15-Minute Better than Bouillon Ramen

This comforting Better Than Bouillon Ramen is easily customizable, and it’s ready in 15 minutes. Our nearly-instant ramen soup recipe is a healthier, homemade take on instant noodles. Absolutely mouthwatering!

Hack for Quick Easy Ramen

Better Than Bouillon is my go-to hack for quick and delicious soup stock. It’s way cheaper than buying chicken broth or beef broth, and it lasts a lot longer too. I don’t even bother making my own vegetable broth anymore, it’s just so easy to reach for that jar of Better Than Bouillon.

(They don’t sponsor us in any way, in fact I’m pretty sure they don’t know our blog exists. But I love this stuff and use it almost every day.)

I think the reason Better Than Bouillon is so good for ramen is, it adds a ton of umami flavour. It hits the same spot as instant ramen, but can be much healthier. (We use these non-fried ramen noodles which are made with only flour, water, and salt.)

So easy to customize these noodles based on whichever soup base you’re using. For a chicken flavour, use the Roasted Chicken Bouillon Base. For a seafood flavour, try the Lobster Base. Or for a vegan version, use the Seasoned Vegetable Base. So simple to switch it up!

Ingredients + Substitutions

A few important notes on some of the ingredients used in this Better Than Bouillon Ramen noodle bowl:

Oil: To fry the garlic and imbue the broth with lots of rich flavour. We use the garlic-infused oil from making Garlic Confit.

Garlic: Fresh garlic, please! You can also use Roasted Garlic.

Water: Use 3 cups for dried noodles, or 2 cups if using fresh noodles.

Better than Bouillon: Use any of the Better Than Bouillon flavours to add salt and seasoning. For beef flavour, use Roasted Beef Base. For creamy mushroom ramen, go for the Mushroom Base. Or for vegan ramen, use the Seasoned Vegetable Base.

Miso Paste: Adds an extra dose of Asian umami flavour.

Ramen Noodles: Any thin wheat noodle will work. I like these non-fried ramen noodles which are made with only flour, water, and salt. You can also use the noodles from a package of instant ramen. Or even use fresh egg noodles.

Leafy Greens: Optional, but it’s an easy way to add some health points. Baby bok choy, spinach, chopped napa cabbage all do well here.

Protein: Turn this ramen into a complete meal by adding any cooked protein of your choice. For example, Chicken Chunks, cubed steak, or tofu.

See recipe card for quantities.

Optional Toppings

Sesame Oil

Diced Scallions

Roasted Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover like us, throw a few Roasted Garlic Cloves on top.

Soft-Boiled Egg: Boil an egg in its shell for 6 to 7 minutes for a perfectly soft boiled egg. If you’re at higher elevation, boil for a minute longer.

Furikake: A small sprinkle of Nori Komi Furikake adds some savoury crunch.

Red Pepper Flakes: If you like spicy noodles. 🌶️

Dam Toi: Traditionally a condiment for pho, this Vietnamese Pickled Garlic recipe is also great on ramen!

Directions

Step 1. Heat oil in a small stockpot on medium heat. Gently sauté the garlic until shiny and fragrant.

Step 2. Pour in the water. Mix in Better than Bouillon, miso paste, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cover and turn the heat up to high.

Step 3. When the water comes to a boil, add the dried noodles, leafy greens, and protein of your choice.

Step 4. Turn the heat down to a simmer and cook until noodles are softened. Add toppings and serve!

Hint: Cook the noodles for one minute less than the recommended time indicated on the packaging. The noodles will continue cooking in the hot soup even after you take it off the heat.

Storage Tips

It’s best to eat this Better Than Bouillon Ramen immediately, or else the noodles will become soft. However, you can cook the broth separately ahead of time and reboil it and add the noodles when ready to eat. But this is such a quick recipe that you won’t be saving much time with this method.

Fridge: Store Better Than Bouillan broth in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezer: Freeze Better Than Bouillon ramen broth for up to three months.

More Garlic Recipes Under 30 Minutes

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

What to Serve with Better Than Bouillon Ramen