Sundubu Ramen. Chewy ramen noodles and silky-soft tofu swimming in a spicy, savoury broth. This viral sundubu jjigae ramen is being made all over Korea! Extremely easy to make at home in just 3 minutes!
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What is Sundubu Ramen?
"Sundubu" means "extra soft tofu" in Korean. Sundubu Ramen is an innovative Korean dish that originates from another dish called Sundubu Jjigae, which is a Spicy Soft Tofu Stew. This dish was created by Korean college students who simply added soon tofu or silken tofu to their spicy ramen along with an egg. In Korean cuisine, instant ramen or ramyeon is commonly eaten as it is quick, easy, affordable and tasty! So it's a no-brainer that college students would resort to it for a meal when studying takes up most of their time. Soon enough, this viral trend made its way across the nation and to other countries other the sea.
When I first found out about this viral trend in 2022 on YouTube, I knew I had to make my own version of it because it's such a simple yet hearty idea! I can see why this dish has been trending all over Korea and made it's way over to North America. The soft tofu really adds a wonderful silky taste to the broth and the cracked egg on top really reminds me of Sundubu Jjigae.
Ingredients
Please scroll down to below recipe card for exact measurements.
- Instant Ramen with Soup Base: spicy version is recommended to stay true to the soondubu jjigae flavors but if you can't tolerate spice, use any non spicy version
- Soon tofu or silken tofu
- Green onion
- Gochugaru
- Red chili pepper
- Garlic
- Egg
- Sesame oil
- Cold water
How to make Sundubu Ramen
- In a small pot, over medium high heat add instructed amount of water according to Instant Ramen package (about 550 ml) if you are using the brand Jin Ramen. Then add in seasoning packets & dried vegetable flakes (that come with the instant ramen package).
- Next add in sliced green onions, minced garlic, gochugaru, and sesame oil. Stir and bring this broth to a boil.
- Once broth boils, add in instant noodles and boil for 1 minute. On the 2nd minute, add soon tofu. Break tofu apart.
- Crack an egg on top and boil for another minute. Garnish with red chili peppers (optional) and more green onions (optional). Remove off heat and enjoy!
Storage
This dish is best enjoyed immediately as the ramen noodles will become soggy overtime. However if you have leftovers, store the noodles separately from the broth in a separate container in the fridge and it should be good up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or reboil on the stove top.
Expert Tips
- Don't Over Cook the Ramen. Instant ramen only takes 2 minutes at most to cook because don't forget the thin noodles will be sitting in your hot soup broth making the noodles expand further.
- Add Soft Tofu in Near the End. This prevents the soft tofu from overcooking and keeps it nice a silky.
FAQ
What does Sundubu mean?
It means extra soft tofu. It is usually sold in a tube like packaging.
Is tofu good in ramen?
Yes it’s really delicious and a great source of plant-based protein who are avoiding meat.
What does Sundubu Jjigae taste like?
It tastes spicy and savoury thanks to the deep broth. The creaminess of the soon tofu balances out that spiciness but overall the dish is spicy.
Which brand of ramen did you use for this recipe?
I’m using my all-time favourite spicy brand of instant ramen called Jin Ramen. You can find at most Korean grocers and at certain Asian grocers.
Other Quick Ramen Recipes you may like!
- Kewpie Mayo Ramen Hack
- Curry Ramen Hack
- Kujirai Ramen
- Kimchi Cheese Ramen Stir-Fry
- Quick Spicy Ramen Stir-Fry
- Stir Fried Ramen For One Recipe
📖 Recipe
Easy 3-min Sundubu Ramen (Viral Ramen with Tofu)
Ingredients
- 1 pack instant ramen noodles (spicy Korean soup kind)
- 1 pack Instant ramen seasoning that came with instant ramen
- 1 pack Instant ramen dried vegetable flakes that came with instant ramen
- 150 grams soon tofu (comes in a tube or feel free to substitute with silken tofu)
- ½ stalk green onion sliced
- 1 teaspoon gochugaru
- ½ red chili pepper sliced (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- water amount instructed on instant ramen package
Instructions
- In a small pot, over medium high heat add instructed amount of water according to Instant Ramen package (about 550 ml if you are using the brand Jin Ramen). Then add in seasoning packets & dried vegetable flakes (that come with the instant ramen package).
- Add sliced green onions, minced garlic, gochugaru, and sesame oil. Stir and bring this broth to a boil.
- Once broth boils, add in instant noodles and boil for 1 minute. On the 2nd minute, add soon tofu. Break tofu apart.
- Crack an egg on top and boil for another minute. Garnish with red chili peppers (optional) and more green onions (optional). Remove off heat and enjoy!
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Millie
This was very easy to make and it was delicious. I used silken tofu and it worked well too.
Heidi | The Frugal Girls
I am loving all of the rich and savory flavors in this dish... talk about going on a fun flavor safari for dinner!