What do toddlers, teenagers and 20-year-olds have in common? A love of Ramen Noodles. Whether you are a college student on an extremely meager budget or a young mother trying to feed extremely picky eaters, Ramen Noodles always seem to do the trick - and the possibilities for cooking them are endless! Here are eight ways to rethink Maruchan Ramen Noodles that will hit the spot without breaking the bank.
1. Ramen Chow Mein (time: 20 min.; serves: 4)
A new personal favorite of mine, this recipe was born on a day with limited ingredients and even less time. My husband and I had fun thinking up this simple, delicious and filling meal. Feel free to add whatever other ingredients you like; this is what we did:
2 (3 oz.) pkgs. Ramen Noodles (chicken flavor)
½ can of corn
½ onion, chopped
1 egg, beaten
Soy sauce
Peanut oil
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Put in both blocks of Ramen Noodles with 1 packet of chicken seasoning, stir, and cook for 3 minutes. Save out ¼ c. of the seasoned water and drain the rest. Set the noodles aside. In a frying pan heat the peanut oil. Sauté the onion and corn for 1 minute and then add the ¼ c. seasoned water and a few dashes of soy sauce. Bring to a boil. Add the beaten egg, stirring the mixture in a clockwise direction. Add the noodles, mix and serve.
2. Gourmet Ramen Noodles
Make Ramen Noodles like normal, but try adding some cooked carrots, sautéed mushrooms, green peas, or green onions for a slightly healthier version.
3. Extra Protein Ramen Noodles
Make the noodles like normal, but if you having chicken flavored noodles, add in some cooked chicken. If you are having shrimp flavored noodles, sauté some shrimp to add in. You get the idea.
4. Chinese Chicken Soup (time: 35 min.; serves: 8)
A popular dish inspired by one from Allrecipes.com; this soup has a kick.
1 (3 oz.) pkg. Ramen Noodles (chicken flavor)
½ tsp. turmeric
½ tsp. ginger
2 tbsp. chili paste
1 c. chopped celery
½ c. soy sauce
2 tsp. sugar
Green onions
Sesame oil
Cook the noodles by following the directions on the package. In a frying pan, sauté the celery, turmeric, ginger, and chili paste in a little sesame oil. When the noodles are cooked, add the sautéed mixture along with the soy sauce and sugar, and stir. Top with green onions and serve.
5. Ramen Noodle Frittata (time: 20 min.; serves 4)
Another Allrecipes.com inspiration, this hearty meal is quick and filling.
2 (3 oz.) pkgs. Ramen Noodles (chicken flavor)
6 eggs
2 tsp. butter
½ c. Cheddar cheese, shredded
Cook the noodles as directed on the package. When the noodles are tender, drain and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, cheese and seasoning packets from the noodles. Mix in the noodles. Melt the butter in a large skillet, add the noodle mixture, and cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Coconut Curry Ramen (time: 10 min.; serves: 4)
Inspired by a recipe from the website WomansDay.com, this flavorful creation is for the more exotic palates.
2 (3 oz.) pkgs. Ramen Noodles (any flavor)
½ c. light coconut milk
¼ c. creamy peanut butter
2 tbsp. lime juice
1 pound cooked shrimp
Cook the noodles in boiling water for 3 minutes, drain, and return to pot (throw away the seasoning packets or save for another use.) In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, lime juice and shrimp. Add the mixture to the noodles and cook until warm.
7. Ramen Pizza (time: 25 min.; serves: 8)
Also modified from WomansDay.com, this succulent recipe has all the flavor of homemade pizza in half the time.
4 (3 oz.) pkgs. Ramen Noodles (any)
1 c. spaghetti sauce
½ tsp. oregano
20 slices pepperoni
10 sliced cherry tomatoes
4 oz. mozzarella cheese
Olive oil
Drizzle the bottom of a skillet with olive oil. Cook the noodles in a pot of boiling water for 3 minutes, drain, and place in a skillet (throw away the seasoning packets or save for another use.) In a large bowl, combine the spaghetti sauce and oregano. Pour the sauce over the noodles and arrange the pepperoni and cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover with mozzarella cheese. Broil in the oven for 2 minutes or until the cheese starts to brown.
8. Asian Chicken Salad (time: 25 min.; serves 6)
A family favorite, this recipe has even the pickiest of eaters asking for seconds.
Dressing:
1 c. olive oil
1 c. sugar
1 c. red wine vinegar
2 Oriental Ramen Noodles seasoning packets
Chicken:
Marinate 4-6 chicken breasts with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Montreal Steak Seasoning overnight. Grill until done and cut into small pieces.
Salad:
Combine 1 bag red leaf lettuce, 1 bag Cole slaw mix, and 1 head of chopped green lettuce in a big bowl.
Toppings:
Green onions
Mandarin oranges
Ramen Noodles, dry and broken up
Rice noodles
Sunflower seeds
Strawberries, diced
Combine all ingredients into a salad, and enjoy!
