Upgrade your instant ramen with these quick and easy hacks.
Ramen in the U. S. has come a long way. High-end real ramen shops are opening up left and right on both coasts and everywhere in between. Ramen was previously only known in its 10-for-a-dollar instant-lunch form, which was a staple of offices and dorm rooms throughout the 1980s and 1990s. I grew up eating instant ramen at least once a week as a half-Japanese child in the 1980s, and it still has a special place in my heart. Although the add-hot-water pack sometimes suffices, the real stuff is still great.
Having said that, my tastes have significantly evolved over the years, and sometimes that tiny flavoring packet just isn’t sufficient. As a result, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking of simple, inexpensive ways to improve my ramen. Ghetto gourmet, if you will.
As a card-carrying member of the Greater New York Ramen Transmogrification Society*, it is my duty, my honor, and my privilege to share some of our techniques and recipes with you.
Please scroll through this slideshow for comprehensive, step-by-step instructions on any of these dishes.
*Our membership is pretty thin right now—care to join?
With ingredients that don’t need any additional cooking, upgrading a bowl of instant noodles is the quickest and easiest. Im talking simple sauces and condiments like:
This is especially easy for me to do because I am a condiment hoarder (I have a whole double-layered shelf of my fridge, plus the entire door and a full pantry cabinet devoted to them). The key is to avoid using too many flavors that compete with one another. I frequently commit this error following extended nights out, thinking that more is always better when it comes to hangover remedies. Not the case. Keep it simple. Keep in mind that you should omit some of the seasoning packet if you’re using a salty condiment. You can also add:
But imagine this scenario: youre in college, the power went out in your dorm room, and you obviously had no choice but to finish all the beer in the fridge rather than let it warm up. Youre hungry, but you cant use the water kettle. Keanu Reeves pops up in your brain and asks: What do you do? What do you do?
The solution is to simply break up the noodles in the bag, rip off a corner, add the seasoning packet, hold the ripped corner, and shake it up before eating. Lick your fingers clean after this one. It’s similar to eating Cheetos, but with delicious fingers that have “Oriental flavor” rather than “orange cheeze.” “.
Lets face it: Ramen aint health food. But adding some roughage to your starch is fairly easy.
Ramen consists primarily of starch and fat; in the majority of low-cost varieties, the noodles are deep-fried to remove moisture. Eggs are inexpensive, delicious, and, in most cases, can be cooked directly in the same pot as the noodles or the broth, so why not add some extra protein? Here are a few simple ways to do it. Ramen-eggs are divided into five levels by the World Society for Ramen Egg Cookery, which I founded, chair, and am the only member of. It is not advisable to attempt a higher level process until all lower level processes have been completed.
**Not really. Its still pretty darn easy.
It’s never a bad time for ramen noodles.
You can make ramen nests by following the instructions in the aforementioned video, or I’ve even heard of people substituting ramen for the mashed potatoes in shepherd’s pies if you want a little crunch instead of silky noodles. Whatever floats your boat.
Quick and Easy Instant Ramen Hack
Instant Ramen is known worldwide for three things. By adding just a few pantry essentials like eggs, Japanese mayo, garlic, and sesame oil, you can elevate your instant ramen to the next level while still being quick and simple, available, and of course, affordable. By including additional ramen toppings like nori wrappers and ramen eggs, you can even step it up.
What will you need to buy? Probably nothing. So check your fridge and pantry before getting ready to go on a grocery run. Here’s the list of the simple ingredients you’ll need:
FAQ
What can I add to ramen noodles to make it better?
- Sriracha. Sriracha is an option for those seeking a different kind of kick in the form of heat.
- Peanut Butter. …
- Dried Seaweed. …
- Furikake. …
- Kimchi. …
- Miso Paste. …
- Soy Sauce. …
- Eggs.
How do I bring my noodles to the next level?
- Use broth instead of water. …
- Add some vegetables. …
- Use thin slices of meat. …
- Use some fresh seafood. …
- A great alternative for meat is tofu and mushrooms. …
- Eggs are always a must. …
- Add sautéed onions or garlic to your stir-fried noodles.