If your family loves instant Top Ramen noodles but you’re looking for a lower sodium option, you’ve got to try our homemade low sodium ramen noodles. This 3 ingredient healthy ramen recipe is packed with veggies, is gluten free, and super flavorful without all the extra salt.
This recipe is a win-win for the whole family. Kids love eating it and parents are thankful for the healthier alternative. Easy to prep, containers of ramen noodles can be made ahead of time and stored. When ready to eat, just add hot water. Makes for a quick lunch or dinner meal any day of the week.
Adding a variety of spices and seasoning to homemade ramen is a great way to boost the flavor while cutting the sodium content. Plus, you can create a different version each time. Keep reading to learn which flavors can be added to spice up your bowl of ramen!
Low-sodium instant ramen will quickly become family favorite. For other low-sodium dishes packed with flavor, check out our Whole Wheat Mac and Cheese, Slow Cooker Chunky Vegetable Soup and Turkey Burgers in the Oven.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 2 packets sodium-free granulated chicken bouillon
- 2 tablespoons dehydrated soup vegetables
- 2.1 ounce rice noodles
- 1 1/2 cups hot water
- red chili paste, sesame oil, green onions, optional
We used Frontier Co-op Soup Vegetables, Herb-Ox Bouillon Chicken Instant Broth and Seasoning, and Ocean’s Halo Organic Rice Noodles, their Ramen noodles would work great too.
You can use glass mason jars to make and store extras or you can pick up these 16-ounce plastic containers that we use for our overnight oats, frozen mac and cheese, and homemade frosting.
How To Make
Homemade ramen noodles might seem complicated but are actually super simple! In under 10 minutes, the noodles are ready to eat. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to get started.
Add ingredients to the container
To a container with a lid, add the granulated chicken bouillon, dehydrated vegetables, and noodles.
Add hot water
Then, carefully add the hot water to the ramen noodles making sure all noodles are covered in water. Set the lid on top, but do not tighten. Let sit for 4-6 minutes or until the noodles are softened.
PRO TIP: It is important to only use hot water, it is key to softening the noodles. Microwave water until boiling, heat in a kettle, or use super hot tap water.
Ramen Noodle Flavors
Add any extra flavor boosters you’d like and change it up each time if desired. Red pepper flakes, miso, garlic powder, onion powder, low sodium soy sauce, chili powder and sriracha are all tasty options.
Our top favorite is a teaspoon of red chili paste mixed with a teaspoon of sesame oil. You have to give this flavor combination a try, it is SO good!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Container: Ensure that you are using a container with a secure lid that can withstand hot water without melting or warping. A thermos or a heat-resistant food container with a tight-sealing lid would work well.
- Layer Ingredients: When adding the ingredients to the container, layer them in a way that will help with even cooking. Start with the granulated chicken bouillon, followed by the dehydrated vegetables, and then the rice noodles. This layering can help distribute the flavor and heat evenly.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality granulated chicken bouillon, dehydrated vegetables, and rice noodles to ensure a tasty and satisfying meal.
- Hot Water Temperature: Make sure the hot water you add is truly hot. Boiling water works best to ensure the noodles and other ingredients cook properly. Preheat your thermos or container with hot water before adding the ingredients to maintain the temperature.
- Don’t Over-Tighten the Lid: When sealing the container, do not tighten the lid too much. This allows steam to escape during the cooking process and prevents pressure buildup inside the container.
- Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Set a timer for 4-6 minutes, depending on your preference for noodle tenderness. Check the noodles at the 4-minute mark to ensure they are not overcooked. They should be soft but still have a slight bite (al dente).
- Customize with Flavor Boosters: While the noodles are soaking, consider adding flavor boosters to enhance your meal. The suggested options are red chili paste and sesame oil, but you can also experiment with other ingredients like soy sauce, sriracha, or dried herbs for added flavor.
- Garnish with Green Onions: If desired, top your container meal with chopped green onions before serving. Green onions add a fresh and crunchy element to the dish.
- Portion Control: Keep in mind that the serving sizes mentioned in the recipe are approximate. Adjust the quantities of ingredients to suit your taste preferences and appetite.
- Safety First: Be cautious when handling hot water and hot containers. Use oven mitts or a towel to handle the container during the cooking process, and be sure it’s safe to open before doing so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Enjoy this low sodium ramen recipe straight from the container or pour into a bowl filled with broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms baby corn, and/or water chestnuts and any protein such as steak, chicken, pork or shrimp.
Simply prep the recipe by adding the chicken bouillon packets, dehydrated vegetables and noodles into containers. Then, stack the containers on the counter or in your pantry for up to 3 months.
You can enhance the flavor of low-sodium ramen with alternative seasonings such as herbs, spices, and low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. Fresh ginger, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil can also add depth to the broth.
Vegetables like bok choy, spinach, mushrooms, steamed carrots, and scallions are great additions to low-sodium ramen. They add flavor and nutrition without significant sodium.
