Ramen noodles are a pantry staple for many. With their convenience, affordability, and comforting flavor, it’s easy to see why they’ve become a go-to meal for college students, busy families, and budget-conscious cooks. But while the packaged noodles and seasoning are tasty on their own, beef ramen can be seriously upgraded with just a few extra ingredients
In this article, I’ll share 12 of my favorite easy ways to make basic beef ramen even more delicious. With simple add-ins like eggs, vegetables, spices, and sauces, you can take your ramen from boring to gourmet in minutes. Let’s get cooking!
1. Add an Egg
Cracking an egg into beef ramen enhances the dish nutritionally while also giving it a luxurious, silky texture. For soft boiled eggs, cook them separately then place in the finished ramen bowl. For egg drop soup-style eggs, beat eggs together then slowly drizzle into the simmering ramen, stirring gently. Or for over easy eggs, fry an egg then top the ramen with it. Runny yolks add creaminess!
2. Toss in Vegetables
One of the easiest ways to make beef ramen healthier is by adding extra vegetables Fresh or frozen veggies like carrots, spinach, broccoli, and bell peppers bulk up the ramen’s nutritional profile. You can add them directly to the simmering broth or sauté them first for more flavor.
3. Sprinkle on Scallions
Scallions add a pop of color and fresh, oniony flavor as a classic ramen topping. Slice some scallions and sprinkle them on top of your finished beef ramen bowl Their crunch and mild taste balance the rich broth
4. Drizzle with Soy Sauce
A few dashes of soy sauce can seriously amplify the savory flavor of beef ramen. For best results, wait until after cooking the ramen then drizzle some on top. The salty-sweet taste of soy sauce perfectly complements the beefy broth.
5. Add Spicy Sriracha
For some heat, mix in a few shakes of Sriracha or other chili garlic sauce. The tangy, garlicky kick enhances beef ramen’s richness. Add it to the broth or drizzle it over individual bowls. Start with a little and add more for extra spice.
6. Swirl in Miso Paste
Miso paste infuses ramen with savory umami flavor. For best results, add a spoonful after cooking the noodles and stir well to incorporate. The fermented taste of white, yellow, or red miso marries beautifully with beef broth.
7. Sizzle Some Garlic
Garlic makes everything taste amazing, including beef ramen. For maximum flavor, mince some garlic and sauté it in oil before adding the broth. Or add peeled garlic cloves to the simmering pot then remove before serving.
8. Grate in Ginger
Along with garlic, freshly grated ginger adds aromatic flavor to beef ramen. You can sauté it with garlic at the start or add grated ginger directly to the simmering pot. Either way, it adds brightness.
9. Finish with Sesame Oil
A finishing drizzle of nutty sesame oil makes beef ramen gourmet. The rich, toasted taste complements the broth. For best results, drizzle a little over individual bowls just before eating.
10. Top with Soft Boiled Egg
I couldn’t make a list of ramen add-ins without mentioning soft boiled eggs! These protein-packed eggs with runny yolks make the perfect topping for any bowl of noodles. Cook them separately and place on top just before serving.
11. Mix in Peanut Butter
Here’s an outside-the-box beef ramen upgrade! Stirring in a spoonful of peanut butter gives the broth a luxuriously creamy, nutty taste. The sweetness balances the saltiness too.
12. Add Leftover Meat
Have leftover cooked beef or other meat? Slice it up and add it to your beef ramen! Beef, pork, chicken, shrimp and more all complement the broth’s hearty flavor. It turns your ramen into a meal.
So there you have it – 12 easy ways to seriously upgrade boring old beef ramen packets into gourmet noodle bowls. With a few extra ingredients, you can take this pantry staple from basic to sensational. Get creative with vegetables, proteins, sauces, and toppings to make it your own. Your tastebuds will thank you! What’s your favorite ramen add-in?
Add a Protein
My favorite protein to add to my ramen is an egg because it’s just so easy and I always have them (soft boiled egg or hard boiled egg). But there are so many more options! Tofu cubes, sliced tempeh, rotisserie chicken, ground pork (browned), shelled edamame, pulled pork, shrimp, you name it!
TIP: You can crack a raw egg straight into your simmering broth and let it cook for about 6 minutes. Make sure the broth is not vigorously boiling or the egg will break apart into a million pieces and just make the broth cloudy. For the egg in the photo above, I cooked it separately, using my easy 6-minute Soft Boiled Egg method, and then added it to the finished bowl.
how to Make Ramen Better – Step by Step
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FAQ
How to make beef ramen taste better?
Up the umami flavor by adding soy sauce. – For the fastest and simplest way to boost the salty, savory flavor of instant ramen, add a splash of soy sauce.Aug 28, 2024
How do you upgrade beef ramen?
- Miso paste.
- Chili bean sauce.
- Thai curry paste.
- Japanese curry powder.
- Fish sauce.
- Harissa.
- Vinegar.
- Ponzu.
How to improve beef ramen on Reddit?
Toppings: Green onion, any meat, soft-boiled egg, nori, bean sprouts, sesame seeds, croutons, those crunchy stir fry toppers, cheese, etc. Realistically, it’s whatever you want. However, some sort of acid and heat are essential for me every time.
How do you make beef ramen noodles?
Add the broth and bring it to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and let them soak and cook.. Slice the cooked steak.. Serve two bowls with broth, noodles, sliced steak, cilantro, green onions, and hard boiled egg. This beef ramen takes plain instant ramen noodles and elevates them into a hearty dish that is rich in flavor.
How to make ramen noodle better?
Using the right bowl size and chopsticks will make your ramen better. It would make you feel like you are eating ramen at a restaurant instead of eating in just a bowl of instant ramen. Use the correct size of bowl, not to hollow and not too deep. Just enough size that would fit your instant ramen noodle.
How long does it take to make beef Ramen?
This beef ramen takes plain instant ramen noodles and elevates them into a hearty dish that is rich in flavor. With the combination of seared sirloin steak and a selection of savory seasonings and veggies, you end up with a ridiculously satisfying noodle dish that is just too good. And, best of all, it takes well under 30 minutes to make!
How do you make instant ramen taste better?
Look for oils that are infused with spices and herbs, too. Just a few slashes of roasted garlic oil can help transform bland instant ramen. Likewise, chili oil is a great way to bring both richness and fiery heat. For something refreshing, you can brighten up a bowl of instant ramen with citrus-infused lemon or yuzu oil.
How to make instant ramen noodles?
Making instant ramen noodles is perhaps the to-go foods for most people since it is easy to prepare, just add hot water and there you have it. A hot, delicious ramen noodles. Although nowadays, a simple packet of noodles is no longer enough to satisfy one’s craving of Ramen Noodles.
Can you use stock instead of water in ramen noodles?
In preparing our Instant ramen noodles, we are used to just adding water to it and its seasoning packet and then allowing it to cook. But if you want to make Maruchan ramen taste even better, you can use stock instead of water. There are ready made stock that can be bought in the supermarkets but you can also make your own homemade stock at home.