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Store-Bought Instant Ramen Hacks: 5-Minute Upgrades That Will Blow Your Mind
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A few simple additions – like crispy nori, furikake, a perfectly poached or fried egg, and fresh garnishes such as sautéed mushrooms or green onions – can transform a humble package of instant ramen into a meal that feels indulgent and satisfying. I love strolling the aisles of my local Japanese market, Ten Ichi, picking up packs of various ramen to try out.
Upgrading instant ramen has become my go-to solution for a cozy, comforting dinner for one, especially after a long, exhausting day when I want something quick and flavorful without much effort. Every winter it becomes my go-to easy meal. It’s also a lifesaver for those “dinner needs to be on the table in 10 minutes before everyone gets hangry” moments. With just a little creativity, you can elevate this pantry staple into a restaurant-quality dish in no time! I’ve included my favorite easy upgrade “hacks” as well as simple combinations to get you started below.
Store-Bought Instant Ramen Hacks: 5-Minute Upgrades That Will Blow Your Mind
Table of contents
5 easy ramen upgrades
- Add an egg – A poached, soft boiled, hard boiled or fried egg adds instant protein plus a savory flavor and creamy element.
- Fresh garnishes – Sliced green onion added as garnish on the top of the bowl or a handful of corn added while the water is boiling, instantly elevates the dish by adding a fresh element. Sautéed shiitake mushrooms add an extra depth of flavor to the broth while some bok choy or spinach can add some easy greens.
- Cheese – A slice of American cheese over the top may not exactly “elevate” the dish, but it’s absolutely delicious. Shredded sharp Cheddar cheese can also be added to a mixture of cooked, dry noodles to create a creamy consistency.
- A punch of flavor – Up the flavor of any instant ramen packet by using it in combination with chili crunch, soy sauce, a spoonful of peanut butter or tahini, toasted sesame oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Meat – While I don’t typically have roasted pork belly stocked, it’s my absolute favorite addition to ramen. I also love adding extra braised pork or seasoned ground beef leftover in the fridge to my ramen noodles for some quick protein. You can also go “hot pot style” and serve very thinly sliced cuts of beef in the ramen cooking water.
My favorite instant ramen combinations and recipes
I’ve rounded up 5 of my favorite “no recipe” recipes for easy store-bought instant ramen hacks:
Noodles with water and 1/2 seasoning packet + chili oil + 2 tablespoons tahini + bok choy (boil with the noodles) + sesame seeds
Ramen noodles with water and seasoning packet + miso paste + egg + corn + diced green onion
Noodles with water and seasoning packet + minced garlic + kewpie mayo + diced green onion
Cooked noodles (soupless) + egg yolk + kewpie mayo + soy sauce + seasoning packet
Cooked noodles (soupless) + butter + garlic + red pepper flakes + seasoning packet + slice American cheese
Favorite Ramen Brands
Move beyond Top Ramen. Ramen is shelf stable so it’s a great thing to keep for a late night snack or quick and easy dinner. There are so many great instant ramen noodle brands out there, but these are a few I recommend keeping stocked in your pantry:
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