Vegan Ramen Guide: Best Brands & Top Tips

Vegan ramen lovers, this one’s for you—whether you’re dreaming of a slow-simmered, umami-packed bowl or just need noodles, now. We’re breaking down the best homemade tips and rounding up the top vegan ramen brands for the perfect bowl, anytime.

I love making vegan ramen. I usually prep it once a week, and the simple ritual of pulling out my chopsticks, knife, and large pot feels like a moment of calm. Chopping garlic, ginger, scallions, and shallots with whatever music I’m in the mood for in the background—it makes me feel like going home to a place I’ve never actually been.

Unlike some home cooks, I didn’t grow up in the kitchen. I don’t have a family ramen recipe or a story about learning to make broth at someone’s side. Everything I’ve learned has come from repetition, cookbooks, and making mistakes (lots of them!) So while I can’t promise a traditional or authentic bowl, I can share what I’ve picked up along the way—what works, what doesn’t, and why I’ll always add crispy tofu to mine.

When I say that prepping and eating ramen makes me feel like coming home, it’s not about a place at all but about finding and creating my own sense of comfort with the resources I have.

With that in mind, this guide covers everything you need to make homemade vegan ramen, from the best vegan ramen broth options to noodle choices and toppings. Whether you want to go all in on a slow-simmered broth or just upgrade a store-bought vegan ramen, there’s a bowl here for you.

What Is Vegan Ramen?

Vegan ramen is all about capturing the depth, comfort, and complexity of traditional ramen—without the animal-based ingredients. Instead of a broth built on pork or bonito flakes, plant-based ramen leans into umami-packed alternatives like miso, meaty mushrooms, kombu, and roasted aromatics. The result? A bowl that’s just as slurp-worthy and satisfying.

Every region, every chef, and every home cook has their own take on vegan ramen. Some prefer a light and delicate shoyu broth, while others go for a thick and creamy tonkotsu-inspired base. The beauty of plant-based ramen is its adaptability—you can make it as quick and simple or as deeply layered as you like.

At its core, a great bowl of vegan ramen comes down to three things: the broth, the noodles, and the toppings. We’ll break down exactly how to balance these elements for the ultimate homemade ramen experience—whether you’re craving something rich and creamy, spicy and bold, or light and refreshing.

How to Build an Incredible Vegan Ramen Bowl

A great bowl of vegan ramen isn’t just about throwing noodles into broth—it’s about layering flavors, textures, and umami to create something deeply satisfying. Whether you’re making everything from scratch or upgrading a store-bought option, nailing the balance between broth, noodles, and toppings is key.

• First up: the broth. This is where all the magic happens. A well-developed vegan ramen broth can be rich and creamy, light and delicate, or fiery and bold. Some of the best plant-based broths are built on ingredients like miso, dried shiitake mushrooms, roasted garlic, or toasted sesame.
• Then, the noodles. Ramen noodles should have a chewy, springy texture that holds up in hot broth without turning mushy. Most ramen noodles are naturally vegan, but it’s always good to double-check the label for eggs. If you’re going gluten-free, options like rice or millet-based noodles can work as well.
• Finally, the toppings. This is where you can get creative—crispy tofu, sautéed mushrooms, nori, scallions, corn, chili oil, and pickled bamboo shoots all add layers of flavor and texture. Whether you love a clean, minimalist bowl or a fully loaded ramen experience, toppings make every bowl feel unique.

Let’s break down the best vegan ramen broth options and how to make them from scratch (or hack a store-bought version to taste homemade).

The Best Vegan Ramen Broths

A great bowl of ramen starts with the broth. It’s the foundation of everything—the deep, savory base that makes each bite slurp-worthy. Traditional ramen relies on pork or bonito flakes, but vegan ramen gets its umami magic from plant-based powerhouses like shiitake mushrooms, miso, kombu, and slow-roasted aromatics. Whether you’re after something light and clear or rich and creamy, the right broth makes all the difference. And if you’re craving something a little different, try a caramelized onion ramen broth—it’s naturally sweet, deeply savory, and completely plant-based.

Mushroom-Based Broth (Umami-Packed & Earthy):

Shiitake mushrooms are the MVP here, offering deep umami and a subtle smokiness. Simmering dried shiitakes with kombu (dried kelp) creates a beautifully layered broth that’s fragrant, rich, and full of depth. If you want extra body, a splash of soy sauce or a spoonful of miso rounds it out perfectly.

