1. Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the water or broth, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, vinegar, black pepper, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic until fully combined.

Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, sourness, or spice level to your taste. Set aside.

2. Cook the Noodles

Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the ramen noodles and cook them 2–3 minutes less than the package instructions so they stay chewy.

Drain the noodles and optionally rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.

3. Cook the Tofu or Vegetables

Heat a little oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu, mushrooms, or vegetables and sauté for a few minutes until cooked to your liking.

4. Simmer the Sauce

Whisk the sauce again to ensure the cornstarch is fully mixed. Pour the sauce into the pan and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens.

5. Add the Noodles

Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss well until evenly coated in the sauce.

6. Finish Cooking

Cook for another 2–3 minutes over medium-high heat until the noodles absorb some of the sauce and everything becomes glossy and thick.

7. Taste & Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce, sweetener, vinegar, or pepper if needed.

Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds before serving hot.