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Turn basic instant ramen into a fancy meal with this speedy and tasty upgrade. The perfect combo of bouncy noodles and flavorful sauce creates a filling dish you can whip up in just 15 minutes.
Through lots of testing, I've learned that getting the noodle timing right and balancing the sauce ingredients are crucial for amazing ramen.
Must-Have Ingredients
- Instant Ramen: Toss out those flavor packets
- Soy Sauce: Go for reduced salt options
- Sesame Oil: Pick the toasted kind
- Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness
- Rice Vinegar: Gives a tangy kick
- Garlic: Mince it yourself
- Ginger: Use freshly grated
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add as much as you like
Cooking Method
- 1. Cook the Noodles:
- Boil the ramen 1 minute under what the package says - they should have some bite left. Save 1 cup of the water before draining. Drizzle noodles with a bit of oil so they don't clump together.
- 2. Make the Sauce:
- Mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 3 chopped garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes to your liking.
- 3. Cook the Protein:
- Warm oil in a big pan over medium-high heat. Cook your protein choice (tofu, chicken, or shrimp) until golden brown. Set it aside. In the same pan, cook any veggies until they're just tender.
- 4. Assemble the Dish:
- Put the protein back in the pan with the sauce and noodles. Stir everything for about 2 minutes until hot and well-mixed. If it's too dry, add the saved cooking water a spoonful at a time.
- 5. Garnish and Serve:
- Finish with green onions, sesame seeds, and more red pepper flakes if you want. Eat right away while it's hot and juicy.
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How to Serve and Store
Enjoy these noodles right away when they're steamy and coated with sauce. If you have leftovers, keep the noodles and sauce in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water in a pan to bring back the saucy texture.
Great Side Dishes
- Fresh edamame
- Simple miso soup
- Sliced cucumber salad
- Fried dumplings
- Crispy broccoli
- Jammy egg
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Tasty Protein Choices
- Crispy tofu blocks
- Sliced chicken breast
- Quick-cooked shrimp
- Thin beef pieces
- Mixed mushrooms
- Golden tempeh bits
This upgraded ramen proves that everyday ingredients can create something amazing. Whether you need a fast dinner or just want a bowl of noodles, this method gives you restaurant-quality food without much work.
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Closing Thoughts
The secret to awesome ramen is getting everything right - slightly firm noodles, rich sauce, and fresh toppings all working together in one bowl. Every time you make it, you'll get better at creating your own perfect version.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can fresh noodles replace instant ones?
- Fresh noodles are a great option too! Just adjust cooking time as needed by the package.
- → What can I do without dark soy sauce?
- Dark soy sauce mainly adds depth and color, but regular soy sauce works just fine instead.
- → What tweaks are needed for vegan prep?
- Use veggie broth and maple syrup. Skip chili garlic sauce if it contains non-vegan ingredients.
- → Is it okay to freeze leftovers?
- The noodles might get too soft in the freezer. Keep the sauce separate if freezing for later reheating.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
- Swap for gluten-free soy sauce and check for other ingredients labeled gluten-free.