Simple Spicy Ramen Recipe
By Maya Chen
This simple spicy ramen is the easy weeknight bowl to reach for when you want real heat without a long ingredient list. A quick chili-garlic broth comes together in about 20 minutes, letting the noodles and toppings do the rest of the work.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Real, adjustable spice with a short, simple ingredient list.
- Ready in 20 minutes flat — no long simmer required.
- A great base recipe you can dial up or down depending on your mood.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon grated garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce or sambal oelek
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 6 ounces ramen noodles
- 1 soft-boiled egg, halved
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon chili oil
How to Make Simple Spicy Ramen
- 1Heat the vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for about 60 seconds, until fragrant.
- 2Stir in the chili garlic sauce and cook for another 30 seconds to bloom the flavor.
- 3Pour in the broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 8–10 minutes.
- 4Meanwhile, cook the ramen noodles separately according to the package instructions, then drain.
- 5Taste the broth and adjust the heat with more chili garlic sauce if you'd like it spicier.
- 6Divide the noodles among bowls, ladle the broth over the top, and finish with the egg, scallions, and a drizzle of chili oil.
What to Add
Make it your own — here are a few ways to customize this bowl.
Protein
Ground pork, shredded chicken, or a soft-boiled egg all bulk this up into a full meal.
Vegetables
Bok choy, mushrooms, and bean sprouts simmer well in the last few minutes.
More heat
Fresh sliced chilies or an extra spoonful of gochujang push the spice further.
Cooling contrast
A drizzle of sesame oil or a few cucumber slices helps balance the heat.
Reviews
Harper T.
June 30, 2026Quick, easy, and just the right amount of heat for a weeknight.
Cody M.
June 6, 2026Simple recipe that delivers on flavor. Added extra chili garlic sauce for more heat.
Fatima R.
May 13, 2026Great base recipe. I bulked it up with shredded chicken and vegetables.
Printable Recipe Card
Simple Spicy Ramen
4.4 from 69 reviews
This simple spicy ramen is the easy weeknight bowl to reach for when you want real heat without a long ingredient list. A quick chili-garlic broth comes together in about 20 minutes, letting the noodles and toppings do the rest of the work.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon grated garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce or sambal oelek
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 6 ounces ramen noodles
- 1 soft-boiled egg, halved
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon chili oil
Instructions
- 1Heat the vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for about 60 seconds, until fragrant.
- 2Stir in the chili garlic sauce and cook for another 30 seconds to bloom the flavor.
- 3Pour in the broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 8–10 minutes.
- 4Meanwhile, cook the ramen noodles separately according to the package instructions, then drain.
- 5Taste the broth and adjust the heat with more chili garlic sauce if you'd like it spicier.
- 6Divide the noodles among bowls, ladle the broth over the top, and finish with the egg, scallions, and a drizzle of chili oil.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary based on the exact ingredients and brands used.