Miso-Based Broth (Savory & Balanced)

Miso ramen is a fan favorite for good reason—it’s salty, slightly sweet, and packed with umami. A base of white or yellow miso mixed with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil creates a beautifully complex broth in minutes. It’s the perfect option when you want something flavorful without a long simmer time. Need an instant flavor boost? A sprinkle of vegan dashi powder (made from kombu, shiitake, or dried vegetables) adds deep, savory notes in seconds—no extra simmering required. It’s a game-changer for both miso and mushroom-based ramen.

Creamy Ramen Broth (Thick & Velvety)

If you love tonkotsu-style ramen, this is your move. Instead of pork bones, a creamy vegan broth relies on tahini, blended cashews, or soy/oat milk to create that rich, velvety texture. It’s hearty, slightly nutty, and coats the noodles in the best way possible.

Spicy Ramen Broth (Bold & Fiery)

For those who like a little heat, a spicy ramen broth is where it’s at. Gochujang, chili oil, or doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste) add smoky depth and lingering heat. It’s a go-to for anyone who loves a ramen bowl with a bit of a kick.

What Is Tare & Why Does It Matter?

Tare (tah-reh) is the concentrated seasoning base that ramen broth builds on—it’s what gives each bowl its signature depth and balance. Think of it like a shortcut to big, bold flavor. While broth provides body and richness, tare is where the saltiness, umami, and personality come in.

Most ramen falls into one of these tare categories:

• Shoyu (Soy Sauce) Tare: Deep, savory, and a little tangy—perfect for classic soy sauce ramen.
• Miso Tare: Rich and slightly sweet, adding an extra layer of umami.
• Shio (Salt) Tare: Light and delicate, best for clear broths with subtle flavors.
• Spicy Tare: Made with chili paste or fermented bean pastes like gochujang for a fiery kick.

Quick vs. Slow Simmer Broths

Not all ramen broths take hours to develop. If you’re short on time, a quick miso-based broth can come together in 30 minutes or less. But if you have the time, a slow-simmered broth (1-2 hours) made with roasted aromatics, dried mushrooms, and kombu will unlock next-level flavors.

Need that long-simmered flavor in a flash? A teaspoon of vegan dashi powder is your secret weapon—just stir it in, and boom: instant umami. No hours of simmering, no problem.

No matter which base you go with, the key to an incredible vegan ramen broth is layering flavors. Start with aromatics (garlic, ginger, onions), build in umami (miso, mushrooms, kombu), and finish with balancing elements (soy sauce for salt, rice vinegar for brightness, and a touch of sweetness if needed).

Up next? Let’s talk noodles—the chewy, springy, essential component that brings everything together.

Vegan Ramen Noodles: The Best Options & How to Cook Them

A great broth deserves equally great noodles. The kind that’s chewy, bouncy, and holds up in broth without turning into a sad, soggy mess. But here’s the thing—not all ramen noodles are vegan. Some contain egg, so checking labels is key. Luckily, there are plenty of plant-based options that deliver that signature ramen slurp.

Best Vegan Ramen Noodles

If you want that perfect chew and bounce, here’s what to look for:

• Fresh Ramen Noodles: Found in the refrigerated section of Asian markets. If you can get your hands on them, do it. Just make sure they’re egg-free!
• Dried Ramen Noodles: The most accessible option. Great for pantry stocking and quick ramen nights.
• Instant Ramen Noodles: Some brands (like Mike’s Mighty Good and Koyo) offer fully vegan options and make a solid shortcut.
• Gluten-Free Options: Soba (buckwheat), rice noodles, or shirataki noodles can work in a pinch, but fair warning—they won’t have the same springy bite as traditional ramen noodles.

How to Cook Ramen Noodles Like a Pro

A few tiny tweaks make the difference between chewy perfection and a bowl of mush:

• Fresh ramen noodles? No rinse needed—just boil and drain. They’re already hydrated, and rinsing can mess with their signature chew.
• Dried ramen noodles? A quick rinse after cooking helps prevent clumping and removes excess surface starch. If you’re dropping them straight into your soup, you can skip the rinse and let them soak up all that flavorful broth.
• Instant ramen? No rinse required. Just cook, drain (if needed), and enjoy.

Nail the noodle game, and your ramen instantly levels up. Now let’s talk toppings—the fun, flavorful, crunchy, slurp-enhancing extras that make every bowl unique!

