Creamy Peanut Butter Ramen
Creamy Peanut Butter Ramen is a easy Asian Fusion recipe that serves 2. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by Gags Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $4.51 total, $2.26 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Coriander (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
- 2 stalks Spring Onions (chopped, white and green parts)
- 1/4 cup Pepperoni (chopped, optional)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for sautéing)
- 1.5 tablespoons Red Thai Curry Paste (store‑bought)
- 1 tablespoon Peanut Butter (creamy style)
- 1/4 cup Coconut Milk (full‑fat)
- 2 cups Chicken Broth (low‑sodium; water can be used as a lighter option)
- 1 packet Korean Ramen Packet (any instant ramen noodles can be used)
- 5 pieces Leftover Momo Dumplings (pre‑cooked; can use frozen dumplings)
- 1 pinch Salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Soy Sauce (low‑sodium, optional splash)
- 3 leaves Pork Choy Leaves (washed and torn)
- 1 drizzle Chili Oil (homemade or store‑bought)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice (squeezed from about half a lemon)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Finely chop the garlic cloves, spring onions, fresh coriander, and optional pepperoni. Set each aside in separate bowls.
Time: PT10M
Sauté Garlic and Pepperoni
Place the pot over medium heat, add 1 tbsp oil, and heat until shimmering. Reduce to low heat, add the minced garlic and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant, then add the chopped pepperoni and stir‑fry for about 1 minute.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium
Add Curry Paste, Peanut Butter and Coconut Milk
Stir in 1½ tbsp red Thai curry paste, then add 1 tbsp creamy peanut butter followed by ¼ cup coconut milk. Mix gently until the peanut butter fully incorporates into the broth.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Add Broth and Bring to Boil
Pour in 2 cups low‑sodium chicken broth (or water) and increase the heat. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: High
Cook Noodles and Dumplings
Add one packet of instant ramen noodles, gently flip them, then add the leftover momo dumplings. Season with a pinch of salt and a splash (≈1 tsp) soy sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 4–5 minutes until the noodles are al dente.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Low
Add Pork Choy
Tear a few pork choy leaves, add them to the pot, and press down so they soak up the broth. Cook for about 1 minute until wilted but still bright.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Low
Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the chopped spring onions and fresh coriander on top, drizzle a generous amount of chili oil, and squeeze in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately in bowls.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 380
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 53 g
- Fat
- 27 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Not vegan, Gluten‑containing
Allergens: Peanuts, Soy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Coriander: Fresh parsley
- Instead of Spring Onions: Chives
- Instead of Pepperoni: Cooked bacon, Chorizo
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Sesame oil (will add flavor)
- Instead of Red Thai Curry Paste: Red curry powder mixed with chili paste
- Instead of Peanut Butter: Almond butter
- Instead of Coconut Milk: Heavy cream, Almond milk
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth, Water
- Instead of Korean Ramen Packet: Japanese ramen, Udon noodles, Rice noodles
- Instead of Leftover Momo Dumplings: Frozen dumplings, Wonton wrappers
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari, Coconut aminos
- Instead of Pork Choy Leaves: Baby bok choy, Spinach
- Instead of Chili Oil: Sriracha, Hot sauce
- Instead of Fresh Lemon Juice: Lime juice
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Medium Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Spoons
- Serving Bowls
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Finely chopping garlic and fresh herbs
- Sautéing garlic without burning
- Bringing the broth to a rolling boil before adding noodles
- Cooking the ramen noodles until al dente
- Seasoning with salt and soy sauce to balance flavors
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a natural creamy peanut butter for the smoothest broth.
- A splash of lime juice works as well as lemon for extra brightness.
- Adjust spiciness by varying the amount of chili oil or adding fresh sliced chilies.
- For deeper flavor, toast the red Thai curry paste briefly (10‑15 seconds) before adding liquids.
Troubleshooting
Noodles become mushy.
