Testing TikTok's Most Viral Recipes
Testing TikTok's Most VIRAL Recipes is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 1. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Mary Allyson on YouTube.
Prep: 3 min | Cook: 9 min | Total: 17 min
Cost: $6.94 total, $6.94 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 packet Instant Ramen Noodles (discard the flavor packet)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons Vegan Egg Substitute (e.g., JUST Egg) (scrambled in pan)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds (toasted)
- 1 tablespoon Scallions (thinly sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add the ramen noodles and cook for about 3‑4 minutes until just tender, then drain, reserving a splash of cooking water.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: 100°C
Make the Garlic‑Butter Sauce
While the noodles cook, melt the butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Combine Noodles and Sauce
Add the drained noodles to the pan, toss to coat evenly. If the mixture looks dry, add a little reserved noodle water.
Time: PT1M
Add the Vegan Egg
Push the noodles to one side of the pan, pour the vegan egg substitute into the empty space and let it set for a few seconds, then scramble it together with the noodles until fully cooked.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Finish and Serve
Transfer the ramen to a serving bowl, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions on top. Serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 10g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy-Free, Contains Gluten
Allergens: Soy, Gluten, Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Instant Ramen Noodles: any instant ramen noodles, dry wheat noodles
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: vegan butter, margarine
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: tamari
- Instead of Brown Sugar: coconut sugar, maple syrup (1 tsp)
- Instead of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: hot sauce
- Instead of Vegan Egg Substitute (e.g., JUST Egg): silken tofu (2 tbsp)
- Instead of Scallions: chives
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Frying Pan
- Wooden Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cook the ramen noodles just until al dente; overcooking makes them mushy.
- Sauté garlic briefly without letting it burn.
- Properly scramble the vegan egg so it integrates with the noodles.
- Season balance: adjust brown sugar and soy sauce to taste.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the sesame seeds until golden for a nutty aroma.
- Use a high-quality soy sauce or add a dash of mushroom soy sauce for depth.
- A tiny drizzle of rice vinegar at the end brightens the dish.
Troubleshooting
Noodles are too soggy.
Drain them well and rinse briefly with cold water; cook them 30 seconds less next time.
Sauce is too salty.
Add a pinch more brown sugar or a splash of rice vinegar to balance the flavor.
Vegan egg does not set.
Increase the heat slightly and stir continuously; ensure the egg substitute is fresh.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of noodles changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the garlic‑butter sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Pre‑cook the noodles, rinse with cold water, and toss with a little oil; re‑heat in the pan with the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of ramen in Japanese cuisine?
Ramen originated in China and became a staple in Japan in the early 20th century, evolving into many regional styles. It is now a beloved comfort food and a cultural icon, often enjoyed at casual eateries and home kitchens alike.
What are the traditional regional variations of ramen in Japan?
Japan’s major ramen styles include Tokyo shoyu (soy sauce), Sapporo miso, Hakata tonkotsu (pork bone broth), and Kitakata shio (salt). Each region emphasizes different broths, toppings, and noodle textures.
How is ramen traditionally served in Japan?
Ramen is served hot in a deep bowl with broth, noodles, and toppings such as sliced pork, nori, boiled egg, and scallions. It is eaten with chopsticks for the noodles and a soup spoon for the broth.
What occasions or celebrations is ramen traditionally associated with in Japanese culture?
Ramen is a everyday comfort food but is also enjoyed during festivals, late‑night meals, and as a quick dinner after work. Some regions hold ramen festivals to celebrate local styles.
What makes this vegan butter garlic soy sauce ramen special in the context of modern Asian-inspired home cooking?
The recipe transforms instant ramen with a simple butter‑garlic‑soy sauce glaze, adding depth, a hint of sweetness, and a protein boost from a vegan egg, creating a satisfying, quick‑cook meal that feels gourmet yet stays budget‑friendly.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making vegan butter garlic soy sauce ramen?
Common errors include overcooking the noodles, burning the garlic, using too much soy sauce which makes the dish salty, and not scrambling the vegan egg properly, which can leave it rubbery.
Why does this recipe use butter and soy sauce together instead of a traditional broth?
Butter adds richness and a silky mouthfeel while soy sauce provides umami and saltiness, creating a quick “sauce‑only” ramen that mimics the depth of a broth without the long simmering time.
Can I make this vegan butter garlic soy sauce ramen ahead of time and how should I store it?
You can prepare the sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the noodles fresh and combine with the reheated sauce just before serving for the best texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the vegan egg is done in this ramen?
The vegan egg should be softly scrambled, forming small curds that coat the noodles without turning dry or rubbery. It should blend seamlessly with the sauce, giving a creamy look.
How do I know when the ramen noodles are perfectly cooked for this recipe?
The noodles should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). Taste a strand after 3 minutes; if it’s firm in the center but not hard, they’re ready.
What does the YouTube channel Mary Allyson specialize in?
The YouTube channel Mary Allyson focuses on testing viral TikTok food trends, providing honest reviews, and adapting them into accessible home‑cooked recipes, often with vegan and gluten‑free twists.
How does the YouTube channel Mary Allyson's approach to Asian-inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Mary Allyson emphasizes quick, budget‑friendly adaptations of trending dishes, prioritizing ingredient accessibility and clear step‑by‑step narration, whereas many other channels may focus on elaborate techniques or professional plating.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