Storage Instructions
Before Adding Water (Prepackaging):
Before adding water to your prepackaged ramen, it’s crucial to ensure that your ingredients remain fresh and safe for consumption. Start by assembling the dry ingredients, including granulated chicken bouillon, dehydrated vegetables, and rice noodles, in an airtight container with a secure lid. Keep this container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. By storing your prepackaged ingredients properly, you’ll maintain their quality until you’re ready to prepare your low-sodium ramen.
After Adding Water:
Once you’ve added hot water to your prepackaged low-sodium ramen ingredients, it’s essential to follow proper safety and storage practices. After the specified 4-6 minutes of soaking time, ensure that the container’s lid is secure but not overly tightened, allowing any excess steam to escape. Be cautious when handling the container, as it will be hot. Once you’ve enjoyed your homemade ramen, any leftovers should be refrigerated promptly. Transfer the ramen to a sealed container, if needed, and store it in the refrigerator. Consume any refrigerated leftovers within a few days to maintain freshness and safety. Reheat thoroughly before enjoying any reheated portions. Properly storing your ramen both before and after adding water helps preserve its quality and safety for the best dining experience
More 3-Ingredient Recipes
- The Best Baked Brussels Sprouts
- Drumstick Crockpot Recipe
- Make-Ahead Whipped Cream Recipe
- Refried Bean Burrito Recipe
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Low Sodium Ramen Noodles Recipe
Equipment
- containers with lids
Ingredients
- 2 packets sodium-free granulated chicken bouillon ✅We used Herb ox
- 2 tablespoons dehydrated soup vegetables ✅
- 2.1 ounce rice noodles we used Ocean's Halo
- 1 1/2 cups hot water
- red chili paste, sesame oil, green onions, optional ✅
Instructions
- Add ingredients to the container. To a container with a lid, add the granulated chicken bouillon, dehydrated vegetables, and rice noodles.2 packets sodium-free granulated chicken bouillon, 2 tablespoons dehydrated soup vegetables, 2.1 ounce rice noodles
- ⭐️Add hot water. Add hot water to the ramen noodles. Set cover on top, do not tighten. Let sit for 4-6 minutes or until the noodles are softened. Add any extra flavor boosters you'd like. Our favorite is a teaspoon of red chili paste and a teaspoon of sesame oil.1 1/2 cups hot water, red chili paste, sesame oil, green onions, optional
Notes
Flavor Boosters
Chili paste, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, miso, garlic powder, onion powder, low sodium soy sauce, chili powder and srirachaHow To Serve
Enjoy straight from the container or pour into bowl filled with broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers, baby corn, and/or water chestnuts and any protein such as steak, chicken, pork or shrimp.How To Store
Add the chicken bouillon packets, dehydrated vegetables and noodles into containers. Stack the containers on the counter or in the pantry for up to 3 months. CCK Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination. The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.Nutrition
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Beth says
This has become a lunch staple. Yum!
Linda Starr says
I used to add an egg, some green onions , some raw brocolli, mushrooms – any kind of raw vegetables and it was sooo good. I’ll have to try eating it again as I haven’t for years.
Marisa says
It was horrible. There’s no way that only hot water is going to cook these noodles and the flavor is non existent. I tried adding more ingredients and using the microwave but it didn’t help.
Jennifer Gross says
My mom is on a low sodium diet due to kidney and liver disease. My mom is also allergic to rice so I can’t use rice noodles. Do you have any suggestions on what I could use instead?
Jodi Danen, RDN says
Hi Jennifer! You could give Japanese soba noodles a try. Read labels carefully if she is gluten-free as some are gluten-free but some brands add wheat flour and therefore are not gluten-free. You could try Chinese somen noodles if she is not gluten-free as they are wheat based. I hope that helps!
Jim Reynolds says
I guess I am confused about the Herb Ox Chicken Bouillon being touted as Sodium free? Their website under nutritional information lists 1.1 gms of Na per serving. This is close to the flavor packet in typical Ramen of about 1.2 to 1.4 gms of Na in the entire packet?
Jim Reynolds says
My bad, I was able to find the Na-free bouillon after some more digging, just not in the packet form.
Jodi Danen, RDN says
Hi Jim, I’m happy to hear you found it. You can find the packets on Amazon. I added the link to the recipe. Thanks for the feedback!
Sandra Hudson says
Where do you find dehydrated vegetables?
Jodi Danen, RDN says
Hi Sandra! I ordered mine on Amazon. I’d imagine the large grocery stores would carry them as well.
Karen McClendon says
Can you tell me the sodium count for just the ramen noodles without the seasoning packet? I like to add just the noodles to my chicken veggie soup. Thanks
Jodi Danen, RDN says
Hi Karen! The Ocean’s Halo rice noodles have 180 mg of sodium per serving. The Thai Kitchen rice noodles state 0 mg. I hope that helps!
Queen Brown says
Thanks for the low sodium recipes. I have been struggling to do as my dr ask. It’s all new to me, I do thank you all. Queen fro Surry VA