Ever craved a dish that’s both refreshing and packed with umami? This Chinese noodle salad recipe ramen is your ticket to flavor town, combining crunchy veggies, tender noodles, and a dressing that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of cold, crunchy vegetables and soft, chewy ramen noodles creates a delightful texture contrast.
- A homemade dressing with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of sweetness ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- It’s incredibly versatile; you can add or substitute ingredients based on what’s in your fridge.
- Perfect for meal prep, as the flavors meld and intensify when stored in the fridge.
- Quick and easy to make, requiring no fancy cooking techniques.
Ingredients
- 2 packs of ramen noodles (seasoning packets discarded)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, usually about 3 minutes. Drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This ensures your noodles stay perfectly chewy and not mushy.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined. This dressing is the soul of the dish, so take a moment to taste and adjust the flavors to your liking.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled noodles with the shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until evenly coated. The key here is to ensure every noodle and veggie gets a little love from the dressing.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top of the salad for a nutty crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a few extra slices of green onion or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add color and a bit of heat.
Step 5: Serve or Store
You can serve this salad immediately for a fresh and crisp experience, or let it sit in the fridge for an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Either way, it’s delicious.
Tips and Tricks
For an extra crunch, add some crushed peanuts or almonds right before serving. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley or basil makes a great substitute. To make this dish more substantial, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Always taste your dressing before adding it to the salad; you might want to adjust the sweetness or acidity to suit your palate. Lastly, if you’re meal prepping, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the noodles from getting soggy.
Recipe Variations
- For a spicy kick, add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili oil to the dressing.
- Swap out the ramen noodles for soba or udon noodles for a different texture.
- Add avocado slices for a creamy contrast to the crunchy veggies.
- Include mandarin orange segments or diced mango for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Use peanut butter in the dressing for a richer, nuttier flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the ramen seasoning packets?
While you can use the seasoning packets, they’re often high in sodium and can overpower the delicate balance of the dressing. We recommend discarding them and sticking to the homemade dressing for the best flavor.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this salad will keep for up to 3 days. However, the noodles may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed within the first 24 hours for optimal texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free ramen noodles and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap.
Summary
This Chinese noodle salad recipe ramen is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crunchy veggies, chewy noodles, and savory-sweet dressing, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.