More than just instant noodles: Try these unique ramen recipes

Instant ramen is usually known for being a college student’s go-to meal but after learning about these unique & quick recipes, you’ll realize there’s so much more to the versatile ramen noodles. 

Instant noodles or instant ramen are packaged precooked & dried blocks of noodles, sold with flavoring powder and/or seasoning oil. Sometimes, the instant ramen packets include dehydrated meat or vegetable bits that plump up after cooking. In the case of cup noodles, the flavoring & veggie/meat flakes are often mixed in the noodle cup for a one-cup-for-all experience.

Originally, ramen or instant noodles originated from Japan over fifty years ago but later, it was marketed under various brands and adapted into numerous flavors & recipes around other parts of Asia and the world.

For a quick & warm meal in between meals on lazy days spent inside, here are some delicious ramen noodles recipes:

Breakfast ramen scramble

Starting the day with some ramen noodles? Try this breakfast version of ramen, a twist on the classic egg scramble. 

Ingredients

2 ramen packs (seasoning packets discarded), 3 slices bacon (chopped into one-inch pieces), 2 large eggs, 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar, 2 sliced scallions, Sriracha or other hot sauce (optional), 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, freshly ground black pepper.

Directions

1. Boil noodles according to package instructions. Save one-fourth cup of cooking water to loosen sauce later, if needed. Drain noodles, toss with oil so they don’t stick.
2. Heat medium skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon pieces until brown & crisp.
3. Add the noodles to the skillet and coat with bacon and bacon fat. Turn off the heat.
4. Beat eggs with a fork. Mix in the cheese.
5. Pour egg-cheese mixture to skillet and toss with bacon & noodles.
6. Divide between bowls. Garnish with scallions, fresh ground pepper, and a drizzle of hot sauce, if desired.

Pad Thai ramen bowl

Pad Thai is a noodle dish from Thailand that consists of a peanut sauce as its base. At first, you might be skeptical about noodles in peanut sauce, but trust us when we say it’s magical in taste. 

Transform your regular instant ramen recipe into a Pad Thai inspired meal with just the barest items you can find in your pantry. (Literally, peanut butter!)

Ingredients

2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 teaspoon lime juice or a lime wedge, chilli flakes (optional), 1 instant ramen pack.

Directions

1. Prepare the instant ramen according to the instructions on the package. 
2. Stir in up to two tablespoons of peanut butter and the chilli flakes until mixed into the broth.
3. Turn off the stove and squeeze a lime wedge or add the lime juice and stir.
4. Pour into a bowl and serve immediately.

Emerald Pesto Ramen

Upgrade your plain ramen to a luscious green pesto version with simple ingredients & a food processor. 

Ingredients

4 cups baby spinach, 2 cups cilantro leaves with tender stems, 1 tablespoon white miso, 1 garlic clove, ½ cup grapeseed or sunflower oil, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, Kosher salt, 2 packs of ramen noodles (seasoning packets discarded), 1 tablespoon unsalted butter.

Directions

1. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil.
2. Meanwhile, purée spinach, cilantro, miso, garlic, grapeseed oil, sesame oil, and lemon juice in a blender until the mixture is smooth & green. Season with salt and pour pesto into a medium bowl,
3. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and add to bowl with pesto. Add butter and toss until butter is melted and noodles are coated in sauce.
4. Divide noodles between bowls and serve.
5. Tip: Pesto can be made a day ahead. Cover and chill. Color might darken slightly.

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Instant ramen noodles are super versatile, affordable, and quick to cook so our hungry tummies don’t have to wait too long. With just a few ingredients, we can transform our instant ramen into healthy, rich, and wholesome meals. 

Try out some of the recipes from above and let us know your favorite in the comments below!