10 Quick Ways To Seriously Upgrade Your Instant Noodles

We’re sure many of you have stocked up on instant ramen given our current economic situation. 🍜 However, it’s not exactly a meal you can have every day - and if you do so, it can definitely get tiresome.   In this article, we’ll show you 10 different ways to upgrade the instant noodles you have at home into gourmet dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world. 🌎 We promise they’re just as easy as following the noodle packet’s instructions, with just about two to three additional steps that’ll instantly upgrade your ramen.

To give your noodle recipe a French twist, all you’ll need are two ingredients: 🧈butter and 🥛 milk. Cook your instant noodles in a pot of boiling water then strain. Instead of water, boil your milk (roughly the same amount of water as stated in the packet instructions) and add in the butter. Mix in the powder and add-ons, and finally,  toss in your cooked noodles. Voilà! 🍷 Creamy, indulgent ramen à la française.

Craving an authentic Ramyun experience? Cook your instant noodles as instructed and add half a cup of kimchi (and the flavorful kimchi juice) into the same pot. This will give off a spicy, tangy flavor - probiotic benefits included! 🔥 Might we even suggest making kimchi at home so you will always have some on hand? 😉

Who says you can’t enjoy instant ramen for breakfast? 🍳 Right before you take your cooked instant noodles off the heat, crack in an egg for poaching. Off heat, let it cook with the lid on for about two minutes. Toss in some chopped fried bacon and boom! 💥 You’ve got yourself a hearty bowl of breakfast ramen, American style! 🥓

Don’t knock it ‘til you try it! Adding in some sriracha hot sauce and peanut butter is a life-changing hack for many instant noodle aficionados. 🥵 The peanut butter and sriracha mixture will thicken up your soup, producing a creamy base. This will come out tasting like Thailand’s famous Pad Thai dish! 🌶️🥜

Adding cheese to food gives it an interesting taste, so it’s no wonder Italians love it. 👌🏻This one’s a simple way to go, but undoubtedly make a delicious bowl of ramen. After cooking your instant noodles, layer a couple of cheese slices (you can never have too much!) on top and watch it melt into gooey perfection! 🧀  

Give your noodle recipe a little oomph by drizzling some toasted sesame oil and a splash of soy sauce once they’re done cooking. 🍜 This quick shoyu ramen is great for last-minute dinners and your taste buds will thank you for this umami upgrade. When you have the chance, you should definitely fly to Japan for an authentic experience. ✈️

Did you know that China consumes garlic more than any other country?🤓 For the garlic lovers out there, here’s a simple yet satisfying trick to incorporate your favorite herb into a boring bowl of ramen. While your instant noodles are cooking, add minced garlic and a splash of soy sauce to give off that umami flavor. 🧄 Be sure the soup softens up the garlic before devouring it!

SPAM, sausage, meatloaf - or whatever canned protein you still have in your pantry - bring it out and fry it up! 🍖 You can either drop it in your steaming bowl of instant noodles for added flavor or serve it on the side. Have a glass of soda while you’re at it to cap off your meal. 🥤

Ah, the constant battle of cravings and staying healthy. In a country where vegetarianism is not just a choice but a way of life, India boasts one of the largest vegetarian populations in the world. 🥕 If you've got frozen vegetables stashed away, consider adding them to your noodle recipe for a boost of fiber and nutrients, just like many Indians do in their daily meals. 🥘

If you have a surplus of instant noodles lying around, this last bit will surely elevate your noodle recipe. 🤔 After boiling, drain your noodles and place them in a pan. Mix in your ramen seasoning, add in some meat and veggies, and toss! It’s now a Mie Goreng-inspired dish that’s beloved in Indonesia for its aromatic flavors. 💯