Got a pantry and fridge full of sauces? You could try a stick of cinnamon or a couple star anise. However, keep the packet if your instant ramen is from an Asian grocery store — it's more likely to include authentic spices that are worth adding to your meal. Also, if you’re using something salty like soy sauce, you might want to leave out some of the seasoning packet so the salinity doesn’t get overpowering. The main trick here is timing. However, food writer, chef, and recipe developer Anna Rider told Insider that not all of these flavor packets are created equal. If you’re looking to bring a little funk into the mix, a healthy splash of fish sauce is always a great option. "Even adding powdered chicken bouillon will help the soup taste less like the styrofoam cup it came from.". Add fresh veggies and meat, stir in some sauces or seasonings, add a little garnish and suddenly you’ve got yourself a pretty decent bowl of noodle soup. The internet is chock-a-block with all kinds of wild and crazy instant noodles, but if you quickly grabbed a mega-pack of one of the bland Brillo pads before you had a chance to peruse some of the tastier ones available, there’s good news. Instant ramen is also a great way to make use of wilting herbs or garnishes, such as leftover basil or chopped green onion. Like us on Facebook to see similar stories, The Health 202: The U.S. is poised for another wave of covid-19 deaths, public health experts warn, SpaceX Crew-1 launch: How to watch NASA mission to the ISS live. Or, now is when you can throw in some uncooked meat, cut into bite-sized pieces. For extra toppings, opt for green onions sliced on the diagonal, pickled carrot, and fresh cilantro. "You can also add some mayo to make the dish even creamier.". "Soy sauce can enhance the flavor and complexity of the instant ramen," said Riley. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. Add protein like pork belly, bacon, or eggs to make instant ramen more filling. For an authentic twist on instant ramen, Rider suggested adding some seaweed. "These cubes are great when added to ramen noodles.". "You can use leftovers like sliced ham or fried egg from breakfast to make instant ramen a more complete meal," said Rider. Or, you could go a little unconventional and break out that can of coconut milk for some creamy richness. You can add these when you add the noodles, and when the noodles are ready, the vegetables will be too. Instant ramen is many things, but substantial isn’t one of them. I'm not particularly fond of shrimp flavored ramen and I need some ideas to make it taste better! Preparing a batch of chashu pork might contradict the purpose of convenience ramen, but quickly sizzling up a strip of bacon will achieve a similar effect. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some ideas to get you started. Throw in a handful, stir it up and the hot broth will cook it in the time it takes to bring to the table. Substantial vegetables like carrots, potatoes or broccoli with thick stems can take 15 minutes or more to get nice and tender, but cutting them into smaller chunks or thin slices will help speed that along. Don’t forget citrus! Chef Romain Devanneaux of Chez Muzzy restaurant in Quebec City told Insider that he never cooks the whole portion of noodles included in an instant ramen package. "Start with anything except water, like chicken or vegetable stock," said Kang. Similarly, fresh corn kernels and small frozen vegetables like peas and chopped carrots need just a few moments to thaw and come up to temperature in hot soup. "If you prefer spice, throw in some chili sauce as well.". Just because your instant ramen is boring doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. If you're looking to turn a package of instant ramen into a more substantial meal, a simple can of soup may do the trick. It may be easier to cook the noodles in broth-based soups, but don't be afraid to experiment with creamier flavors as well. Support local journalism. A little squeeze of tart juice or even just a light dusting of citrus zest can brighten a bowl. