Gluten-free Ramen Seasoning

Introduction

Close your eyes and imagine opening a jar of homemade ramen seasoning: warm, savory steam carries roasted garlic and onion notes, a faint umami tang from nutritional yeast, and a bright kiss of basil and oregano that cuts through the saltiness. Each spoonful promises the comfort of a bowl of noodles—silky broth, springy noodles, and that satisfying, familiar savor—without the hidden gluten or artificial additives. This seasoning is an invitation: quick, cozy, and dependable. It’s perfect for rained-in evenings, busy weeknights when you want a bowl of comfort in under ten minutes, or for meal-prep fans who want to add depth to soups, stir-fries, and snacks. Make a jar, and you’ll have an instant flavor lift ready to warm cold mornings, anchor casual gatherings, or add nostalgic coziness to solo dinners.

At a Glance

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (mixing only; reheating as part of ramen takes 4–5 minutes)
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: Makes about 7–8 tablespoons of seasoning (1 tablespoon per ramen serving)
Difficulty Level: Very easy — no cooking required, just measuring and mixing

Nutrition Highlights

Estimated nutrition per serving (1 tablespoon of seasoning; used for one ramen brick). Values are approximate and based on ingredient nutrient profiles from USDA FoodData Central and general sodium guidance from the CDC. Because salt is the primary source of sodium, actual values vary if you reduce or swap salt.

Calories: ~17 kcal
Protein: ~1.8 g
Carbohydrates: ~1.8 g
Fat: ~0.3 g
Fiber: ~0.6 g
Sodium: ~615 mg

Notes: These are estimates for the seasoning alone. When you prepare a full bowl with broth and noodles (especially if using store-bought broths or seasoning packets), total calories and sodium will change significantly. The CDC recommends limiting sodium to less than 2,300 mg per day for most adults; consider using low-sodium broth or reducing the seasoning amount if you’re watching sodium intake.

Why You’ll Love It

Instant comfort: This mix recreates the nostalgic “ramen packet” flavor without gluten, MSG, or artificial preservatives—perfect for anyone who misses that fast-food ramen taste but wants a cleaner ingredient list.
Speed and convenience: Measure, stir, and you’re done—use one tablespoon per bowl and get dinner on the table in under 10 minutes.
Versatility and health-consciousness: Nutritional yeast brings a savory, umami edge and a boost of protein and B-vitamins (depending on brand) without gluten—ideal for those seeking a flavorful but mindful swap.
Shareable ritual: A jar of this seasoning makes a thoughtful pantry gift, a way to host quick noodle nights, or a familiar touch at casual gatherings.

How to Make Gluten-free Ramen Seasoning

Ingredients (yields ~7–8 tablespoons total; 1 tablespoon per serving)

1/4 cup nutritional yeast
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon black pepper

Optional ingredients and substitutions

For lower sodium: reduce salt to 1 teaspoon and add 1/2 teaspoon mushroom powder or powdered miso (for umami — note miso contains some sodium).
For heat: add 1/2–1 teaspoon crushed red pepper or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne.
For deeper umami without extra sodium: add 1 teaspoon instant mushroom powder or 1/2 teaspoon ground dried shiitake.
Vegan: this mix is vegan as written (nutritional yeast is plant-based); ensure your broth is vegetable-based.
Allergy swaps: if you avoid yeast, substitute 1 tablespoon powdered vegetable bouillon (watch sodium).

Method — step-by-step

Measure all ingredients precisely and place them in a small mixing bowl.
Stir thoroughly with a spoon or whisk until uniformly combined and no large clumps remain.
Transfer the seasoning to a sealed jar (we like a small mason jar for pantry storage). Label with the date. Store in the pantry for up to 3 months.
To make gluten-free ramen: we use Lotus Foods gluten-free ramen noodles (available at Costco or online). Place 1 ramen brick in a microwave-safe glass bowl. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon ramen seasoning, then cover with 1 cup chicken broth (chicken, beef, vegetable, or bone broth all work—use low-sodium if you want to reduce salt).
Microwave in 1-minute intervals, flipping the ramen noodles every minute, until desired softness—about 4–5 minutes total depending on microwave power.
Let the bowl rest for a couple of minutes to cool and to let the flavors bloom. Stir before eating.

