Reinventing Instant Ramen: Reader-Submitted Recipes

We all love the instant ramen out of the packet, sometimes even with the MSG-laden flavor packet (we should know better, right?). Ramen is easily a go-to hunger fix for college students and even busy working adults. But have you ever thought of doctoring your ramen by adding a few vegetables or protein or even tossing out the flavor packet and using your own flavored broth and/or spices? Or have you created something completely out of the ordinary, such as a salad topped with the crunchy, raw noodles?

We reached out to our readers on Facebook and Twitter to find out what they do to doctor up instant ramen -- they've gotten us started, but we want to know your ideas, too! Check out the slideshow below, and then submit your brilliant ideas. It's easy -- just read the instructions below. You can also send a tweet by simply using the hash tag #RamenTweaks. We'll add your tweet to the slideshow below.

Also see: How to Make Authentic Ramen at Home

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Comments

[JC Boomer]

01:08 PM on 03/16/2012

When I make these noodles I add a chopped scallion, mushrooms, sno peas and 1/4 lb of shrimp. I add only 1/2 of the seasoning packet and some sesame oil for flavor.

I also do this with plain Soba noodles and 1/2 cup of chicken stock 1/2 cup of water

[dcarr1958]

11:08 PM on 03/11/2012

I cook some hamburger, drain it of course. :-) return to the pan. next i chop up some cabbage and throw it in the pan with the hamburger. add a lil bit of water and cover. steam the cabbage until soft. in a different pan boil as many packs of noodles you will need (for the amount of people) put the noodles in a bowl, add the cabbage and hamburger mix, then your seasoning packet or season however you like. its very tasty, cooks fast, CHEAP, and my kids LOVE IT!

[MIMom]

01:04 PM on 03/08/2012

I like adding scrambled eggs to it for a bit of protein.

[Devontate]

10:02 AM on 03/08/2012

I just found three different "Top Worst Foods You Can Eat" lists from three different sources. All had Ramen on them, not just for the sodium content, but for the noodles fried in artery-clogging palm oil.

http://womenfitness.net/top_10_foods_worst_to_consume.htm

http://www.ultimate-u.com/WorstFoods.pdf

http://www.livestrong.com/article/31543-top-foods-avoid/

[Devontate]

09:57 AM on 03/08/2012

Look at the sodium content of Ramen before you get excited about these recipes. Each package considers itself two servings, so look at the amount of sodium and double it. One of the worst foods for you, even if you add veggies.

[MIMom]

01:06 PM on 03/08/2012

You aren't supposed to live on it, though some do. You can't beat $0.25/pack.

[JScott]

02:45 AM on 03/08/2012

Isn't 6 what's called Fumi salad, they have it at the Whole Foods salad bar.

[Barra66cuda]

09:46 PM on 03/07/2012

My recipe is a broccoli beef. With two packs but only one Seas. I have tweaked this w/ the chicken for peanut butter. I add corn, peas, carrots, onion, and broc. Whatever I have on hand!

[PunKinPai]

03:08 PM on 03/07/2012

For something a little heartier on a cold night, add about 1/4 to 1/3 can of cream of chicken soup to the ramen, along with some green onion, peas, mushrooms or whatever's handy in the fridge.

[Tugud2btroo]

01:37 PM on 03/07/2012

i Usually cook the Ramen noodles just like the package suggests. I buy these frozen mesquite grilled chicken breasts from SAM's, which I warm in the microwave, cut into pieces and add to my noodles. Then I add cheese and stir it all up together. Yummm!

My son eats his noodles with bread, as a noodle sandwich (go figure).

And my daughter adds Ritz crackers and hot sauce. Hey, to each his own, right?

[Daniel Wilcox]

03:52 AM on 03/07/2012

You folks have some interesting ideas.

Some of you are a bit harsh towards some other folks who are commenting. Lighten up.

[J Rupel]

12:45 AM on 03/07/2012

I throw the ramen in the trash and use rice noodles like a real cook.

[PunKinPai]

03:04 PM on 03/07/2012

Well, aren't you special?

[JScott]

02:42 AM on 03/08/2012

Yup always wondered if they ever just sold ramen noodles only, can't stand the soup packet it's just essentially salt. Altho plain it's still high in sodium-I'd only eat occasionally.

[Rachel Crockett]

09:14 AM on 03/08/2012

Most Asian stores will have them in the noodle section. :)

[maria52]

12:22 AM on 03/13/2012

You can just use half the seasoning packet. I often do.

[JDCubed]

11:11 PM on 03/06/2012

I make a great dessert from them. dont have a name for it though.

boil the noodles (dont break them up, leave them long)

Then wrap a marshmallow with noodles until covered

Finally, Deep fry

Coat with powdered sugar

MMMGood

[pegreads]

08:26 PM on 03/06/2012

I get the point of adding things to your ramen to make it more than it is, but I really do not get the point of using the noodles when some of you are going to the trouble of relaly fixing a whole other meal. You do understand those noodles are just noodles partially cooked and then fried, right? The extra fat is in the noodles. If you are going to do all that cooking just use some regular pasta.

FYI: When I eat packaged ramen I cook it in the broth but only eat the noodles never the broth.

[Alexis Elizabeth Drob]

06:49 PM on 03/06/2012

I cook the noodles in water, when done cooking I drain, rinse with hot water and place back in a pot and pour chicken, or beef broth over it and heat on low for about 3 minutes, add chopped chicken or beef pieces, sometimes I even slice hotdogs and throw them in there and other times I have been known to throw in cooked hamburger in. Then serve with bread & butter or crackers. Great for afternoon winter lunches.

[pegreads]

08:27 PM on 03/06/2012

Why cook it in water if you are goi nto add broth, cook it in the broth.

[northbronx]

03:31 PM on 03/06/2012

Cook the noodles, using the whole seasoning packet and ~2-3 cups water. While they're cooking, mix a glop of peanut butter (well rounded tablespoon) with sesame oil, soy sauce (~1 teaspoon each) and some spices (1/2 teaspoon each max) - ginger, onion powder and five spice are good choices. You'll have a very thick paste. Drain the noodles, reserving about 1/3 cup of liquid. Stir enough of the reserved liquid into the peanut butter mixture to loosen it to the consistency of pasta sauce. Toss with the noodles, and voila, peanut noodles! This is all "to taste" and using what you have on hand: I've skipped the sesame oil, added chili oil, added tahini, etc.

[Barra66cuda]

09:39 PM on 03/07/2012

I've done exactly that! Added peanut butter instead of the heavy sodium packet, then added water chestnuts, carrots, broccoli, for a fine meal. And added chicken or pork as well! Great cheap meal!