Vegan Noodles: 7 Easy Recipes For Comfort In A Bowl (2024)

Nothing says comfort food to me like noodles, especially those you can twirl around your fork and get in your mouth for that satisfying yum. And thankfully, vegan noodles don’t have to be any different.

Here are 7 of the easiest, tastiest vegan noodles I have found. From Asian to Italian favorites, these recipes the kids will love are great for a weeknight or a cozy weekend.

I’ll be real with you: going vegan for my health almost made me hate cooking even more than I already did. BUT! Comfort vegan food recipes like these turned me into The Reluctant Foodie who now loves cooking healthy home-cooked meals for myself and my kids.

BONUS: these can be made gluten-free, nutritional yeast-free, and soy-free!

Key Takeaways

• Vegan noodles cover all the comfort taste buds with easy recipes such as Easy Tomato Sauce, Vegan Peanut Noodles, Garlic Cashew Cheese Mac and Cheese, Vegan Ramen, Butternut Squash Tomato Sauce, Vegan Garlic Noodles, and Singapore Noodles.
• The essentials of vegan noodle mastery include the right type of noodles, stocking up on vegan-friendly pantry staples like coconut aminos and vegan butter, and crafting sauces that balance sweet, tangy, and savory elements.
• Proper cooking techniques, tools, and garnishing are crucial for perfecting vegan noodles, while meal prep and storage tips ensure your noodle dishes’ convenience and leftover flavor.

Vegan Noodles: 7 Easy Recipes

1. The Reluctant Foodie’s Easy Any Night Tomato Sauce

This is my family’s favorite go-to for a fresh tomato sauce made from simple ingredients that I always keep on hand. Throw some gluten-free vegan dinner rolls in and a fresh salad, and I kid you not, you’ll feel like you could open a fresh Italian restaurant tomorrow. Pasta water is the secret of this sauce, so be sure to save some when cooking. It reheats well, too!

Recipe Highlights:

• saute onions and garlic on low, add in spices and tomatoes, and simmer for 20 minutes
• can make this smooth or chunky style and garnish with basil for a fresh homecooked sauce you could even jar in less than 30 minutes

2. Vegan Peanut Sesame Noodles

I love it when my kids think they won’t like something and ask for more. They rolled their eyes when I added veggies to the wok and thought, ‘Oh no,’ when I put pad Thai noodles in a pot. Then they wished I had made a double batch so they could take it in their lunch the next day.

From Jenn Eats Goood, this is one I’ll throw in whatever veggies I’ve got in the fridge in addition to the red bell pepper and green onion it asks for. The last time was some baby broccoli; a time before that was peas. Make this recipe your own and throw in your favorites, but it is also delicious as-is. You’ll never order take out again, it’s that easy.

Recipe Highlights:

• stir fry veggies in sesame oil, cook noodles, whisk 4 ingredient sauce and bring together!
• whip up 4 servings in under 30 minutes.

3. Garlic Cashew Cream Mac and Cheese

Another beyond-simple sauce that will become your go-to for vegan comfort. Throw these ingredients in the blender, cook gluten-free macaroni or shells (links below), and get the healthiest mac and cheese you’ve ever had.

This recipe is oil-free and dairy-free and doesn’t rely on nutritional yeast for its flavor. Add sauteed mushrooms or cooked peas, and you’re now getting some extra veggies in without compromising the comfort.

Recipe Highlights:

• just blend cashews, lemon juice, garlic powder, sea salt, water, and 1/2 a date and you’ve got an amazing, versatile sauce

4. Vegan Singapore Noodles

These are so simple but taste complex! I use coconut aminos instead of tamari; the flavor is just as good. Brought to us by the Minimalist Baker, this recipe takes 30 minutes in total and will be another reason you save money and your health by not ordering takeout. I keep these ingredients on hand and can adapt if I don’t have something. Gluten-free soba noodles work well with this, too!

Recipe Highlights:

• cook noodles, assemble simple sauce, stir fry veggies, bring sauce and noodles, add in veggies
• 4 servings in under 30 minutes

5. Creamy Butternut Squash Tomato Sauce

The butternut squash makes you think of fall, but the basil will keep you eating this bowl of vegan comfort food all year long. I used frozen butternut squash and got it thawed in the pan before adding shallot, and it was just as good. And trust me, your kids won’t even realize how healthy this is.