Vegan Ramen Toppings & Add-Ins: Flavor, Texture, and That Extra Oomph

A great bowl of ramen is more than just broth and noodles—it’s the toppings that take it from good to holy-wow-this-is-amazing. The right mix of textures, flavors, and little finishing touches make all the difference. Think crispy, creamy, spicy, and fresh, all working together in one perfect bite.

Best Plant-Based Protein Options

Want to make your ramen heartier? Add some plant-based protein for texture and chew. Here are the best options:

• Crispy Tofu: Pan-seared, air-fried, or baked, tofu soaks up broth beautifully.
• Soy Curls: Rehydrate, marinate, and crisp them up for a “chicken-like” bite.
• Seitan: Meaty and chewy, great for tonkotsu-style bowls.
• Edamame: A quick, no-fuss way to add protein (plus a pop of color).
• Mushrooms: Shiitake, king oyster, enoki—each adds a different kind of umami magic.

Best Vegetables For Vegan Ramen

• Corn Kernels: Adds a pop of sweetness, especially great in miso ramen.
• Carrot Ribbons: Slightly sweet, delicate, and absorbs broth beautifully.
• Bok Choy: A ramen classic! Tender leaves with a slightly crunchy base. Baby bok choy is another excellent choice!
• Leeks: A sweeter, more delicate alternative to onions. It melts into broth perfectly.
• Cabbage (Napa or Green): Softens in hot broth but keeps a little bite.
• Spinach: Adds a pop of green and wilts beautifully in hot broth.

Umami Boosters & Seasonings

This is where you dial in the deep, savory flavors that keep you going back for one more bite:

• Miso Paste: Stirred into broth for richness and depth.
• Furikake (Vegan): A sprinkle of seaweed, sesame, and umami goodness.
• Nutritional Yeast: For a little nutty, cheesy undertone.
• Roasted Garlic: Because garlic is always a good idea.

Fresh & Crunchy Toppings

Contrast is key. You need something fresh and snappy to balance all that rich, brothy goodness.

• Scallions: The classic. Bright, fresh, and just a little sharp.
• Nori Strips: Adds an ocean-y depth and looks beautiful floating on top.
• Pickled Bamboo Shoots: Tangy, crunchy, and slightly sweet.
• Bean Sprouts: A crisp, refreshing crunch.
• Radish Slices: Peppery and pretty.

Spicy & Flavorful Finishes

If you like a little heat (or a lot), here’s how to bring the fire:

• Chili Crisp: That perfect combo of crunch, spice, and umami.
• Gochujang or Doubanjiang: Fermented chili pastes that add deep, layered heat.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Nutty, crunchy, and a great finishing touch.

Mix and match your toppings to build your perfect bowl—crispy, creamy, spicy, fresh—whatever your ramen heart desires! Next, we’re breaking down vegan instant ramen options for when you want that quick, no-fuss bowl.

Best Vegan Ramen Brands

Sometimes, you want all the comfort of a steaming bowl of ramen without spending an hour simmering broth. Enter these best vegan ramen brands—fast, flavorful, and perfect for quick weeknight meals or lazy afternoons. While not all instant ramen brands are vegan, plenty of plant-based options bring serious flavor without any animal products. Many instant ramen seasonings contain MSG, which is totally vegan and adds a big umami boost.

Below are some of the best vegan instant ramen brands, whether you’re after a quick meal upgrade or just want to keep an emergency stash of noodles in your pantry.

Immi Plant-Based Ramen

• Key Features: High in protein, low-carb, and completely plant-based.
• Flavor Variations: Black Garlic “Chicken,” Spicy “Beef,” Tom Yum “Shrimp.”
• What Makes It Special: A healthier take on instant ramen with 21g of protein per serving and bold, savory flavors. On the pricier side but great for those looking for a more balanced noodle fix.

Mike’s Mighty Good Ramen (Vegan Flavors)

• Key Features: Organic noodles, rich broth, and a slightly healthier profile than standard instant ramen.
• Flavor Variations: Kimchi, Miso, and Vegetarian Vegetable (which is actually vegan!).
• What Makes It Special: Offers restaurant-quality broth in an instant format—think creamy, comforting, and deeply flavorful.

