Mediterranean Vegan Spicy Thai Peanut Ramen
This Mediterranean-inspired Vegan Spicy Thai Peanut Ramen is a flavor explosion in a bowl—where Southeast Asian spice meets Mediterranean plant-based goodness. Creamy peanut butter, fiery red curry paste, sesame oil, and fresh aromatics create a luxurious, umami-rich broth. Toss in slurpable vegan ramen noodles, crisp veggies like kale and bell peppers, and top it all with roasted peanuts, herbs, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, savory, and fresh—made entirely dairy-free, gluten-free adaptable, and bursting with color.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Broth and Sauce:
4 cups vegetable broth
1/3 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened, creamy)
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp agave syrup or maple syrup
2–3 tbsp red curry paste (adjust to heat preference)
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
For the Ramen and Toppings:
8 oz vegan ramen noodles (or rice noodles)
1 cup mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake), sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup chopped kale, spinach, bok choy, or broccoli florets
Juice of 1 lime + wedges for serving
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
1 tbsp black or toasted sesame seeds
Dried red chilies or chili oil (optional, for garnish)
2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Build the Broth
In a large pot over medium heat, add sesame oil.
Sauté ginger and garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add red curry paste and cook for another minute to release flavor.
Step 2: Make the Peanut-Curry Base
Whisk in the peanut butter, soy sauce, and agave/maple syrup until combined.
Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, whisking to dissolve the peanut butter.
Stir in coconut milk if using for creaminess.
Step 3: Simmer and Cook Veggies
Bring the broth to a simmer and add mushrooms, bell pepper, and greens (kale, broccoli, or bok choy).
Simmer for 8–10 minutes until veggies are tender but not mushy.
Step 4: Cook Noodles
Add vegan ramen noodles directly to the pot and cook according to package instructions (usually 3–5 minutes).
Stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust salt or heat as needed.
Step 5: Assemble & Serve
Ladle the ramen into bowls.
Top with roasted peanuts, cilantro, green onions, sesame seeds, and dried red chilies or chili oil.
Serve with extra lime wedges on the side.
Tips for Success
Don’t overcook the noodles—they should be just tender and springy.
Whisk the peanut butter well into the broth to avoid clumps.
Use full-fat coconut milk for extra creamy broth, or skip for a lighter version.
Add vegetables in stages—quick-cooking greens like spinach should go in last.
Use a mild curry paste if you’re spice-sensitive, or start with less and add more to taste.
Variations
Protein Boost: Add crispy tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas.
No coconut milk? Sub with unsweetened almond or oat milk or leave it out for a lighter broth.
Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini in place of peanut butter.
Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped olives, grilled zucchini, or drizzle with lemon-infused olive oil.
Make it Brothier: Add more broth and use fewer noodles for a soup-like consistency.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Make the broth and store it separately. Cook noodles just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free ramen or rice noodles.
Q: Can I freeze this?
A: The broth freezes well, but cook the noodles fresh for best texture after reheating.
Q: Is it very spicy?
A: It depends on the curry paste used. Start with 1 tbsp if you’re sensitive and build up from there.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 470
Protein: 14g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 850mg
Nutrition may vary based on ingredients and serving sizes.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Vegan Spicy Thai Peanut Ramen is the perfect bowl of comfort that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition. With its velvety peanut-curry broth, hearty noodles, and rainbow of fresh toppings, it’s a filling, nutrient-dense meal made entirely from plant-based, whole ingredients. Versatile, cozy, and deeply satisfying, this dish will become your go-to for meatless Mondays, weeknight dinners, or whenever you crave a warming, exotic meal in a bowl.