1-Pot Vegan Tonkotsu Ramen

This is tonkotsu-inspired ramen based on a couple of different ramen recipes. It has a spicy base in the broth with jalapeño and sambal oelek. And then it’s topped with simple tofu that has been marinated and seared on all the sides and then sliced, like a char siu pork.

You cook the ramen and everything in just one pot and top it with jalapeño, pepper flakes, or chili oil and whatever else you like. I add mushrooms and fresh veggies like bok choy for flavor and texture, and serve it hot with the seared and sliced tofu. All the flavors in broth and the delicious tofu match so well.

Why You’ll Love Vegan Tonkotsu Ramen

• spicy, creamy broth with flavorful seared tofu and tender baby bok choy.
• one-pot meal
• ready in 40 minutes
• naturally nut-free with easy gluten-free option

More Vegan Ramen Recipes

• Hot and Sour Ramen
• Butter Chicken Ramen
• Spicy Peanut Butter Ramen
• Curry Ramen with Miso Lentils
• Birria Ramen

Ingredients and Substitutions

• soy sauce – Adds umami and saltiness to the seared tofu.
• hoisin sauce – This thick, sweet sauce adds so much amazing flavor to the tofu marinade!
• maple syrup – Brings out the sweetness of the hoisin sauce.
• white pepper – Adds just a little bit of heat.
• sesame oil – Helps the tofu get crispy and adds an incredible flavor.
• garlic powder – For umami in the tofu marinade.
• tofu – Use pressed firm or extra firm tofu to make the char siu pork-inspired topping.
• oil – To saute.
• mushrooms – Adds texture and flavor to the stock. You can use soy curls instead, if you want a more chicken-like texture in the finished ramen.
• ginger-garlic paste – You can use fresh ginger and garlic instead, if needed.
• yellow miso – For umami.
• sesame oil – Flavors the stock beautifully!
• sambal oelek – Adds even more flavor and a lovely heat.
• vegetable broth – This is the base for your ramen stock.
• coconut milk – Makes the broth creamy. Use full-fat coconut milk.
• noodles – You can use thin udon noodles or ramen noodles in this dish.
• baby bok choy – Tender baby bok choy cooks quickly at the end.

Tips

• Make sure to sear the tofu really well. It’s all about that golden, caramelized coating!
• Before adding all of the broth to the pan, add a splash and dissolve the miso. It is much harder to dissolve the miso paste in several cups of broth, so use just a little first, then add the rest after the miso dissolves completely.

How to Make Vegan Tonkotsu Ramen

First, make the seared tofu.

Mix all of the marinade ingredients in a shallow bowl, then add the tofu slabs to the bowl and coat them on all sides. Set this aside for at least 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, prep the rest of the ingredients, then heat a work or a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, place the tofu slabs in the skillet and cook until they are golden brown on one side. Then flip the slabs over and brush the golden side with more of the marinade and continue to cook. Do this least twice to get a really nice, thickened and caramelized sauce coating on all sides of the tofu.

Remove the tofu slabs from the wok, and set aside. Once the tofu is cool to the touch, you can slice and then use.

Now, make the ramen.

Add a teaspoon of oil to the same skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and a good pinch of salt and continue to cook for 3 minutes or so, pressing occasionally, until the mushrooms are starting to turn golden.

Then add the ginger-garlic paste and jalapeño and mix in. Cook until the garlic doesn’t smell raw.

Then mix in the miso, sesame oil, and sambal oelek. Add 1/2 cup of the broth, mixing well so that the miso dissolves into the mixture, because otherwise, once you pour all of that broth in, the miso will just be a blob.

Once the miso is mixed into the broth, add the rest of the broth and the coconut milk and salt and mix in. You can use about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt depending on the salt content of your broth or stock.

Once the mixture is boiling rapidly, add the noodles, then continue to cook until the noodles are cooked to your preference. Ramen will take about 3 to 4 minutes, while thin udon noodles cook in about 7 to 8 minutes.

Stir occasionally, and just when the noodles are about al dente, add the bok choy to the pan, and submerge them in the broth. Continue to cook for a minute or so, then switch off the heat.

Taste and adjust salt and flavor in the stock. You can add about a teaspoon or so of maple syrup, if you like, to balance out the flavor.

To serve, ladle some of the stock into your bowls, scoop the noodles and the rest of the ingredients into the serving bowls, and top with the sliced tofu, green onion, jalapeño, sesame seeds, lime wedges, and chili oil or crushed pepper flakes and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions

Is Tonkotsu vegan?

Traditional tonkotsu ramen is not vegan, but this vegan version has the same rich broth. Instead of topping it with seared pork, we are using a rich marinade to sear tofu that you slice and arrange of top before serving.

Does tonkotsu ramen have dairy?

Traditional tonkotsu doesn’t contain dairy, but it does use animal bones to make the broth creamy. In this vegan version, we are using coconut milk instead.

Is this recipe allergy-friendly?

This recipe is naturally nut-free. Use gluten-free noodles, tamari, and gluten-free hoisin sauce for gluten free.