I love ramen and I am always searching for unique ways to enjoy them. On their own they can get a little boring lets face it! Whether you’re tight on cash at college or need a quick dinner after work, these 10 ramen hacks will do the trick and take your Ramen from plain to amazing.
An Introduction to Ramen Hacks
Ramen hacks are simple but smart ways to improve instant ramen. They transform a plain meal into a gourmet dish. Whether you are in college or working hard, these ramen hacks will work for you. You will appreciate how it makes instant ramen upgrades affordable on any budget. It is perfect for anyone who wants to eat well on a tight budget, even those living in dorms.
Just a few ingredients can add protein, creaminess or heat. These turn your noodles into a filling and impressive meal. Moreover, they are easy and cheap tricks that won’t lighten your wallet too much.
Prepare to blow people away, satisfy your hunger and have an incredible meal without breaking the bank. These ramen hacks are complete game changers!.
My top 10 Ramen Hacks
Being a huge fan of ramen, I’ve done a lot of experimenting. I tried to make my instant noodles better and found simple ways to do it. Here are my top ramen hacks that changed everything.
Do you want more protein? Creaminess? Bold flavors? These are the best ramen hacks for you. They’re perfect for your noodle adventures!
I have discovered countless creative ramen recipes over the years, each one better than the last. If you’re looking for a classic upgrade or something bold and new, try out these top ramen hacks!
Add a Poached Egg
To make a basic ramen more wholesome and filling, add a poached egg. The runny yolk adds a creamy touch to the noodles. Also it provides additional protein content. Simply cook your noodles like normal, then add a poached egg on top.
Poaching eggs may seem complicated but they’re really not difficult at all – all you’ll need is a small saucepan filled halfway up with simmering water then crack an egg in. I like to spin the water in the pan first with a spoon, so as to make a mini vortex. This keeps the egg together nicely. Cook them for about three to five minutes or until done according to personal preference for firmness then remove from pan using a slotted spoon.
This trick is especially useful during busy evenings or whenever you need more from your meal.
Make a Ramen Waffle
The ramen waffle is a weird and fun recipe. It offers a unique way to enjoy your favorite noodles.
Firstly, make your instant noodles as always stated in the package. Next, mix them with an egg and some flour to make the consistency of waffle batter. Then put this mixture into a waffle iron until it becomes crispy and browned outside.
Your ramen waffles will be delicious any time of day. Add your favorite toppings like scallions, sriracha, or teriyaki for extra flavor. This dish shows off your cooking skills and makes life more exciting.
Looking for a new way to enjoy ramen? Try the ramen waffle for a tasty surprise. It’ll quickly become a go-to for your creative ramen dishes.
Peanut Butter and Sriracha: A Thai-Inspired Twist
One of my favorite things to do is adding peanut butter and sriracha to my ramen. This transforms plain instant ramen into a Thai dish. The peanut butter makes it creamy, while the sriracha adds heat. This variation turns your ordinary ramen into a gourmet meal.
This ramen recipe is easy to make. You just need some basic pantry staples. It’s an inexpensive way to jazz up your ramen. The Thai flavors make a really warming twist on your noodles.
Upgrade with Protein
Ramen is usually delicious, but it can sometimes be a tad plain. This is why I like to add more protein to my ramen. You can make your meal a protein-packed ramen adventure by choosing between meat, tofu or eggs ramen.
To increase the protein content, I may add ground beef or shredded chicken. I cook this separately and season it well then mix with my ramen. This makes it more filling and tastier.
Tofu is an excellent choice for those who do not eat meat. I cook it until golden brown on the outside and soft inside before adding into my ramen. Tofu has a mild flavor that allows other tastes to come out while blending nicely with noodles due to its texture.
Use Broth Instead of Water
One of the simplest but most impactful methods for enhancing your ramen involves using broth when making the noodles. Disregard plain water as stated in the ramen package directions and instead simmer them in richly flavored broths. It could be beef or chicken or vegetable; no matter what kind it is, those tasty flavors will be absorbed into the noodle making it more delightful.
