Sesame Garlic Instant Pot Ramen Quick and Easy Recipe

Looking for a quick and easy meal that packs a flavor punch? I’ve got just the thing for you: Sesame Garlic Instant Pot Ramen! With simple ingredients like chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, and sesame paste, this recipe is ready in no time. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies and proteins. Dive in and let’s make a warm, satisfying bowl of ramen together!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

- 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets)

- 3 tablespoons soy sauce

- 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)

Aromatics and Vegetables

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

- 1 cup bok choy, chopped

- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or button)

Garnishes

- 2 green onions, chopped

- Sesame seeds

- Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s dive into the ingredients. First, the broth forms the base. It adds depth to your ramen. You can choose chicken or vegetable broth based on your preference.

Next, instant ramen noodles make this recipe quick. They cook fast and absorb flavors well. Just discard the seasoning packets; we’ll add our own flavor.

Soy sauce brings saltiness and umami. It pairs perfectly with tahini, which adds creaminess and a nutty taste.

Now, we need fresh aromatics. Minced garlic and ginger add spice and warmth. They create a fragrant base.

For vegetables, bok choy adds a nice crunch and green color. The mushrooms add earthiness and texture. You can use shiitake or button mushrooms; both work well.

Lastly, garnishes make your dish shine. Chopped green onions add color and a fresh bite. Sesame seeds add a nutty crunch. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste; they balance all the flavors.

These ingredients come together to make a tasty bowl of ramen. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sautéing Aromatics

1. Setting the Instant Pot to Sauté: First, turn on your Instant Pot and set it to the Sauté function. This heats the pot and preps for cooking.

2. Adding sesame oil, garlic, and ginger: Pour in the sesame oil. Then add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes. You want them fragrant, but watch closely so they don’t burn.

Combining Ingredients

1. Adding broth, soy sauce, and tahini: Next, pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Add 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of tahini.

2. Ensuring tahini is dissolved: Stir the mix well. Make sure the tahini fully dissolves into the broth. This gives your ramen a rich, nutty flavor.

Adding Noodles and Vegetables

1. Breaking ramen noodles: Take your instant ramen noodles and gently break them in half. Add them to the broth.

2. Incorporating bok choy and mushrooms: Now, toss in 1 cup of chopped bok choy and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms. They add great texture and taste.

Cooking Process

1. Closing the lid and setting pressure cook time: Close the Instant Pot lid. Ensure the pressure valve is set to sealing. Select Manual or Pressure Cook on high for 5 minutes.

2. Performing a quick release: When the timer goes off, perform a quick release of the pressure. Carefully open the lid once it's safe to do so.

Final Touches

1. Adjusting seasoning: Taste your ramen. Adjust with salt and pepper as needed. If you want a stronger flavor, stir in more soy sauce.

2. Serving instructions: Ladle the ramen into bowls. Top each bowl with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nice finish.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Flavor

To get the best taste, adjust the soy sauce. If you like it saltier, add more. A small amount of sesame oil can boost the nutty flavor too. You can also try adding a splash of rice vinegar for some tang. Taste the broth as you go. This helps you find the right balance.

Cooking in Bulk

Want to feed more people? You can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your Instant Pot can hold it all. If you double the broth and noodles, you might need to cook for 7 minutes instead of 5. Always check the noodles for doneness.

Instant Pot Best Practices

For even cooking, stir the ingredients well before sealing. This ensures they cook evenly. Use the sauté function to mix flavors first. When releasing pressure, use a towel to cover the valve. This keeps steam from burning you. Always wait for the pin to drop before opening the lid.

Variations

Protein Additions

You can add chicken or tofu for more protein. If you choose chicken, use cooked shredded chicken. For tofu, firm tofu works best. Just cube it and add it in. When adding chicken, you may want to adjust the cooking time slightly. If using cooked chicken, add it after pressure cooking. For uncooked chicken, add it before cooking. This helps ensure it cooks through.

Vegetarian and Vegan Alternatives

For a vegetarian or vegan option, swap the broth. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the flavor rich and satisfying. You can also use plant-based proteins like tempeh or seitan. They add great texture and flavor to the dish. Just chop them up and add them along with the other veggies.

Flavor Enhancements

Want some heat? Add chili paste for a spicy kick. Just a teaspoon can change the whole dish. You can also mix in extra veggies. Try carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas. These add color and crunch. Feel free to get creative with what you have in your fridge. Each addition makes the ramen unique!

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store your Sesame Garlic Instant Pot Ramen, place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents drying out. Make sure the ramen cools before sealing. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the taste may change, and the noodles may become mushy.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze ramen for a later meal. First, let it cool completely. Next, place it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The ramen can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth for moisture.

Meal Prep Tips

Making ramen ahead of time is simple and smart. You can cook a big batch and store it in portions. I suggest keeping the broth and noodles separate. This way, the noodles won’t soak up all the liquid and get mushy. Store the veggies in another container. When you're ready to eat, combine everything in a pot and heat it up. Enjoy fresh ramen with minimal effort!

FAQs

Can I use any type of ramen noodles?

Yes, you can use different types of ramen noodles. Instant ramen works best for this recipe. You can also try egg noodles or rice noodles. Each noodle type will change the texture a bit. Instant ramen is quick and soft, while other types might take longer to cook.

How long does the Instant Pot take to come to pressure?

The Instant Pot usually takes about 10 minutes to build pressure. This can change based on the amount of liquid you have. More liquid means a longer wait. Once it reaches pressure, the cooking time is just 5 minutes.

Can I customize the vegetables used?

You can definitely swap out vegetables! Try adding carrots, bell peppers, or spinach. Just keep in mind that different veggies cook at different rates. For example, thinly sliced carrots take about 3-4 minutes, while spinach wilts quickly.

Is tahini necessary for the flavor?

Tahini adds a rich, nutty taste. If you don’t have it, you can use peanut butter instead. This will still give a creamy texture. You can also skip it entirely, but the dish may taste less rich.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Look for gluten-free ramen noodles or rice noodles as well. Always check labels to ensure they fit your needs.

This blog post covered how to make a tasty ramen dish in your Instant Pot. We discussed the key ingredients, including broth, noodles, and tahini. I provided step-by-step instructions that guide you through the cooking process. You also learned tips for perfecting flavor and creating variations.

Remember, you can adjust ingredients and try new flavors. This ramen is not just quick, but also customizable. Enjoy making it your own!