There is perhaps no relationship more iconic than that of the college student and ramen. Through the ages, this beloved dorm room staple has warmed the stomachs and hearts of students around the world. It’s not hard to understand why: ramen is relatively cheap, fast, foolproof and – most importantly – pretty delicious. How could anyone resist?
If you find that plain yellow noodles just aren’t doing it for you anymore, though, never fear. Even the best relationships can get a little bland, and it never hurts to spice things up. With just a few simple ingredients and utensils, these recipes will help you transform your ramen into a gourmet meal (well, as gourmet as “just add water” can get).
Egg Ramen
Easily the simplest way to make the average ramen packet more fulfilling, this recipe is guaranteed to fulfill your protein needs. You will need:
- 1 packet of ramen, any flavor
- 2 eggs
- Pepper (optional)
1. Break the eggs into a bowl and whisk them lightly until they combine.
2. Prepare the noodles according to the instructions on the packet.
3. Once the noodles are cooked, swirl the noodles and the broth gently, and pour the beaten egg in a drizzle to create thin ribbons.
4. Cook for an additional 20-30 seconds, or until the egg ribbons have cooked.
5. Serve with pepper, to taste.
Spicy Cheesy Ramen
Though this recipe may sound weird at first, this mac and cheese-inspired dish is guaranteed to leave you craving for more, especially with the kick that only Sriracha sauce can deliver. You will need:
- 1 packet of ramen, any flavor
- 2 cheese slices torn into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon green onion, finely sliced (optional)
- Sriracha sauce
- Pepper (optional)
1. Prepare the noodles according to the instructions on the packet.
2. Just before the noodles are fully cooked, sprinkle in the cheese and mix until the cheese has melted and blended with the broth, similar to a mac and cheese consistency.
3. Add Sriracha sauce, to taste. We recommend adding a lot.
4. Serve with a sprinkle of green onions and pepper, to taste.
Veggie Ramen with Peanut Sauce
This may seem like the most complicated recipe out of the three, but the fact that it contains both protein and vegetables makes the effort absolutely worth it.You will need:
- 1 packet of ramen, any flavor
- 6 ounces frozen vegetables
- 3 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon boiling water
- ¾ teaspoon vegetable oil
- ⅛ cup soy sauce
- Sriracha sauce
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
1. Prepare the noodles according to the instructions on the packet, but do not add the flavor packet.
2. Once the noodles are cooked, drain and set aside.
3. In a pan over medium-high heat, add the oil, frozen vegetables and the ramen flavor packet. Stir quickly and continuously for about three minutes, or until warm and cooked through.
4. Once the vegetables are cooked, remove from heat and add the noodles.
5. Whisk together soy sauce, hot water and peanut butter. Add sriracha sauce, to taste.
6. Drizzle the sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Mix thoroughly until everything is coated.
7. Serve in a bowl with red pepper flakes, to taste.