Ramen is much more than dry noodles and a flavor packet. Check out our ever-growing list of ramen noodle recipes.
I ate a lot of ramen growing up. A lot of ramen. It was a quick and easy after-school snack that both of my grandmothers always had on hand. Instant ramen was one of the first things I learned to cook for myself. The shrimp flavor was my favorite.
I went to a rural elementary school in middle America, and – even though my small town didn’t have any restaurants featuring Asian cuisines until I was a teenager – everybody seemed to love ramen. Some kids brought it to school for lunch or snacks, crunching the dry noodles and licking the flavoring powder from their hands. Elderly ladies brought “salads” laced with the crunchy noodles to potlucks at the part.
When I got to college, ramen took on a new identity. It was the sustenance of poor college kids who appreciated spending only $0.25 to $0.45 per meal.
I knew ramen in all of these different ways, but I didn’t really know ramen. I didn’t know where it originated. I didn’t know it could be more than noodles and instant broth. Then, while writing for jrailpass.com, I began to learn just how culturally significant and diverse ramen can be.
A Brief History of Ramen
Ramen noodles likely originated in China, but ramen noodle shops rose in popularity in both China and Japan during the early 1900s. Initially, ramen served as an affordable and filling meal for the working class.
In time, however, ramen shifted into the realm of the gourmet. In Japan, for example, different regions are known for serving different versions of ramen. Experiencing these variations is a common goal for both domestic and international travelers.
In 1958, “instant” ramen was introduced to the world. Outside of Japan, it was marketed to middle-class families. By some estimates, over a billion packets of ramen are sold each year.
101 Ramen Noodle Recipes
Can we make ramen in 101 different ways? We’ll take on the challenge. Though not traditional ramen recipes, they are quick and easy to recreate in your kitchen.
1. Plain Ramen
Good old ramen, plain and simple. Follow the package instructions – boil and add flavoring.
2. Italian Style Ramen
This has been my personal favorite for a long time. Boil the ramen until soft and drain. Add olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to taste.
3. Ramen and Meatballs
Substitute spaghetti noodles for ramen. Serve with tomato sauce and meatballs.
4. Silken Noodles
Silken noodles use tofu to create a creamy, dreamy sauce. Check out our silken noodles recipe here.
5. Kimchi Ramen
I LOVE kimchi, and a few spoonfuls of it can kick your ramen up a notch. Boil the noodles and drain, then add kimchi, soy sauce, and a dash of sesame oil to taste.
6. Miso Ramen
Miso is a seasoning made from fermented soybeans. If you’ve ever been to a Japanese restaurant in the United States, your meal likely included a salty miso soup. I buy frozen miso at a local international market, and it makes a great broth for ramen. Check the package directions to discern how much paste to add per cup of water.
7. Ramen with Spinach and Egg
Traditional Japanese ramen is often full of proteins and vegetables. For this version, boil a packet of ramen in 1 cup chicken (or beef or vegetable) broth. Add a handful of spinach and a whole egg while it cooks. After about 7 minutes, the egg will be soft-boil. Rinse the egg to cool it, peel, and enjoy it with your noodles.
8. Fried Ramen
Boil your ramen noodles and drain. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil and a dash of sesame oil in a skillet or wok. Add the noodles, mushrooms, cabbage, garlic, and an egg. Season with soy sauce.
More Ramen Noodle Recipes to Come…
Check back often, as we’ll be adding new ramen ideas every time we make it. There are also at least half a dozen cookbooks that will teach you to fix ramen 101 different ways.
Do you have a favorite ramen recipe? Tell us in the comments below!
One part Lois Lane, one part Jimmy Olsen, one part Johnboy Walton, and a bit of that Clark Kent secret identity thing thrown in for good measure.
Cara Siera is a freelance writer and photographer with a passion for travel and exotic cuisine. Join Cara, her husband Marc, and one very spoiled German Shepherd on their next great adventure.