- Shrimp + stir-fry veggies.
- Kimchi + tofu.
- Eggs + broccoli.
- Pork + bok choy.
- Carrots + edamame.
- Seaweed + spinach.
Ramen noodles are frequently described as being more of a quick and inexpensive meal option than something you actually look forward to. However, they have so much more potential as a daily diet choice, as we’ve learned after spending so many years attached to them.
Here are 8 healthy ways to incorporate more ramen noodles into your diet to help you change your mind about this awesome dietary staple.
That’s not to say, though, that you can’t eat ramen with eggs and meat. Simply put, plant-based ramen recipes provide all the advantages of traditional ramen while also providing more fiber and generally simpler to digest food.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information asserts that a plant-based diet encourages the development of a more varied microbiome, or digestive ecosystem. This calls for a super-healthy diet for the stomach in addition to one that is more balanced.
You can indulge guilt-free in healthy and delicious immi ramen whenever you want if you already follow a vegan or plant-based diet.
5 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Instant Ramen Noodles
Credit: Carolyn A. Hodges, R.D.
With these five quick, simple recipes, you can elevate that quick bowl of instant noodles. Refer to package label for water amounts and cook times.
Credit: Carolyn A. Hodges, R.D.
Serves: 2
In just a few minutes, ramen noodles are transformed into this traditional Italian dish using quick sautéed vegetables, canned tomatoes, dried oregano, and canned beans.
Credit: Carolyn A. Hodges, R.D.
Serves: 1
Add flavor to plain ramen noodles by adding cooked broccoli, toasted sesame oil, and a jammy soft-boiled egg. (Heres how to soft boil an egg).
Credit: Carolyn A. Hodges, R.D.
Serves: 1
A quick and simple way to give ramen noodle soup creaminess and protein is to whisk an egg into simmering broth. A few pieces of baby spinach at the end will add some freshness.
Credit: Carolyn A. Hodges, R.D.
Serves: 2
Ramen soup transformed into a memorable bowl of noodles with the addition of some curry powder and a splash of coconut milk. Cubed tofu or cooked shrimp can be used as a source of protein. Cilantro and lime juice can add a burst of freshness.
Credit: Carolyn A. Hodges, R.D.
Serves: 1
Add edamame for extra protein, along with fresh garlic, red pepper flakes, and other spices, to a package of instant noodles.
How to Turn a Package of Instant Noodles into a Complete Meal
Credit: Carolyn A. Hodges, R.D.
Vegetables add volume to your bowl in addition to their beneficial health benefits like vitamins and antioxidants, as you may have guessed this would be our first suggestion. Our Pasta e Fagioli with Instant Ramen Noodles has a flavorful base of quickly sautéed carrots, celery, and onion, but don’t be afraid to use frozen vegetables, which cook quickly in simmering broth. Alternatively, add some fresh baby spinach right before serving because it wilts in 30 seconds.
Ramen doesn’t contain a lot of protein by itself, so adding some of your own will make your bowl into a filling meal. Keep things simple—think canned beans, frozen edamame or cooked shrimp. Leftover cooked chicken or cubed tofu works great, too. Don’t forget about eggs either; they’re one of our go-to, quick proteins. Both the Sesame Instant Ramen Noodles with Broccoli and Soft-Boiled Egg and the Egg Drop Soup with Instant Noodles, Spinach, and Scallions contain them.
Read More: 10 Foods with More Protein Than an Egg
Many flavor-enhancing ingredients are probably in your pantry and spice rack. Try substituting some of the seasoning packets with dried herbs and spices if you’re trying to cut back on the sodium. Red pepper flakes, dried ginger, curry powder, garlic powder, and curry powder are all suitable. Just before serving, add fresh herbs like cilantro, scallions, and parsley for a burst of freshness. To add more richness to the broth, add canned coconut milk or toss the cooked, drained noodles with toasted sesame oil (like we do in our Coconut Shrimp Curry with Instant Ramen Noodles).
See how to make canned soup and frozen ravioli into healthier meals if you’re looking for more!
Incorporate more parts of the food pyramid
Instant noodles are a blank canvas for a variety of healthy foods – but they sure are a tasty one! If you do want to healthify your instant noodles the best way to do it is by incorporating ingredients (protein, veggies, dairy) in multiple portions of the healthy food pyramid! Try to add something from each part of the pyramid. For example, up your protein intake by adding a sliced boiled egg to your noodles or a can of tuna. Get your daily dose of calcium by sprinkling sesame seeds, grated cheese or even beans and lentils over your noodles. Another great noodle add-on with the nutritional benefits of protein, magnesium, copper, zinc and vitamin B1 is tofu! Adding baked tofu to your instant noodles will also give you some texture and taste variation for a truly satisfying noodle dish.
FAQ
Is it healthy to eat instant noodles?
The majority of instant noodles are low in calories but high in protein and fiber. They are also infamous for having high sodium, fat, and carbohydrate content. Instant noodles do contain some micronutrients, but they don’t contain essential vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, and others.
Which instant noodles is the healthiest?
- FANTASTIC Glass noodles.
- MAGGI 2 Minute Noodles 99% Fat Free Beef/Chicken.
- MAGGI 2 Minute Noodles with Invisible Wholegrain Chicken/Tomato.
- MAGGI 2 Minute Noodles Beef/Chicken/Chicken & Corn/Curry/Oriental.
- MAGGI Cup Noodles Oriental flavour.
- SIMPLEE (Aldi) Cup Noodles Oriental/Beef.
How can I reduce the calories in instant noodles?
To make healthier decisions, you can: consume instant noodle A less frequently; reduce your daily intake of total and saturated fat from other foods by adopting low-fat cooking techniques like steaming and grilling; or stay away from foods that contain ingredients high in saturated fat, like butter and lard.
Can instant ramen be healthy?
By now, you may have guessed that the majority of the available instant ramen noodles are not edible. Traditional instant ramen brands are best saved for those sporadic cravings when you’re feeling nostalgic because they have low nutritional value, high carbs, too much sodium, and some questionable-sounding ingredients.
