Ramen noodles are a staple for anyone on a budget. They’re quick, easy, and most importantly, cheap. But let’s face it, plain ramen can get a little boring after a while. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to take your cheap ramen to the next level and make it a truly satisfying and delicious meal. Here are five simple ways to transform your basic ramen into something epically tasty.
1. Throw an egg in it.
Egg and ramen are a classic combo, as boiled eggs are often paired with the dish. To add an extra layer of flavor and protein, crack an egg into your boiling ramen and let it cook for a few minutes until the white is set but the yolk is still runny. The result is a rich and creamy broth that takes your ramen to a whole new level.
2. Add Sriracha or leftovers, but mostly Sriracha.
This one is kind of a no-brainer. Sriracha adds a spicy kick to your ramen that can take it from bland to bold in an instant. If you have any leftover cooked meats or veggies in your fridge, toss them in too for added texture and flavor. But let’s be real, Sriracha is the real star here.
3. Fry it up.
Instead of boiling your ramen, try frying it up for a crispy and flavorful twist. Cook your ramen noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and toss them in a hot skillet with some oil. Fry them until they’re golden and crispy, then season with your favorite spices or sauces. It’s like instant ramen meets stir-fry, and it’s seriously delicious.
4. Add a Laughing Cow Cheese.
You read that right. Laughing Cow Cheese may seem like an odd addition to ramen, but trust us, it works. Simply stir in a wedge of Laughing Cow Cheese into your cooked ramen for a creamy and tangy broth that will have you coming back for seconds. It’s a simple hack that takes your cheap ramen to a whole new level of indulgence.
5. Water -> Chicken Stock.
One of the easiest ways to upgrade your ramen is to replace the water with chicken stock. The rich and savory flavor of chicken stock adds depth and complexity to your ramen, making it taste like it came from a fancy restaurant. It’s a simple swap that takes your cheap ramen from basic to gourmet.
Cheap ramen doesn’t have to be boring. With a few simple additions and tweaks, you can transform your basic noodles into an epically tasty meal. Whether you’re adding an egg, spicing it up with Sriracha, frying it up for some crunch, stirring in Laughing Cow Cheese, or using chicken stock instead of water, these hacks will take your ramen to the next level. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy a delicious bowl of cheap ramen that tastes anything but cheap.
How Do You Make $1 Ramen Better?
To make $1 ramen taste better, here are five simple ways to enhance its flavor:
1. Add an egg: Boil an egg separately and place it in your cooked ramen. The richness of the yolk will add a creamy texture and a burst of flavor to your dish.
2. Use Sriracha or leftovers: If you have any leftover meats or vegetables, add them to your ramen. Additionally, a drizzle of Sriracha sauce will give it a spicy kick and elevate the overall taste.
3. Fry it up: Instead of cooking the ramen noodles as instructed, consider frying them in a bit of oil until they become crispy. This technique will give your ramen a delightful crunch and a unique texture.
4. Add Laughing Cow Cheese: Take a wedge of Laughing Cow Cheese and stir it into your cooked ramen. This creamy and flavorful cheese will add a rich and indulgent element to your dish.
5. Substitute water with chicken stock: Instead of using plain water to cook your ramen, try using chicken stock. The added depth of flavor from the stock will make your ramen taste more savory and satisfying.
Remember, these suggestions are meant to enhance the taste of inexpensive ramen noodles and make them more enjoyable. Feel free to experiment and adjust the ingredients according to your personal preferences.
How to Make 25 Cent Ramen Better?
To elevate the taste of a 25 cent ramen, you can follow these steps:
1. Start by cooking the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Make sure not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
2. While the noodles are cooking, you can prepare some additional ingredients to enhance the flavor. Consider adding bias-sliced hot dogs to the boiling water. This will infuse the noodles with a meaty taste.
3. You can also drizzle a drop of sesame oil over the noodles before serving. Sesame oil adds a rich and nutty flavor that complements the ramen well. Sprinkling some sesame seeds on top will add a nice crunch to each bite.
4. For added depth of flavor, include some crunchy garlic in your ramen. You can achieve this by frying thinly sliced garlic in a small amount of oil until it turns golden brown and crispy. Drain the excess oil and sprinkle the garlic over the noodles.
5. To give the ramen a more complex taste, rehydrate some shiitake mushrooms by soaking them in hot water until they become soft. Once rehydrated, you can cook them along with the noodles. They will infuse the broth with a delightful earthy flavor.
6. Consider adding hoisin sauce to your ramen to bring a touch of sweetness and tanginess. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
7. to make the ramen more hearty, stir in an egg during the final minute of boiling. This will create a silky texture and add extra protein to your meal.
By following these steps, you can transform a basic 25 cent ramen into a more flavorful and satisfying dish. Enjoy your upgraded noodle experience!
Why Has Ramen Gone Up in Price?
Ramen prices have increased due to the rising cost of wheat on a global scale. This surge in wheat prices has forced Nongshim, a prominent South Korean ramen manufacturer, to raise the prices of their instant noodles and snacks. The price hike is set to take effect on September 15th, with instant noodles experiencing an average increase of 11.3 percent and snacks seeing a 5.7 percent rise. This increase is an unfortunate consequence of the higher costs incurred by Nongshim in procuring the necessary raw materials, mainly wheat, to produce their ramen products.
What to Eat With Cheap Ramen?
When it comes to finding budget-friendly options to pair with cheap ramen, there are several choices available. Here are some ideas to make your ramen meal more satisfying:
1. Vegetables:
– Leftover vegetables from your fridge, such as carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach, can be added to your ramen. These vegetables not only enhance the nutritional value but also add texture and flavor.
– You can also consider using frozen vegetables, like peas, corn, or mixed vegetables, which are usually inexpensive and readily available.
2. Protein:
– To make your ramen more filling, you can add protein sources like rotisserie chicken, cooked shrimp, soft-boiled eggs, or tofu. These options provide a good balance of nutrients and help keep you satiated.
– Canned tuna or salmon are affordable alternatives that can be a great addition to your ramen bowl.
3. Herbs and Spices:
– Adding herbs and spices can elevate the taste of your ramen. Consider using ingredients like green onions, cilantro, basil, or parsley for added freshness and aroma.
– You can also experiment with spices such as chili flakes, garlic powder, ginger, or soy sauce to enhance the overall flavor profile.
4. Garnishes:
– Crunchy toppings like toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or crispy fried onions can add texture and flavor to your ramen.
– A squeeze of lime or lemon juice can provide a tangy kick and brighten up the dish.
Remember, the key is to get creative with what you have on hand and tailor your toppings to your personal taste preferences. These options not only enhance the overall experience of eating cheap ramen but also make it a more nutritious and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Cheap ramen can be transformed into a delicious and satisfying meal with just a few simple additions. By adding an egg, Sriracha, leftovers, or even some cheese, you can elevate the flavor profile and make your ramen more exciting. Additionally, using chicken stock instead of water can add depth and richness to the broth. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different toppings and seasonings to make your cheap ramen epically tasty. With a little bit of imagination and some pantry staples, you can turn a budget-friendly meal into a culinary delight. So go ahead and enjoy your affordable ramen with these tips and tricks!