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Your Privacy Controls. Insider spoke to professional chefs to find out some quick and easy ways to upgrade a package of instant ramen. "When you see that herbs in your fridge have lost their freshness, mix them with olive oil and a dash of lemon juice, and freeze them in an ice cube tray," said Devanneaux. "A square of salted seaweed can really improve instant ramen," said Rider. Kang told Insider that cooking instant noodles in broth instead of water makes for a more flavorful meal. You’ll end up with tasty little globules of smoky pork flavor floating gently on the surface. Instant noodles make for a comforting meal or late-night snack, but chefs have found ways to make the cheap dish taste and look even better. Add items early if they need to be cooked — think, carrots or meat. Yahoo is part of Verizon Media. Maybe some sliced radishes, jicama cut into matchsticks or a wedge of tomato. What’s more, items you add now don’t have to stay in your soup. A snowy little pile of parmesan or gouda might be a little mind-bending at first, but trust me — it works. Very thinly shredded cabbage or slivers of celery can make a great topping, lending a nice vegetal crunch. Meat and vegetables that need to cook longer should be added earlier in the process, while items that cook quickly can go for a quick dunk just before serving. And particularly if you’re working with a pork broth, you might be surprised by how well grated cheese can pair with ramen. Even if there are meat or vegetables involved, they’re mostly limited to powdered bouillon and tiny little desiccated bits. And if you want a lighter broth with a smoky seafood flavor, considering grabbing a bottle of Hondashi — instant dashi that keeps for months in the fridge. "Boil some canned soup on the stove and cook the ramen in that. Think not only about flavor, but about texture as well. All rights reserved. Or, go a completely different direction and add some curry. You can prevent mushy ramen by draining the noodles immediately after cooking and rinsing them under cold water. I love this because it's fast, easy, and delicious," said Riley. But don’t be afraid to think outside the box. "I always keep a small amount of the uncooked noodles to place on top when it's ready," said Devanneaux. © 2020 www.azcentral.com. Add ingredients that need to be warmed when you add the noodles. But don’t be afraid to go unconventional. We and our partners will store and/or access information on your device through the use of cookies and similar technologies, to display personalised ads and content, for ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. One easy way to add some flavor and substance to instant ramen is to raid your fridge for leftovers. If you're not in the mood for a noodle soup, you can transform instant ramen into a vegetable-packed stir-fry or salad. Slivered scallions are a time-honored classic, lending a pungent crunch, and mung bean sprouts are another old standby. Just don’t use too much frozen fare, or you’ll be icing your soup down rather than the other way around. For the fastest and simplest way to boost the salty, savory flavor of instant ramen, add a splash of soy sauce. Any vegetable or Italian soup will do the trick and you end up with a savory bowl of ramen," said Riley. Chile geeks need no prompting, but it goes without saying that you can also bring the heat. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @skilletdoux, and on Facebook at facebook.com/darmato. Deanna Kang, chef and recipe developer at Asian Test Kitchen, told Insider that cooking your noodles separately can improve their texture. Information about your device and internet connection, including your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Verizon Media websites and apps. Fresh basil, minced chives, leaves of cilantro — any fresh herb can make a great accent. Instant ramen can taste even better with a few quick modifications like adding scallions, sesame seeds, or Sriracha. Heck, even a spoonful of peanut butter, particularly when paired with something spicy, can lend an interesting angle. Or, if you have bacon for breakfast, save some of the rendered fat and add a spoonful to the soup. Famed chef Roy Choi has said he adds American cheese, butter, and egg into his instant ramen. Add them now, and they’ll season your soup while you cook — just take them out before serving. Bring the water to a simmer, stir in your seasoning packets, and then you can go to town. A dab of anchovy paste will do the job as well, though you’ll want to use it with restraint. This is also a great time to add some thick slices of onion, which will lend their flavor to the broth and get soft as they cook. A dab of miso will do wonders for a bowl of instant ramen, especially if you add a pat of butter as well. Everybody knows what a fresh herb plate can do for a bowl of pho, but there’s no reason not to apply that wisdom here as well. Pick one or two flavors and add a little at a time. Maybe a few cloves of fresh garlic or some slices of ginger. Ignore that. Got some fresh spinach? "Serve with a soft-boiled egg split lengthwise and lightly fried shiitake mushrooms cooked with garlic.". If you'd rather cook all your noodles, you can top your ramen with raw shredded carrots, tortilla chips, or even croutons for added crunch. The key here is not to do too much.