When it comes to quick comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like this easy garlic-butter ramen recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you crave a warm, flavorful bowl of noodles, this dish combines simplicity with indulgence.
It’s a modern twist on a classic favorite, elevated with buttery garlic and fresh herbs that will have you coming back for seconds.
Why This Easy Recipe Is Perfect for You
Garlic-butter ramen is the ultimate easy food solution. It’s quick to make, requiring only 15 minutes from start to finish, and uses simple ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch.
The combination of butter, garlic, soy sauce, and fresh basil creates a taste that’s rich, savory, and irresistible. Plus, the recipe is endlessly adaptable, making it a go-to for both novice cooks and seasoned foodies.
Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for yourself, or whipping up a midnight snack, this dish delivers. And because it’s so easy to customize, you can modify it to suit dietary needs or preferences without losing its charm.
Tips for Making the Perfect Bowl
Mastering this recipe doesn’t require advanced skills—just a few helpful tips to take your ramen to the next level:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh garlic, high-quality butter, and vibrant greens like spinach or kale make all the difference.
- Prep Ahead: Mince the garlic and chop your herbs in advance to save time.
- Cook the Noodles Just Right: Follow package instructions carefully and avoid overcooking. Perfectly al dente noodles absorb the buttery sauce better.
- Elevate with Add-Ons: Top your ramen with a fried egg, sesame seeds, or freshly ground pepper for an extra burst of flavor.
These small steps transform an already easy recipe into a restaurant-quality meal.
Customizations for Every Preference
One of the best things about this garlic-butter ramen is its versatility. Here’s how you can tailor it to suit different tastes and diets:
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap out traditional ramen noodles for plant-based or egg-free varieties.
- Go Vegan: Replace butter with plant-based alternatives and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Boost Protein: Add tofu, grilled chicken, or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free ramen or rice noodles, and ensure soy sauce is gluten-free as well.
These adjustments make it easy to turn this recipe into a personalized favorite.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Garlic-butter ramen isn’t just easy; it’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it as a quick lunch, a comforting dinner, or a crowd-pleasing dish for casual gatherings.
It’s also a lifesaver when you’re short on time or energy but still want something delicious and satisfying.
The recipe’s simplicity also makes it a fantastic choice for meal prep. Double or triple the recipe and store portions in the fridge for a ready-to-go meal throughout the week. Just reheat and enjoy!
A Go-To Recipe You’ll Love
With its rich garlic-butter base, fresh herbs, and customizable options, this ramen recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and indulgence. It’s more than just food—it’s a comforting experience that brings flavor and joy to every bowl.
Ready to try this easy garlic-butter ramen recipe? Whether you’re a ramen enthusiast or simply looking for a new favorite, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Easy Garlic Butter Ramen Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced or grated
- 1 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 2–3 cups finely chopped leafy dark greens such as spinach or kale
- 2 packs of brown rice ramen noodles seasoning packets discarded
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped, plus more for serving
- 2 fried eggs for serving (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds for serving (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Start with the Garlic Butter: Place a large skillet on medium heat and melt the butter. Stir in the garlic and ginger, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes aromatic and the garlic begins to brown lightly.
- Wilt the Greens: Add the chopped greens to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the garlic butter. Allow them to cook down and soften, which should take about 2–3 minutes.
- Prepare the Noodles: While the greens are cooking, boil the ramen noodles according to the instructions on the package. Once tender, drain them thoroughly.
- Combine Everything: Transfer the cooked noodles to the skillet with the garlic butter and greens. Pour in the soy sauce and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated with the sauce and combined with the other ingredients. Remove the skillet from heat and gently mix in the chopped basil.
- Plate and Serve: Divide the noodles between two bowls. Top each portion with a fried egg if desired. For additional flavor, sprinkle with sesame seeds, garnish with extra basil, and finish with a crack of black pepper.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider topping with a drizzle of sesame oil or chili crisp.
- Substitute other leafy greens, such as bok choy or Swiss chard, for a variation in taste and texture.
- Brown rice ramen can be replaced with other ramen or noodle types, depending on preference. Adjust cooking times as needed.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.