Hopefully, we are all familiar with that wonderfully cheap nourishment that is Top Ramen. If not, let me explain. It usually comes in a pouch with a sauce or spice packet that you would boil along with it. The noodles in the pouch themselves resemble Justin Timberlake's hair in the late 90s/early 2000s, until you boil them that it is:
Ramen is a staple of growing up and learning to feed yourself on as little money as possible. It is a magical gift to the cheap cook's culinary world, but to say the flavor can get stale and boring is the understatement of the century. So what do we do? How do we continue to eat like kings, but spend like paupers? Well, it's as simple as the add-ins. Think Sweet Frog, but savory.
The Condiments:
There are so many delicious sauces out there that can elevate a dish with just a small dash. Sauces range in flavors from savory to sweet, to spicy, and will change simple ramen to something completely new.
I highly recommended you try:
Miso Paste
Chili Bean Sauce
Thai Curry Paste
Japanese Curry Powder
Fish Sauce
Harissa
Vinegar
Ponzu Sauce
I would also recommend simple additions like different spices. A little garlic powder can go a long way to transforming the taste of a dish. Additionally, you can add fats such as sesame or peanut oils. Then, for those who need an extra kick, add some citrus with a squirt of lemon or lime.
Now, this is just the base idea for channeling something new for the flavor of your ramen. If you want to really kick this dish into restaurant territory though, let's get started.
Vegetables:
Veggies are always a great addition when it comes to ramen. It gives you a boost of vitamins and minerals and makes you feel deceptively healthy.
Quick-cooking vegetables are going to be your friend here. This includes items like baby spinach, romaine, bean sprouts, watercress, and scallions. These options can be thrown into the pot while you are boiling your ramen and will cook alongside the noodles. That means when your noodles are ready, so are your veggies, and your dish is already practically done!
Longer cooking vegetables and frozen vegetables are also welcome additions, but I would be aware of your timing. It is never as good to have your noodles or vegetables done long before the other part of your dish.
Proteins:
When it comes to proteins like meat and tofu, you want to make sure that they are cooked thoroughly. While some thinner meats will cook in with the boiling ramen noodles, I would recommend cooking them on the side to be safer than sorry. That being said, if you love meat, load up your noodles. If you are not a big meat eater, there are other items you can add to get the umami flavor into your dish.
Eggs:
I understand that eggs are not for everyone, but for those of you who are not opposed, give this a serious try.
When it comes to enjoying ramen, there doesn't seem to be a wrong way to prepare and enjoy an egg with it. Some people prefer hard-boiled eggs while others prefer soft-boiled eggs. Some people will scramble the egg up and add it to the noodles after they have been drained of the boiling water. You can even stir the egg quickly in the noodles and boiling water as you would while preparing an eggs benedict. The point is, much like the noodles themselves, the addition of an egg is an easy way to add flavor and nutrition to a simple dish.
Final Tips and Tries:
There really is no wrong or right way to enjoy ramen. It is a cheap and versatile dish that you can make a different way every day for a year and still never have the same way twice. Some of my favorite additions include kimchi, other pickled vegetables, canned corn, fried tofu, fresh-cut cucumber for that cooling contrast, and even crushed-up dry ramen noodles on top for a little added texture.
There are tons of ways for you to go out and enjoy your ramen. From sliced American cheese to peanut butter and garlic, there is no real wrong way to prepare and experience it for yourself. So, go forth, eat, and be happy!
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