Lotus Foods Rice Ramen

• Key Features: Gluten-free, made from organic brown rice, and air-dried instead of fried.
• Flavor Variations: Tom Yum, Red Miso, Garlicky Veggie.
• What Makes It Special: Perfect for those who need a gluten-free ramen option without sacrificing texture.

Japan Gold USA

• Key Features: Certified organic, non-fried noodles with a concentrated plant-based broth.
• Flavor Variations: Classic Miso, Shoyu (Soy Sauce), and Spicy Red Miso.
• What Makes It Special: A true Japanese-style ramen experience, but in an easy-to-make format.

Ocean’s Halo Big Noodle Bowls

• Key Features: Plant-based broths, dried vegetables, and eco-friendly packaging.
• Flavor Variations: Thai Coconut, Vegan Beef, and Vegan Chicken.
• What Makes It Special: Larger portion sizes and more robust flavors compared to traditional ramen cups.

Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen

• Key Features: A classic miso-flavored instant ramen that just happens to be vegan.
• Flavor Variations: Miso Ramen.
• What Makes It Special: Widely available in grocery stores and online, making it one of the easiest vegan ramen options to find.

Sun Noodle Craft Ramen (Vegan Miso Kit)

• Key Features: Fresh (not dried) noodles with a separate broth concentrate for a premium ramen experience.
• Flavor Variations: Vegan Miso.
• What Makes It Special: Refrigerated noodles = superior texture! A step up from typical instant ramen, but worth it if you want something extra slurp-worthy.

Note: Always check the packaging or the brand’s website, as ingredients and formulations can change.

Each of these brands has its own strengths, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight fix, a high-protein option, or a premium ramen experience. No matter what, there’s a vegan instant ramen to fit your craving!

Traditional vs. Quick & Easy Ramen: What’s Your Style?

Making vegan ramen can be as much of a laid-back, weeknight dinner move as it is a slow, cozy kitchen project. Some nights, you want to let a pot of broth simmer into something magical. Other nights? You need ramen in a bowl ASAP, and you need it to be good. There’s no wrong answer here! Let’s break it down:

The Traditional Route: Slow-Simmered, Deep Flavor

For the ramen purists, weekend cooks, and broth nerds.

• Why you’ll love it: You get a broth that’s deep, complex, and packed with umami—the kind that makes you close your eyes after the first sip. The slow simmer works its magic, letting mushrooms, kombu, and aromatics develop big, bold flavor. You can level it up with a tare (seasoning base), roasted garlic, or marinated mushrooms for extra depth.
• What it takes: 1-2 hours (but it’s mostly hands-off simmering time). Some patience and love for watching flavors evolve. A willingness to do a little straining, tasting, and tweaking.

This is weekend ramen—the kind that makes your kitchen smell like pure magic. You’re slow-roasting aromatics, crisping up tofu, maybe even making your own noodles (because why not?). And at the end of it all? A bowl so rich, cozy, and ridiculously satisfying, you’ll want to high-five yourself between bites.

The Quick & Easy Route: Max Flavor, Minimal Effort

For the hungry, the busy, the I-need-ramen-now people.

• Why you’ll love it: You can still get a killer broth in 30 minutes or less—no simmering for hours. Miso, pre-made veggie stock, and a good drizzle of soy sauce work fast to build flavor. You can toss in air-fried tofu, frozen veggies, and fresh greens to bulk it up with zero effort.
• What it takes: 20-30 minutes, tops. A few pantry staples (miso, soy sauce, sesame oil = magic). No stress, no rules, just delicious ramen in record time.

This is weeknight ramen—the one that comes together with a few smart shortcuts but still feels cozy, comforting, and totally satisfying. If you’ve got a good broth hack (miso + veggie stock is undefeated), some chewy noodles, and a handful of toppings, you’re in business.

Find Your Perfect Ramen Mood

There’s no need to pick sides. Maybe one night you’re simmering broth for hours, and the next you’re tossing miso into some veggie stock and calling it a day. The beauty of ramen? It flexes with you. Whatever your style—long-simmered and layered or quick and low-effort—vegan ramen is here for you. Slurp accordingly.

FAQs

More Vegan Ramen Recipes To Try

• Easy Vegan Ramen with Tofu
• Vegan French Onion Ramen Noodle Soup
• Plant-Based Ramen

I hope this guide to vegan ramen and the best plant-based ramen brands gave you all the inspo you need! Have a favorite brand or a go-to ramen tip? Drop it in the comments … I’d love to hear from you!