Another amazingly creamy recipe from Jenn Eats Goood that uses coconut milk for these healthy saucy noodles and doesn’t rely on nutritional yeast for the flavor. It is so fresh, so comforting, and so vegan.

Recipe Highlights:

• saute squash and shallot for 5 minutes, add in tomato and garlic and saute another 20 minutes
• add coconut milk and simmer, stir in cooked noodles, garnish with fresh basil and done!

6. Vegan Garlic Noodles

Two words: five ingredients. Yep, just five. This Vegan Garlic Noodles recipe from Zardy Plants is great for a cozy lunch at my desk, and I substitute coconut aminos for the tamari. Have the pasta cooked beforehand, and even throw in other ingredients like spinach or mushrooms to make it more filling.

Recipe Highlights:

• saute garlic and onions for under 5 minutes, add in sauces until warm, toss in cooked noodles
• 5 ingredients, 15 minutes to yum!

7. Easy Vegan Ramen

Thank you, Nora Cooks, for proving to my kids that the nasty cheap ramen that may kill them someday is not the best ramen out there. I can pack in veggies like shredded carrots, sh*take mushrooms, garlic, and ginger, and they think I picked it up from the trendy ramen place downtown.

Using coconut aminos again for the regular soy sauce makes this soy-free, and having the gluten-free ramen noodles linked below makes it easy. Pair it with my favorite healing vegetable broth that I always have in the freezer, and this is ready in 20 minutes.

Recipe Highlights:

• saute garlic and ginger for a couple minutes, add in broth and veggies and simmer for 10 minutes, add in noodles and heat for 5 minutes
• add more spices if needed and enjoy in under 20 minutes!

The Essentials of Vegan Noodles

Comforting vegan noodles is even easier when you have the right supplies in the pantry and tools in the cabinet. Here’s a breakdown of what has made vegan comfort food easy for me.

Gluten-Free Vegan Noodles to Choose From

Not all noodles are suitable for vegan dishes, as traditional options like fettucini, ramen, and udon noodles may contain non-vegan ingredients like eggs. It’s important to carefully check the ingredient labels when purchasing noodles.

Here’s a quick list of my favorite Vegan, Gluten-Free Noodles to have on hand:

1. Lotus Foods Organic Pad Thai Rice Noodles
2. Lotus Foods Organic Udon Rice Noodles
3. Lotus Foods Organic Soba Rice Noodles
4. Onetang Millet and Brown Rice Gluten Free Ramen Noodles
5. Banza Chickpea Spaghetti
6. Jovial Brown Rice Elbows, Penne, Farfalle
7. Jovial Grain Free Cassava Spaghetti

Vegan Noodle Pantry Staples

Once you have chosen your preferred noodles, the next step is to have some basics on hand in your pantry so that all you need is to add some fresh vegetables to your favorite vegan noodle recipe.

Essential Oils:

1. Pure Avocado Oil
2. Sesame Oil
3. Olive Oil

Essential Sauce Ingredients:

1. Coconut aminos – vegan, soy-free
2. Organic Tomato Paste
3. San Marzano Organic Tomatoes
4. Pure Maple Syrup
5. Rice Vinegar
6. Red Pepper Flakes
7. Coconut milk

Creating Your Vegan Noodle Base

After selecting our noodles and ensuring we have all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start making the base for a delicious vegan noodle dish. This involves cooking the noodles until they are perfectly al dente and creating an irresistible sauce to enhance the overall flavor.

I’m going to go over the basics.

Sauce Craftsmanship

To create the perfect sauce for your vegan noodles, you must find a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory elements. Mixing coconut aminos, lime juice, and maple syrup can serve as the base for a deep umami flavor that is absolutely delicious.

Don’t overlook other key ingredients, such as red pepper flakes or chili oil for spicy heat or brown sugar to add an interesting sweetness. There is nothing wrong with a sweet and salty kick to any sauce.

Another option is adding toasted sesame oil to any Asian-flavored dish, enhancing the overall taste profile. And for that Italian bowl of comfort, look into vegan parmesan or vegan butter to add richness to the sauce.

Texture and Consistency

It is important to cook your noodles according to package directions, especially when using gluten-free noodles, as they will be chewy when undercooked.

