Trader Joe's Ramen Recipe - Lulu's Copycats

This Trader Joe’s-style Ramen is a quick and easy recipe, which is made with instant ramen noodles and a savory ginger-garlic broth. It’s the perfect 30-minute meal, a semi-homemade way to elevate a simple packet of ramen into a satisfying and comforting meal.

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Trader Joe’s Ramen Ingredients

A simple list for a flavor-packed, upgraded instant noodle bowl.

2 packages instant ramen noodles (seasoning packets discarded)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
4 teaspoons grated fresh garlic
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
4 cups water
1 ounce dried shiitake mushrooms
2 cups chopped kale or spinach
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup chopped scallions or chives
Crunchy golden panko crumbs, for topping (see notes)
Optional toppings: Sriracha, soy sauce, a soft-boiled egg

How To Make Trader Joe’s Ramen

A step-by-step guide to this incredibly easy and delicious ramen hack.

Build the Broth: Heat the sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the grated garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 2 minutes until soft and very fragrant.
Simmer the Broth: Pour in the broth and the water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the dried shiitake mushrooms. Let the broth simmer for 10 minutes to allow the mushrooms to soften and infuse the broth with their deep, umami flavor.
Cook the Noodles: Add the instant ramen noodles (without their seasoning packets) to the hot liquid. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the noodles have softened and are cooked through.
Add Vegetables and Serve: Stir the chopped scallions into the pot. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the chopped kale (or spinach) and the shredded carrots. The residual heat will wilt the greens perfectly.
Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle the ramen into bowls. Top with crunchy golden panko crumbs, a soft-boiled egg (if using), and season to taste with a drizzle of Sriracha, soy sauce, or extra sesame oil.

Trader Joe's Ramen Recipe — Trader Joe’s Ramen Recipe

Recipe Tips

For the most delicious, perfectly balanced ramen bowl.

How to make the crunchy panko topping? This is a fantastic textural element! Simply heat a little oil in a skillet, add the panko, and stir for a minute or less until they are golden brown. Drain them on a paper towel. This adds a wonderful, satisfying crunch to the finished soup.
Can I add other vegetables or protein? Yes! This is a fantastic base recipe. You can add other quick-cooking vegetables like bok choy, edamame, or corn. For protein, top it with leftover shredded chicken, pan-fried tofu, or some quick-cooking shrimp.
Can I make this ahead of time? Ramen is at its absolute best when the noodles are served immediately after cooking, as they will continue to absorb the broth and can become soft. If you have leftovers, they are still delicious, but the texture will be different.
Trader Joe’s Shortcuts: For an even faster meal, you can find many of these ingredients at Trader Joe’s, including pre-shredded carrots, chopped kale, and a variety of instant ramen noodles.

What To Serve With Homemade Ramen

This satisfying noodle soup is a complete meal in a bowl.

This quick and easy ramen bowl has everything you need for a fantastic dinner. The beauty of ramen is in the toppings! Other great additions include:

A jammy, soft-boiled egg (Ajitsuke Tamago)
A sheet of roasted nori (seaweed)
A drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of Togarashi seasoning

How To Store Leftover Ramen

Ramen is best enjoyed immediately.

Best Eaten Fresh: For the best chewy noodle texture, this soup should be eaten as soon as it is made.
Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The noodles will absorb a significant amount of the broth.
Reheat: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or gently on the stovetop. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Trader Joe’s Ramen Nutrition Facts

An estimated guide per serving.

Calories: 450 kcal
Carbohydrates: 65 g
Protein: 15 g
Fat: 16 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Do I have to use dried shiitake mushrooms?

Dried shiitake mushrooms provide a deep, savory, umami flavor to the broth that you can’t get from fresh mushrooms. They are a key ingredient for creating a rich-tasting broth in a short amount of time. You can find them in the international aisle of most grocery stores.

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, easily. Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure your instant ramen noodles are egg-free (many are).

What kind of instant ramen should I use?

Any brand of plain, instant ramen noodles will work. Since you are making your own flavorful broth, you will be discarding the seasoning packet that comes with the noodles.

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