Weeknight Kimchi Shiitake Ramen (only 30 minutes!!)

If you’re craving a comforting, flavor-packed dinner with minimal effort, this Kimchi Shiitake Ramen is just what you need. Combining the tangy spice of kimchi with the earthy richness of shiitake mushrooms, this quick and flavorful dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for chilly weeknights, it’s a slurp-worthy recipe that balances spice, savory flavors, and hearty textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal in a hurry. Kimchi is one of my favorite ingredients for creating flavor-packed meals with little time or effort. The spice and tang of the fermented kimchi creates a rich and flavorful ramen broth that pairs perfectly with the earthy shiitake mushrooms.

Looking for more quick dinners flavored with kimchi? Try my 30-Minute Shiitake and Kimchi Noodle Stir Fry!

Customize your ramen by adding your favorite protein or extra veggies. And with simple swaps like vegan kimchi and tofu, this dish can easily be made vegan without loosing any of its bold flavors.

Ingredient Notes

Kimchi. Use a good-quality kimchi with a balance of spice and tanginess. Vegan kimchi works perfectly if needed.

Shiitake Mushrooms. Fresh shiitake mushrooms provide an earthy, umami depth to the broth. You can also use dried shiitakes, rehydrated in warm water.

Ramen Noodles. Choose your favorite ramen noodles—fresh, frozen, or dried all work well.

Broth. Use a rich, flavorful broth as the base. Chicken or vegetable broth both work depending on your preference.

Garlic and Ginger. These aromatics build the foundation of the broth, adding warmth and depth.

Soy Sauce. Enhances the umami flavors while balancing the spice from the kimchi.

Scallions and Sesame Oil. For garnish, these add freshness and a toasty finish to the dish.

Tips for Making Kimchi Shiitake Ramen

1. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook the ramen noodles separately and add them to the broth just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
2. Add Protein: Boost the dish with protein like soft-boiled eggs, tofu, or thinly sliced pork belly for a more filling meal.
3. Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the toppings! Scallions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sesame oil can elevate the final dish. For extra heat add a sprinkle of Korean chili powder or a drizzle of Sriracha.

More Quick Weeknight Soups

• 30 Minute Andouille Kale Soup
• Three Sisters Chili
• Brothy Butter Beans with Spinach and Leeks
• Root Vegetable Red Lentil Soup with Cilantro Chutney

Weeknight Kimchi Shiitake Ramen

Author: Sammy

5 from 1 vote

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Kimchi Shiitake Ramen is a bold, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for satisfying your ramen cravings. With its rich broth, tangy spice, and hearty mushrooms, it’s a recipe that’s easy to make yet tastes like it simmered all day.

Servings: 4

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: Japanese

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 10 oz ramen noodles
• 3 tbsp neutral oil like canola or avocado oil
• 8 oz shiitakes cleaned and thinly sliced
• 2 c kimchi chopped and with juices
• 4 c vegetable broth
• ½ c soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 4 soft boiled eggs or sliced tofu optional
• cilantro, sesame seeds, scallions, korean chili powder, or sriracha to garnish

Instructions

• Cook noodles according to the package's directions. Drain and set aside.
• Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add shiitakes and cook for 5 minutes. Add the chopped kimchi and cook for another 2 minutes.
• Add the broth, kimchi juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
• Divide noodles between 4 individual serving bowls. Ladle the soup over the noodles and top with egg or tofu and any desired garnishes.