I Can’t Believe It’s Instant Ramen
| Ingredient | 1 bowl | 1 bowl |
|---|---|---|
| instant ramen, oriental flavor | 1 package | 1 package |
| Milk Version | ||
| milk | 2-3 Tbsp. | 2-3 Tbsp. |
| garlic powder (optional) | pinch | pinch |
| butter (optional) | ½ Tbsp. | ½ Tbsp. |
| pepper (optional) | pinch | pinch |
| Peanut Butter Version | ||
| unsweetened peanut butter | 1 Tbsp. | 1 Tbsp. |
| Tahini Version | ||
| tahini | 1 Tbsp. | 1 Tbsp. |
| sesame oil (roasted) | to taste | to taste |
| Optional Additions | ||
| frozen corn | ¼ cup | ¼ cup |
| cabbage | 1 leaf | 1 leaf |
| bean sprouts | ½ cup | ½ cup |
| ham or lunchmeat | 1-2 slices | 1-2 slices |
| hard-boiled egg | 1 | 1 |
| spinach | 1-2 clusters of leaves | 1-2 clusters of leaves |
Instant ramen may be a staple of college students trying to save money on food, but the countless ways of preparing those fried noodles make up an entire category of Japanese cooking. These mix-and-match variations on a theme take a cheap package of instant ramen and, with just a little extra, turn it into a not at all cheap-tasting quick lunch.
Preparation
- Select whatever mix of the optional additions you’re going to use.
- If adding cabbage, cut it into thin strips.
- If adding egg, hard boil the egg, peel, and slice it.
- If adding spinach, remove the bottom of the stems and cut into 1½" (3-4cm) strips.
Directions
- Boil water.
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. - Add flavor booster.
Stir the tahini, or peanut butter, or milk into the water, depending on which of the three you’re making. - Add optional ingredients.
If you’re adding cabbage, bean sprouts, or frozen corn, add them to the boiling water (no need to thaw the corn first), then wait for it to return to a boil. - Cook noodles.
Drop in the brick of noodles into the boiling water. Boil noodles for 3 minutes, then remove from heat. If you’re adding spinach, add it to the boiling water just before the noodles are done. - Add seasoning.
Add the contents of the seasoning packet and stir. If you’re making the milk version and are using butter, garlic powder, or pepper, add them as well. If you’re making the tahini version, add the sesame oil. - Top and serve.
Pour the noodles, soup, and cooked ingredients into a bowl. If adding ham or egg, lay them on top. Serve.
Notes
- Each of the versions (milk, peanut butter, or tahini) gives a different flavor. Tahini is probably the best of the three, but even a couple of tablespoons of milk makes a surprising difference in the flavor of cheap instant ramen.
- You can mix and match any of the additions that you have on hand, for example corn, spinach, and egg, or corn, cabbage, and ham. If you don’t have ham, just about any lunchmeat works just as well, and you can (of course) get as creative as you want — frozen mixed vegetables, cocktail shrimp, a tablespoon of dried wakame, or a piece of nori on top, for example.
- If you want to take the toppings a step farther, try stir-frying your favorite vegetables and laying them on top of the bowl. For example, carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts are one tasty combo.
- Have leftover rice? Once you’re done with the noodles toss it into the soup for a makeshift rice porridge.