Name: 15 Minute Sesame Ramen Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 package ramen noodles (flavor packet discarded); 1 tablespoon coconut oil; 2 garlic cloves (minced); ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon chili garlic paste; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 2 green onions (thinly sliced); toasted sesame seeds for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that’s quick, flavorful, and totally satisfying, this 15 Minute Sesame Ramen is an absolute game changer. It’s packed with rich, nutty sesame notes, a gentle kick from chili garlic paste, and the perfect balance of sweet and savory that transforms simple ramen noodles into a gourmet experience you can whip up in no time. Whether you’re rushing home after a long day or just want a cozy meal that feels special, this recipe will become your new go-to for effortless, delicious cooking.

15 Minute Sesame Ramen Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple with a handful of pantry staples that each play a big role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy toasted sesame oil to the zing of fresh ginger, every ingredient is essential and brings something unique to this quick noodle dish.

Ramen noodles: Use a basic package without the flavor packet to start fresh and control the flavor profile yourself.
Coconut oil: Its mild sweetness and tropical aroma complement the sesame perfectly while giving the garlic and ginger a great sauté base.
Garlic cloves (minced): Adds sharpness and warmth — freshly minced is key for that punch.
Freshly grated ginger: Offers a lively, slightly spicy brightness that balances the richness of sesame oil.
Brown sugar: A touch of sweetness to mellow the tangy and spicy elements and deepen the sauce.
Low sodium soy sauce: Provides salty umami without overwhelming the other flavors.
Rice vinegar: Brings acidity and brightness, giving the dish a light, tangy lift.
Chili garlic paste: For gentle heat and a flavorful kick — adjust to taste for mild or spicy.
Toasted sesame oil: The star ingredient that adds a nutty fragrance and luscious mouthfeel.
Green onions (thinly sliced): Their fresh, crisp bite brings texture and color to the finished dish.
Toasted sesame seeds: For garnish — they add a lovely crunch and enhance that sesame theme beautifully.

How to Make 15 Minute Sesame Ramen

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by boiling the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, which usually takes just 2 to 3 minutes—perfect timing to multitask and prep the sauce ingredients while waiting for your water to boil. Drain and set the noodles aside once they’re tender and springy.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and melt the coconut oil. Once fragrant and shimmering, stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Let those aromas develop for about a minute. Then add brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic paste, stirring everything together until glossy and well combined.

Step 3: Finish the Dish

Turn off the heat and drizzle in the toasted sesame oil, stirring it through the mixture for that irresistible nutty depth. Toss in your cooked ramen noodles, coating them thoroughly with the sauce. This step is where all the ingredients come together to create a harmonious, flavor-packed bowl.

How to Serve 15 Minute Sesame Ramen

Garnishes

Fresh green onions sliced thinly add a crisp, vibrant pop of color and a subtle oniony bite. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds generously over the top to create inviting texture and enhance the sesame flavor theme. These simple garnishes elevate the dish visually and taste-wise.

Side Dishes

Pair your sesame ramen with crunchy steamed or stir-fried vegetables like snap peas, bok choy, or broccoli to add fresh greens and brighten the meal. A light cucumber salad or even some kimchi on the side makes for a refreshing, tangy contrast that livens up this rich noodle bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your 15 Minute Sesame Ramen in a deep bowl to show off the glossy noodles and garnishes beautifully. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit more toasted sesame oil on top or add a soft-boiled egg for richness and visual appeal. Wrapping chopsticks together in a pretty napkin makes this quick dish feel like a restaurant-worthy experience at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The noodles will absorb some of the sauce over time, so the flavors deepen, but the texture might soften a bit. It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

Because of the noodles’ delicate texture and sesame oil, freezing 15 Minute Sesame Ramen is not recommended. The noodles tend to become mushy and lose their pleasant bite when thawed.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the noodles in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Stir frequently to heat everything evenly without overcooking the noodles. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?

Absolutely! While ramen noodles are traditional, you can also use soba, udon, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on how much chili garlic paste you add. The recipe calls for one teaspoon, which provides a gentle heat that can be increased or decreased based on your preference.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you double-check that your noodles don’t contain eggs. Using plant-based soy sauce and avoiding any animal-derived toppings keeps it fully vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

What can I do if I don’t have toasted sesame oil?

Toasted sesame oil adds a rich nutty flavor that really defines the dish. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with regular sesame oil or a light drizzle of toasted nuts like crushed peanuts or almonds, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

How can I add protein to this meal?

Consider topping your ramen with soft-boiled eggs, tofu cubes, or thinly sliced cooked chicken or shrimp. Adding protein turns the dish into a more substantial meal without losing any of the original charm.

Final Thoughts

This 15 Minute Sesame Ramen is a perfect example of how a handful of simple ingredients and a little love can come together in a delicious, soul-satisfying bowl. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but flavorful enough to impress anyone who tastes it. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food that’s ready in a flash!

15 Minute Sesame Ramen Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and flavorful 15-minute sesame ramen recipe featuring tender noodles coated in a savory garlic-ginger sauce, enriched with toasted sesame oil and topped with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for a delightful crunchy finish.

Instructions

Cook Noodles: Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, usually 2 to 3 minutes. This step prepares the noodles just right while you get other ingredients ready.
Prepare Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the coconut oil and melt it. Stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking for about one minute until fragrant.
Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add brown sugar, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine all flavors and simmer momentarily. Then turn off the heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil for richness.
Toss Noodles with Sauce: Transfer the cooked noodles into the skillet with the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat every strand with the flavorful mixture.
Serve and Garnish: Plate the noodles and generously sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a fresh and crunchy topping. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Discard the seasoning packet from the ramen noodles as it contains excess sodium and does not complement this recipe’s flavors.
Adjust chili garlic paste quantity to control the spiciness according to your taste.
Use low sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium content moderate.
For a vegan version, ensure the ramen noodles do not contain eggs.
To save time, prepare the sauce while noodles are cooking.
Optional: Add cooked vegetables or protein like tofu or chicken to make a complete meal.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian