Warm, soothing, and slurpy — like a gentle hug after a weird day at work.
When you’re cooking for one, you want big payoff for minimal effort — and this bowl delivers a cosy, umami-packed noodle night with barely any chopping and a 10–12 minute total cook time. Think Japanese-inspired comfort: silky mushrooms, fragrant ginger, earthy miso, and soft noodles that hold it all together.
Also: this is fancy enough that you’ll feel proud eating it on the couch — but humble enough that your wallet will stay calm.
⭐ Why you’ll love it
- One-pan, no drama
- Cheaper and faster than takeaway
- Vegetarian, with optional egg for protein
- Adjustable heat: gentle warmth or fiery slurp-fest — your call
🥣 Ingredients (serves 1)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Thin egg noodles (fresh or dry) | 100g fresh OR 60g dry |
| Sesame oil | 1 tsp |
| Garlic | 1 clove, minced |
| Fresh ginger | 1 tsp, grated |
| Mushrooms (button or shiitake) | 1 cup, sliced |
| Baby spinach | 1 big handful (about 1 cup) |
| White miso paste | 1 tbsp |
| Soy sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Rice vinegar or lime juice | 1 tsp |
| Vegetable stock or water | 1 cup |
| Optional protein | 1 soft-boiled or poached egg |
| Optional garnish | Spring onion, sesame seeds |
🔥 Spice options
| Mild | Spicy |
|---|---|
| Pinch of white pepper | ½–1 tsp chilli oil OR sliced fresh chilli |
👩🍳 Method
- Cook noodles according to packet directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a small pot or deep pan, heat sesame oil over medium.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Whisk in miso, soy sauce, vinegar, stock, and simmer 2 minutes.
- Stir through spinach to wilt.
- Add cooked noodles and toss gently to coat.
- Top with egg (optional), spring onion & sesame seeds.
- Add chilli oil if you’re living dangerously.
🧠 Simple swaps
| Ingredient | Swap |
|---|---|
| Spinach | Kale, bok choy, frozen spinach |
| Mushrooms | Tofu cubes, grated zucchini |
| Miso paste | 1 tsp veggie stock + extra soy |
| Sesame oil | Olive oil + splash sesame later |
🍱 Storage + Next-Day Tip
Best served fresh — but if leftover life calls:
- Microwave 1–2 minutes with splash of water or stock
- Add fresh chilli or lemon before serving to wake it up
🛒 Coles Shopping List (for one serve)
Fresh Produce
- 1 small garlic bulb
- 1 knob ginger
- 1 pack mushrooms (small punnet)
- 1 bag baby spinach
- Spring onion (optional)
- Fresh chilli (optional)
Pantry / Fridge
- Thin egg noodles
- Sesame oil
- White miso paste
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar or limes
- Vegetable stock (liquid or cubes)
- Eggs (optional)
- Chilli oil (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
💬 Final spoonful
Healthy, comforting, and fast — a bowl that reminds you solo cooking isn’t sad… it’s smart, budget-savvy, and deliciously rebellious.
