Easy Elevated Ramen Noodles
Let’s face it: instant ramen is a lifesaver. But it can get a little, well, boring. If you’re looking to take your favorite budget-friendly noodles to the next level with minimal effort, this easy Elevated Ramen Noodles recipe is for you. With a few pantry staples and a quick twist on the preparation, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy ramen that’s both delicious and affordable.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Elevated Ramen Noodles Recipe
- Beyond Basic Broth: Say goodbye to the flavor packet! You’ll learn how to create a rich, homemade broth that blows the instant kind out of the water.
- Customize Your Creation: This recipe is a springboard for your creativity. We’ll give you ideas for delicious add-ins to personalize your ramen masterpiece.
- Leftovers Love: Leftovers? No problem! This recipe reheats beautifully for a satisfying lunch the next day.
- Vegetarian Vibes: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but feel free to add some protein for a heartier meal. We’ll give you some suggestions!
- Weeknight Wonder: Short on time? This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
- Flavor Frenzy: Get ready for an explosion of taste! The combination of the homemade broth and your chosen toppings will have your taste buds thanking you.
- Budget Baller: Ramen doesn’t have to be boring or expensive. This recipe proves that deliciousness and affordability can go hand in hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Elevated Ramen Noodles with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Gently add the eggs and cook for 6-7 minutes for a soft-boiled consistency or 9-10 minutes for hard-boiled. Remove with a slotted spoon and place immediately in ice-cold water to stop cooking. Peel and set aside.
Tip: Want perfectly round yolks? Use a spoon to gently stir the water while the eggs cook.
Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and soy sauce. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook the Noodles
Add the broth and bring to a simmer. Then, add the ramen noodles (discard the flavor packets) and cook according to package instructions.
Next, Add the baby bok choy and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the leaves wilt and the stems are tender-crisp.
Assemble and Serve
Divide between the bowls. Cut the boiled eggs in half and place two halves in each bowl.
Garnish and Enjoy
Top each bowl with shredded carrots, black sesame seeds, and chopped green onions. Serve immediately and allow everyone to stir their bowl to combine the flavors.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
This recipe is all about maximizing flavor and customization while keeping things budget-friendly. Here are some extra tidbits to elevate your ramen experience even further:
- Chicken on a Budget: Poach a leftover chicken breast or thigh in the broth for added protein and flavor. Shred the chicken and add it back to the bowls with the veggies.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the broth for a spicy kick.
- Don’t Overcook! Ramen noodles cook quickly. Keep an eye on them to avoid mushy noodles. Aim for al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
- Leftover Broth? Store leftover broth in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use it to make another batch of ramen or whip up a quick miso soup.
- Clean Out the Fridge: Feel free to swap the baby bok choy for other veggies like broccoli florets, snap peas, or shredded cabbage. Sauteing times may vary slightly depending on the vegetable you choose.
- Frozen Fix: Frozen vegetables work in a pinch! Just add them directly to the broth in step 2 and cook until heated through.
Top 3 Money Saving Tips
- Broth on a Budget: Ditch the pre-packaged broth and make your own! Simply simmer leftover chicken or vegetable scraps (carrots, onions, celery ends) in water for at least 30 minutes. Strain, season with a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of ginger, and you’ve got a flavorful base for your ramen.
- The Power of the Pantry: Get creative with your pantry staples! Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic and ginger for an earthy depth. Use leftover cooked vegetables like broccoli or peas instead of buying fresh. Every little bit you use from what you already have saves a trip to the store.
- Noodles on Sale: Ramen isn’t the only instant noodle option! Explore different types of instant noodles like yakisoba or rice noodles. They often come in larger packs at a lower price per serving than traditional ramen. Plus, they offer a fun way to switch up the flavor profile of your elevated ramen creations.
How to Store Ramen Noodles
Conquered a giant bowl of ramen but still have some leftover goodness? No worries! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping or enjoying a delicious lunch the next day. Here’s how to store your leftover Ramen Noodles to ensure maximum freshness and flavor:
Separate is the Secret: The key to preventing mushy noodles is to store the broth and noodles separately. The noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so keeping them apart ensures a perfect texture when you reheat.
Broth Bonanza: Let your leftover broth cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Noodle Nirvana: Drain any remaining broth from your cooked noodles and store them in a separate airtight container. Leftover vegetables and cooked protein can be stored with the noodles for convenience.
Reheating Rhapsody: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover ramen, simply reheat the broth in a pot on the stovetop. Once hot, add your cooked noodles and vegetables and simmer for a minute or two to warm them through.
What to Serve With Elevated Ramen Noodles
Your Elevated Ramen is a winner on its own, but sometimes you might crave a little something extra. Here are some delicious and affordable side dishes that will perfectly complement your ramen creation:
Simple Green Salad: A light and refreshing salad with mixed greens, a drizzle of olive oil, and your favorite vinaigrette dressing helps balance the richness of the ramen.
Crispy Wontons: Turn leftover wonton wrappers into crispy treats! Simply brush them with oil and bake until golden brown. Enjoy them plain or with a dipping sauce like soy sauce or chili oil.
Spicy Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad is made with thinly sliced cucumbers, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, rice vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil. It’s a great way to add some crunch and coolness to your ramen experience.
Spring Rolls: Pre-made spring roll wrappers are readily available in most grocery stores. Fill them with shredded vegetables like cabbage and carrots, and enjoy them with a dipping sauce for a light and flavorful side.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
We’ve got plenty of delicious budget friendly recipes for you to try; take a look at these tasty dishes!
- Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken
- Walking Taco Casserole
- Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
- Taco Salad Cups
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Easy Elevated Ramen Noodles Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 2 packs of instant ramen noodles
- 4 baby bok choy
- 1 carrot shredded (to be used as topping)
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds for garnish
- 4 green onions chopped
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Gently add the eggs and boil for 6-7 minutes for a soft-boiled consistency or 9-10 minutes for hard-boiled. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and immediately place them in ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, peel the eggs and set aside.2 large eggs
- Heat the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and soy sauce. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.2 tablespoons sesame oil, 2 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons grated ginger, 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Add the broth and bring to a simmer. Then, add the ramen noodles (discard the flavor packets) and cook according to package instructions. Next, Add the baby bok choy and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the leaves wilt and the stems are tender-crisp.4 cups of chicken broth, 2 packs of instant ramen noodles, 4 baby bok choy
- Divide between the bowls. Cut the boiled eggs in half and place two halves in each bowl.
- Top each bowl with shredded carrots, black sesame seeds, and chopped green onions. Serve immediately and allow everyone to stir their bowl to combine the flavors.1 carrot, 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds, 4 green onions