Reduce the cooking time and remove the noodles as soon as they are al dente. Rinse briefly with hot water if you need to stop cooking.
Soup is too thick.
Add extra chicken broth or water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Peanut butter forms clumps.
Whisk vigorously after adding coconut milk and broth; you can also warm the peanut butter slightly before mixing.
Garlic turns bitter.
Keep the heat low and sauté the garlic only a few seconds; remove from heat immediately once fragrant.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Freezer: Not recommended due to noodles and dumplings, but you may freeze the broth alone for up to 1 month and add fresh noodles when reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the broth mixture (curry paste, peanut butter, coconut milk) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Pre‑chop garlic, spring onions, and coriander; keep them in airtight containers.
- Cook the dumplings ahead of time and reheat briefly when adding to the soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Creamy Peanut Butter Ramen in Asian fusion cuisine?
Creamy Peanut Butter Ramen is a modern fusion dish that combines the Japanese staple ramen with Thai flavors like red curry and peanut butter, reflecting the growing trend of cross‑cultural comfort foods in contemporary Asian‑inspired cooking.
How does Creamy Peanut Butter Ramen blend traditional Japanese ramen with Thai flavors?
The dish uses classic ramen noodles as the base, while the broth is enriched with Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, and peanut butter, creating a creamy, aromatic soup that marries the umami of Japan with the spice and nuttiness of Thailand.
What traditional regional variations of ramen incorporate peanut butter or coconut milk in Asian cuisine?
While traditional Japanese ramen rarely uses peanut butter, some regional Thai noodle soups such as Kuay Teow Nam Khai use coconut milk and peanuts. Modern chefs have begun merging these ideas, leading to hybrid recipes like this one.
In which celebrations or casual meals is Creamy Peanut Butter Ramen typically enjoyed in modern Asian‑inspired cooking?
This ramen is popular as a quick weeknight dinner, a comforting late‑night snack, and even at informal gatherings where guests appreciate bold, spicy‑sweet flavors. It’s not tied to a specific festival but fits well into casual brunch‑brunch or game‑night menus.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional ramen versus the substitutes used in this Creamy Peanut Butter Ramen recipe?
Traditional ramen relies on a pork‑bone or chicken‑based broth, soy‑based seasoning, and wheat noodles. This recipe substitutes the broth with chicken broth plus coconut milk, adds red Thai curry paste and peanut butter for flavor, and optionally includes pepperoni for a Western twist.
What other Asian fusion dishes pair well with Creamy Peanut Butter Ramen?
Pairs nicely with crisp Asian salads (e.g., cucumber‑sesame salad), steamed dumplings, or a side of pickled vegetables. A light mango‑lime salsa can also balance the richness of the ramen.
How has the use of peanut butter in savory noodle dishes evolved in contemporary Asian cooking?
Peanut butter, once mainly a Western spread, has become popular in Asian sauces and soups, especially in Thai satay and Indonesian gado‑gado. Chefs now experiment by adding it to noodle broths for creaminess and depth, as seen in this ramen.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Creamy Peanut Butter Ramen?
Common errors include over‑cooking the noodles, letting the garlic burn, adding too much peanut butter which can make the broth gritty, and not balancing salt and soy sauce, leading to an overly salty soup.
Why does this Creamy Peanut Butter Ramen recipe add coconut milk before boiling the broth?
Adding coconut milk before the boil helps emulsify the peanut butter and curry paste, creating a smooth, cohesive broth. Boiling afterwards ensures the flavors meld while preventing the coconut milk from separating.
Can I make Creamy Peanut Butter Ramen ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the broth and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cook the noodles and dumplings fresh, then reheat the broth and combine just before serving to keep the noodles from getting soggy.
What does the YouTube channel Gags Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Gags Kitchen specializes in quick, easy-to‑follow Asian‑inspired home cooking videos that blend traditional flavors with modern twists, often featuring creative shortcuts and pantry‑friendly ingredients.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