The noodles are transformed into something much more complex and interesting due to this single step. Just make sure you save up all that lovely liquid at the end! Sometimes I put some of the broth in a cup to enjoy with the noodles, or have more or a noodle soup.
Switching water for broth is an easy, rewarding change. Whether it’s chicken, beef, or veggie broth, the noodles will taste amazing. This simple change greatly enhances the flavor of your ramen. Try it next time you make a quick and easy ramen dish!
Spice It Up
Love a bit of heat? Then put some hot sauce or chilli paste in your ramen. Sriracha, gochujang, or any of your favorite hot sauces will work wonders. Don’t forget the jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or cayenne if you really want to feel the burn!
These ramen hacks for adding heat are perfect for spicy food lovers. You get to decide how spicy your spicy ramen is. Just add a little and keep going until it’s right for you.
Playing around with different recipes and spice hacks can make simple ramen meals more exciting. If spice is your thing (or you’re just feeling adventurous), then spicing up that boring old pack of noodles might be worth considering. So grab some hot sauce and have yourself a fiery time!!
Create a Creamy Base
Looking to improve your ramen? A rich and creamy base can be made by using either milk, cream or cream cheese. Not only is this hack delicious, but it’s also very affordable.
Put in some milk or cream cheese into the noodles once they’re cooked. Mix them thoroughly until you get a smooth sauce that clings onto each noodle strand. This trick of making creamy ramen will transform your dinner into something special.
If you want an even smoother texture, consider heavy cream or half-and-half instead. They will make your ramen silky smooth.
Opt for milk over cream if you’re on a tight budget. It still adds richness without breaking the bank so much. Experiment with various types of milk to find what suits your taste buds best.
Top with Fresh Herbs
Improve your ramen by using fresh, fragrant herbs. Scallions, basil or cilantro can be sliced and added. They not only add flavor but also make the bowl look great, and smell even better. These herbs are known for their vibrant freshness which goes well with warm and savory soups.
Another tip is to blend different kinds of herbs together. My two favorites to add are Thai Basil for a more Asian feel and Chives or a more onion like taste and a pop of color.
Add Cheese to your Ramen
Add grated or crumbled cheese. When it is hot, cheddar, Parmesan or cream cheese can melt in the broth. It makes the ramen richly creamy like a fancy dish.
Just sprinkle cheese on top of the ramen and let it melt. This gives your meal a velvety texture that goes great with noodles and broth. By taking this simple step alone, you can turn any kind of instant noodles into an artisanal masterpiece according to gourmet hacks recipes.
There are many different kinds of cheeses that go well with ramen. Tangy feta or creamy goat’s milk curds are good options if you want something unique tasting but still smooth and rich in flavor. Or try out classics such as cheddar or jack which provide that warm gooeyness we all know and love when melted over anything savory like noodle soup. Even Cottage cheese can be a good addition!
Use Ramen as a Base for Other Dishes
Ramen is not simply a meal in itself. In fact, it is an incredible ingredient that can be used as the base for various delicious dishes. You can easily turn it into stir-fries, fried rice and casseroles, thus maximizing your food without breaking the bank.
Ramen noodles have an excellent texture and they have a flavor that can accompany many things. They are perfect for preparing stir-fries with fresh vegetables and savory sauce. Another idea is to combine them with homemade fried rice which will provide something new but still familiar.
Feeling adventurous? Make a pasta bake or casserole using ramen! There is more to this Japanese staple than just soup. You might even create your very own budget-friendly recipes. Ramen has the potential of becoming both wallet-friendly and appetizing dishes.
I hope you enjoyed my 10 Ramen Hacks, what do you think? Like them?, or have more suggestions. Let me know in the comments! I would love to hear your best Ramen hacks!