Practical tips

Don’t overmix in a sealed jar; a gentle shake is enough when using.
If broth tastes too salty, add a squeeze of lemon or a splash of unsalted broth to balance.
For a silkier broth, stir in 1 teaspoon of butter or 1 tablespoon of full-fat coconut milk after cooking.

Best Pairings

Classic bowl: Serve over gluten-free ramen noodles with a soft-boiled egg, sliced scallions, and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.
Quick stir-fry: Sprinkle on vegetables and tofu or chicken while stir-frying for an instant flavor lift.
Snack seasoning: Use lightly on popcorn or roasted chickpeas for a savory snack.
Breakfast twist: Blend into miso or bone-broth soup and enjoy with toasted gluten-free bread or a side of pickled vegetables.
Drinks: A hot cup of green tea or a lightly sweetened jasmine tea pairs well with the herbaceous notes.

Shelf Life & Storage

Room temperature (pantry): Up to 3 months in an airtight container away from heat and direct sunlight.
Refrigerator: Not necessary, but if your kitchen is very humid or warm, refrigerate up to 4 months—bring to room temperature before opening.
Freezer: You can freeze the jar for up to 6 months; thaw to room temperature before use.
Once you’ve measured seasoning into a bowl for cooking, discard leftovers from that bowl (don’t return wet seasoning to the jar).

Chef’s Advice

Ingredient quality matters: use a fresh jar of nutritional yeast (it loses potency over time) and freshly ground black pepper for punchy flavor.
Salt control: because salt dominates the seasoning’s flavor, start with 1 tablespoon in your ramen, taste, and add more if needed. If using salted broth, cut the seasoning by 25–50%.
Texture cues: when microwaving ramen, break the brick into quarters as you flip it to ensure even cooking; stop when noodles are tender but still springy.
Scale confidently: this recipe scales easily—double or triple but mix thoroughly to keep spices even.

Creative Twists

Miso-Umami Ramen Seasoning
- Add 1 tablespoon powdered miso and use 1 teaspoon less salt. Use this for a richer, slightly fermented depth—great with tofu and bok choy.
Spicy Sesame Ramen Seasoning
- Add 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds and 1/2–1 teaspoon crushed red pepper. Finish the bowl with a drizzle of sesame oil and chopped cilantro.
Savory Mushroom Boost (gluten-free, vegan)
- Stir in 1 teaspoon instant mushroom powder (or finely ground dried shiitake) and swap salt for 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce powder (tamari powder for gluten-free). Excellent with vegetable broth and mushrooms.

All Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this completely sodium-free?
A: You can omit the salt and replace with umami notes (mushroom powder or nutritional yeast) but the seasoning will taste less “instant ramen.” Start with small adjustments and taste as you go.

Q: How much seasoning per bowl?
A: Use 1 tablespoon per ramen brick as a starting point. Reduce if you’re using salty broth or add more for bold flavor.

Q: Is this safe for gluten-free diets?
A: Yes—ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Verify your nutritional yeast brand and any optional additions (e.g., soy sauce powder) are certified gluten-free if needed.

Q: Can I use this on other grains?
A: Absolutely—stir into rice, quinoa, or polenta for an instant savory boost. Adjust salt to taste.

Q: How do I reduce sodium in the finished bowl?
A: Use low-sodium broth, reduce the seasoning to 1/2 tablespoon, add acid (lemon or rice vinegar), and bulk up with veggies and protein to spread the sodium across more volume.

Conclusion

If you love the comforting flavor of instant ramen but want a cleaner, gluten-free pantry option, this homemade seasoning is fast, adaptable, and reliably delicious—perfect for busy nights, cozy weekends, or sharing with friends. Try it, tweak it, and share your favorite bowl moments with the community.

For the original inspiration behind a gluten-free ramen seasoning, see WholeFoodFor7’s gluten-free ramen seasoning, and if you’d like a ready-made seasoning option to compare, check out the SAMABILA Chicken Instant Ramen Seasoning on Amazon.

Enjoy your bowl — and don’t forget to tell us how you customized it.