Easy Elevated Ramen: Transform Your Bowl in Minutes
Elevated ramen is all about taking classic instant noodles and transforming them into a flavorful, satisfying meal. With just a few easy ingredients, you can create a bowl that’s rich in taste and texture. This recipe gives you a quick and simple way to upgrade your ramen without any fuss.
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Instant ramen is a pantry staple I love for its convenience and comforting flavors, but I also see it as the perfect canvas for creativity. With just a few extra ingredients, I can transform ramen from a simple snack into a satisfying, flavor-packed meal.
My version of an elevated ramen bowl keeps things quick and easy, using ingredients I usually have on hand. It’s all about adding depth and richness to the noodles, along with toppings that bring texture and color, turning an ordinary bowl of ramen into something truly enjoyable.
Ingredients
Instant Ramen Noodles: Select your favorite brand of instant ramen noodles. I discard the seasoning packet that comes with the noodles in this recipe. Look for thicker noodles for a more satisfying texture that holds up well during cooking.
Eggs: Boiled eggs are a classic addition to ramen, providing a creamy texture and richness. You can boil eggs in water or hard-boil eggs in an air fryer.
Bok Choy: This leafy green adds a mild crunch and subtle sweetness. I prefer to use baby bok choy for tenderness; however, regular bok choy can also be used.
Chicken Broth: A rich, flavorful broth is the heart of any great ramen. Use a high-quality, low-sodium broth for a more nuanced flavor profile.
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 2: Add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the ramen noodles (discard the flavor packets) and soy sauce.
Step 3: Cook according to the package instructions, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the baby bok choy to the pan and cook until the leaves wilt and the stems are tender but crisp.
Step 5: Remove the noodles and divide them between two bowls. Place two bok choy in each bowl.
Step 6: Pour the hot broth over the noodles in each bowl. Cut the boiled eggs in half and place two halves in each bowl.
Step 7: Top each bowl with raw shredded carrots and sprinkle with black sesame seeds. Garnish with chopped green onions.
More Topping Ideas
Classic toppings like soft-boiled eggs and green onions are tasty, but adding some unique toppings can elevate your ramen even further. Here are a few ideas to enhance your bowl:
- Chashu Pork: Add thinly sliced braised pork belly for a rich, savory flavor. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture makes each bite indulgent.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian version, include pan-fried or grilled tofu. Marinating it in soy sauce and sesame oil beforehand gives it a crispy texture.
- Nori (Seaweed): Top your ramen with nori strips for a unique umami flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- Mushrooms: Sauté shiitake or enoki mushrooms for an earthy flavor and meaty texture.
- Bamboo Shoots: Add marinated bamboo shoots (menma) for a traditional touch. They provide a slightly sweet and savory flavor along with a nice crunch.
- Spicy Elements: For a kick, include chili oil or spicy miso paste to elevate the heat and complexity of your broth.
- Peanuts or Cashews: Crushed peanuts or cashews add a crunchy texture and a hint of nuttiness that balances the broth’s flavors.
More Asian Recipes
- Whip up a delicious vegan meal in under 30 minutes! This easy brown rice and lentil stir-fry is packed with protein and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Weeknight dinner doesn’t get much easier (or tastier)! This chicken and chickpea stir fry is packed with rainbow veggies and tossed in a homemade stir fry sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a delicious option for busy nights.
- Level up your noodle game with this chicken and chickpea udon noodle bowl. Succulent chicken, fluffy chickpeas, and a rainbow of veggies make this dish a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
If you tried this Elevated Ramen Noodles Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 large eggs boiled
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 green onions chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger grated
- 4 baby bok choy
- 1 carrot shredded
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the eggs in boiling water as per your liking. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer to hard-boil eggs. Peel and set them aside.
- Heat the sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the ramen noodles (discard the flavor packets) and soy sauce. Cook according to the package instructions, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the baby bok choy to the pan and cook until the leaves wilt and the stems are tender but crisp, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Assemble: Remove the noodles and divide them between two bowls. Place two bok choy in each bowl. Pour the hot broth over the noodles in each bowl. Cut the boiled eggs in half and place two halves in each bowl.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Top each bowl with raw shredded carrots and sprinkle with black sesame seeds. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
