Gochujang Ramen with Burst Tomatoes & Crispy Garlic

This was one of my favorite plant based meals. It a took a few more steps to prepare but I’d do it again!

This is another recipe from purple carrot. I’ve been super impressed with their meals and highly recommend if you’re looking for more meatless meals.

Tips I learned:

* Gochujang and tomato powder make a great broth

* Korean recipes have LOTS of garlic in them

* Frying minced garlic and togarashi make a tasty soup garnish

Recipe from Purple Carrot Meal Kit

Tools: Large nonstick skillet, Medium saucepan

PREP & COOK TIME

30 min

CALORIES550

FAT11g

CARBOHYDRATES104g

PROTEIN21g

Ingredients (Serves 2):

10 garlic cloves, peeled and minced (divided)
1 scallion, thinly sliced
1 tsp tamari
1 oz tahini
1 tbsp tomato powder
2 tbsp gochujang
½ tbsp togarashi
4 oz grape tomatoes
10 oz fresh ramen noodles
4 oz Swiss chard, destemmed, leaves chopped and stems thinly sliced
1 lime, zested and juiced
Salt and pepper
1 tbsp + 2 tsp olive oil

Directions:

1 Make the ramen broth

Add 5 cups water, 3 tbsp garlic, scallion, tamari, tahini, tomato powder, gochujang, and 1 tsp salt to a medium saucepan. Bring broth to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and let cook 15 to 20 minutes. (4-serving meal: use 10 cups water, 6 tbsp garlic, 2 tsp salt)

2 Make the crispy togarashi garlic

Add 1 tbsp olive oil to a large nonstick skillet over low heat. Add 1 tsp garlic and cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer crispy garlic and oil to a small bowl, sprinkle with togarashi and salt, and set aside. (4-serving meal: use 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp garlic) TIPS: Carefully watch the garlic to ensure it doesn’t burn. We will use this skillet again in the next step.

3 Cook the garlicky tomatoes

Return the large nonstick skillet to medium-high heat with 1 tsp olive oil. Add tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to blister, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1 tsp garlic and cook until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer tomatoes to a small bowl and cover to keep warm. (4-serving meal: use 2 tsp olive oil, 2 tsp garlic) TIP: We will use this skillet again in the next step.

4 Cook the Swiss chard leaves and stems

Wipe the large nonstick skillet clean and return it to the stove over medium heat. Add 1 tsp olive oil, Swiss chard leaves and stems, and a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until stems are crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes. (4-serving meal: use 2 tsp olive oil) TIP: Crisp-tender means the stems will still have some crunch.

5 Cook ramen in gochujang broth

Bring ramen broth to a boil and add noodles. Carefully stir to loosen the noodles and cook until just al dente, 4 to 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and add lime zest and juice to the broth.

6 Serve

Divide ramen noodles and broth between bowls. Top with burst tomatoes, Swiss chard leaves and stems, and crispy togarashi garlic. Tuck in!