To prevent noodles from sticking together and ensure even distribution of sauce, follow these steps:

1. Sprinkle arrowroot powder onto the stir-fried noodles.
2. Gradually add in the sauce during cooking.
3. Thicken the sauce with some broth for a deliciously coated and flavorful dish.

The Art of Garnishing Vegan Noodles

Do not ever underestimate the power of garnishing. It truly adds that pro chef touch and could completely make the meal.

Easy Garnish Ideas for Vegan Noodles:

1. Lemon or lime wedges, just a squeeze could be that “acid” that adds depth and flavor
2. Chopped Cilantro, Basil, Parsley or Chives – can turn any recipe into a great recipe.
3. Green Onion – thinly slice and sprinkle on the freshness.
4. Red Pepper Flakes for some heat
5. Toasted Sesame Seeds

A well-chosen garnish can take an already delicious dish from good to outstanding!

Storing and Reheating Vegan Noodles

Vegan noodles are perfect for meal prep!! They can be stored and reheated easily, making it possible to have a second or third serving in a few minutes.

For storage, you can use airtight containers and keep stir-fried noodles, like your Vegan Garlic Noodles, in the refrigerator for 3-4 days while maintaining their freshness.

To reheat properly without losing flavor or texture, here are some helpful tips:

• If the noodles don’t have sauce, quickly submerge them in boiling water for half a minute.
• If sauced noodles need reheating, cover them with a lid over medium-low heat and occasionally stir to distribute heat and prevent sticking evenly.

reluctant foodie’s Pick

Pyrex Glass Food Storage

• Glass food storage containers keeptoxic plastic out of our foodsand are much easier to clean.
• These are freezer-friendly and dishwasher-safe.
• It’s the perfect amount: not too few containers or too much.

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See Also

Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites (My Secret Recipe) - Paleo Grubs

Vegan Noodle Pairings and Accompaniments

Don’t limit these amazing recipes to just being served alone. You can enhance and complement the meal with delicious pairings and accompaniments in many ways.

• simple roasted vegetables such as broccoli or sweet potatoes
• toss in some snap peas, throw together a quick tangy vinaigrette salad,
• stir-fried tofu or tempeh for some extra plant-based protein
• fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for added flavor boosters
• crunchy toppings like chopped peanuts, pumpkin or sesame seeds

There is an endless variety of options to make your noodles dish even more appealing. Be adventurous and have fun exploring different flavors and textures!

Recommended Tools for Perfect Vegan Noodles

When it comes to noodle recipes, it is important to use a large pot with high sides and enough water to cook your noodles in, and if using gluten-free noodles, stir frequently to keep noodles from sticking.

Consider using a Wok or Large Skillet for your sauce ingredients. Stir fry your vegetables like green onions, bell peppers, and more on medium heat to avoid burning.

reluctant foodie’s Pick

Zwilling Ceramic Dutch Oven

Heats up quick and durable with the stainless steel body, healthy ceramic cooking surface inside and oven safe!

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reluctant foodie’s Pick

Zwilling Ceramic 4 Qt Braiser

I use this close to daily, heats up fast, healthy ceramic cooking surface, super easy clean up, worth every penny!

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reluctant foodie’s Pick

Carbon Steel Flat Bottom Wok

Ready to use, easy to clean, non-stick and heats up fast to make your cooking time even easier.

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Summary

We have covered a lot, from selecting the perfect type of noodles to mastering the skills of creating delicious sauces. Remember that vegan noodles are just as diverse and inventive as you are. Whether experimenting with global flavors, combining your noodles with delectable side dishes, or trying out gluten-free alternatives, endless possibilities await you. So grab your chopsticks (or fork) and prepare for an incredible culinary adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of noodles are vegan?

Vegans have several noodle options, including wheat, buckwheat, rice, seaweed, chickpea, lentil, millet, corn, and cassava noodles.

It should be noted that egg noodles do not fall under the category of suitable choices for vegans as they contain eggs. Always check the label!

Can vegans eat lo mein noodles?

Lo mein noodles are typically not considered vegan as they contain eggs. You can make a plant-based version of this dish at home with some substitutions and adjustments.

Are there gluten-free and vegan noodle options available?

Individuals following a gluten-free or vegan diet can still enjoy lentil, chickpea, cassava, and rice noodles by opting for brands like Banza, Tolerant Foods, and Jovial products, which give you sturdy noodles with the same flavor as traditional noodles.