?
HOWEVER I tried it again with peanut butter which was way smoother, I also recommend adding a tsp of sweetener (like Agave sirup) to cut through any "bitterness".
Hope this helps someone :)

PUL Team - Sept. 15, 2022, 7:19 p.m.

Hey Olivia! We find blending our tahini batch in the food processor especially helpful to prevent it from separating. Otherwise, giving the sauce in this recipe a good stir and aiming to use fresh tahini may help with the separation and bitterness. Glad to hear it was still enjoyed despite the issues 😃

Reply
Louana - Sept. 12, 2022, 8:34 p.m.

Hello (from Quebec) !!
I tested this recipe today and it's amazing, I love it ! I didn't find all the ingredients (the Asian ones) but anyway, it still tastes wonderful !
Thank you all for this recipe, I wish you to keep doing what you love and having fun !

PUL Team - Sept. 14, 2022, 6:45 p.m.

Hey there, Louana, so happy to hear! Sending an abundance of love to Quebec 💛

Reply
Catarina - Sept. 12, 2022, 3:51 p.m.

I made it today and it was suuuuper good! Really quick to make and full of flavour!

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Stacie - Sept. 11, 2022, 8:18 p.m.

This is the best ramen I have ever made at home! It was so flavorful and easy! It’s going to be a staple for sure.

PUL Team - Sept. 12, 2022, 4:46 p.m.

We're smiling from ear to ear, Stacie, thanks a bunch!

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Diti - Sept. 7, 2022, 8:09 p.m.

Delish!!!! Quickish to make and soooo good

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Naouar - Sept. 7, 2022, 7:32 p.m.

Hi PUL Team, I really want to try this recipe first because, just like Sadia, I’m all about creamy broths! I almost have all the ingredients on hand except for the noodles and the tofu puffs. I never know which noodles to use for ramen. Could you give me a recommendation? Also, where can I find the tofu puffs and what are they called in Dutch? I’m based in Amsterdam…

PUL Team - Sept. 7, 2022, 8:07 p.m.

Hi Naouar! Many different noodles can be used in ramen. We got ours at our local Asian supermarket (Toko) and the ramen noodles are labeled right on the package. With that said, we sometimes also make it with udon or soba noodles. We got our tofu puffs from the Toko as well, but frying up some regular tofu cubes will also work. We hope you enjoy the recipe if you're able to give it a try 🙂

Emma - Sept. 7, 2022, 8:40 p.m.

I made it tonight using rice noodles and chicken-style chunks instead of tofu as that was all I had add it was still very tasty. I recommend just using whatever you have. I didn’t have the doubanjiang either, so just used half a teaspoon of chilli powder and half a teaspoon light soy sauce. Again, it was still delicious. Just go for it! :)

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Kajsa - Sept. 7, 2022, 12:21 p.m.

Wow what an amazing recipe! It was so flavourful and delicious but still very easy to make! This ramen will easily become a staple for me:)

PUL Team - Sept. 7, 2022, 7:17 p.m.

We're smiling from ear to ear, Kajsa, thank you ☺️

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Holly - Sept. 7, 2022, 9:58 a.m.

I had JUST run out of soy sauce so tried Sam's Miso ramen first (sorry Robin lol) and...this is the real deal. It's sooooo good!!! Unsure how I've lived 26 years without this recipe. I swapped in some random fermented chilli garlic paste I found in my fridge for doubanjiang and topped with things I had on hand, and it was easily the best ramen I've ever made (or bought??!). Looking forward to seeing how Robin's shoyu ramen stacks up! 😉

PUL Team - Sept. 7, 2022, 7:15 p.m.

Aw thank you for the glowing review, Holly! Let us know what you think after trying Robins 😎

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Ethon - Sept. 6, 2022, 12:38 p.m.

Had everything in my fridge for this - lucky me! Easy to make, delicious, a real winner! Will be making this regularly!

PUL Team - Sept. 7, 2022, 4:46 p.m.

Sounds like it was meant to be! Beyond happy to hear, Ethon 😊

Reply
Gina - Sept. 6, 2022, 8:43 a.m.

I tried it today. Very delicious and easy!!!! Thanks for the recipe! I'll try the shoyu one next!!

PUL Team - Sept. 7, 2022, 8:01 a.m.

So glad to hear, Gina, and we hope you love it!

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Katia - Sept. 5, 2022, 10:01 p.m.

What is chilli bean paste ?I google it but there is Hoisin picture. Is that ok ? It is not spicy so I guess not 🙄

PUL Team - Sept. 7, 2022, 8 a.m.

Hey there, Katia, chili bean paste is sometimes called chili bean sauce, spicy bean sauce or doubanjiang. We tend to find it in the international aisle of larger grocery stores or in international grocery stores. You can click on the ingredient name to see sample brands on Amazon or you could consider using a different chili paste, such as Sambal Oelek for spice 🙂

Stacie - Sept. 11, 2022, 8:21 p.m.

It is very good with Sambal Oelek! That’s what I used since I had it on hand.

Katya - Sept. 11, 2022, 10:07 p.m.

Thank you for Sharon Stacie. I have this soup on the menu this week and I will use my sambal.

Katia - Sept. 11, 2022, 10:08 p.m.

***sharing

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Nadieh - Sept. 5, 2022, 4:41 p.m.

What is the less spicy alternative for the doubanjiang chili bean paste? I've never made ramen with a creamy broth, but it looks delicious and I will pick up some of these tofu puffs as well!

PUL Team - Sept. 7, 2022, 3:56 a.m.

Hey Nadieh, a general black bean paste without chili added will do. You could also add less chili bean paste (such as a 1/4 tsp with more to taste) for less spice. We hope you enjoy the ramen if you give it a try 😃

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Karolina - Sept. 5, 2022, 1:36 p.m.

Love this recipe! Will be my favorite ramen from now on!

PUL Team - Sept. 7, 2022, 12:32 a.m.

A massive compliment, Karolina 🙌

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Shania - Sept. 5, 2022, 12:08 p.m.

Honestly, I tried both versions of Ramen and I feel both are good. They are incomparable. Thanks for both the recipes, PUL team including Sam.

PUL Team - Sept. 7, 2022, 12:30 a.m.

Aw thank you, Shania, it means so much!

Reply