Ramen noodles are one of the most popular and versatile dishes in the world. They originated in China, but became widely popular in Japan after World War II. Today, ramen noodles are enjoyed in many different ways, from soups to salads, and from stir-fries to desserts. I will show you how to cook ramen noodles, how to make ramen noodles without broth, how to make TikTok ramen noodles, and how to make ramen noodles from scratch.
How to Cook Ramen Noodles
Cooking ramen noodles is very easy and quick. Here are the basic steps:
- Boil water in a pot. Add a pinch of salt and a splash of oil.
- Add the ramen noodles and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Add your favorite broth, sauce, toppings, and seasonings. Enjoy!
Here are some tips for cooking perfect ramen noodles:
- Use enough water to cover the noodles completely. This will help them cook evenly and prevent clumping.
- Do not overcook the noodles. They should be slightly chewy, not mushy. You can check the doneness by tasting a strand or breaking it in half. It should have a thin white line in the center.
- Do not discard the seasoning packet that comes with the ramen noodles. You can use it to flavor your broth, sauce, or toppings. You can also mix it with other ingredients, such as soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, honey, or peanut butter, to create your own sauce.
Ramen Noodles without Broth
If you want to enjoy ramen noodles without broth, you have many options. You can make them into a salad, a stir-fry, a casserole, or a pizza. Here are some examples:
- Ramen noodle salad: Toss cooked and drained ramen noodles with shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, cilantro, and peanuts. Drizzle with a dressing made of lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili flakes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve cold or at room temperature.
- Ramen noodle stir-fry: Heat some oil in a skillet over high heat. Add sliced chicken, beef, pork, tofu, or shrimp and cook until browned. Add some chopped garlic, ginger, and vegetables of your choice and stir-fry until crisp-tender. Add cooked and drained ramen noodles and a sauce made of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. Toss to coat and garnish with chopped peanuts and green onions.
- Ramen noodle casserole: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large bowl, whisk together some cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheese, and seasonings of your choice. Stir in some cooked and shredded chicken, broccoli, and cooked and drained ramen noodles. Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle with more cheese and bread crumbs. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Ramen noodle pizza: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). In a large bowl, beat some eggs and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Stir in some cooked and drained ramen noodles and some grated cheese. Press the mixture into a greased pizza pan and bake for 15 minutes, or until set and golden. Spread some pizza sauce over the crust and top with your favorite pizza toppings. Bake for another 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
TikTok Ramen Noodles
TikTok ramen noodles are a viral trend that involves adding an egg and Everything But The Bagel seasoning to cooked ramen noodles. The result is a creamy and flavorful dish that is easy and delicious. Here is how to make it:
- Cook ramen noodles according to the package directions. Drain and return to the pot.
- Crack an egg and whisk it with a fork. Pour it over the noodles and stir to coat.
- Sprinkle some Everything But The Bagel seasoning over the noodles and stir to combine. You can also add some butter, cheese, or cream cheese for extra richness.
- Transfer to a bowl and enjoy!
Making Ramen Noodles from Scratch
If you want to make ramen noodles from scratch, you don’t need a pasta machine. You can use a rolling pin and a knife to cut the dough into thin strands. Here is how to do it:
- In a large bowl, whisk together some bread flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Make a well in the center and add some water and some kansui, which is a type of alkaline water that gives ramen noodles their yellow color and springy texture. You can buy it online or make your own by baking some baking soda in the oven and dissolving it in water.
- Mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 to 15 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. You may need to add more flour or water as needed.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Divide the dough into four equal pieces and work with one piece at a time, keeping the rest covered with plastic wrap.
- Roll out the dough into a thin rectangle, about 2 mm thick. Dust with some cornstarch or potato starch to prevent sticking.
- Fold the dough in half and then in half again, forming a smaller rectangle. Cut the dough into thin strips, about 2 mm wide. Unfold the noodles and dust with more cornstarch or potato starch to prevent sticking.
- Repeat with the remaining dough pieces.
- Cook the noodles in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Use the noodles as desired, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
FAQ
What are some healthy toppings for ramen noodles?
Some healthy toppings for ramen noodles are boiled eggs, edamame, spinach, mushrooms, seaweed, tofu, bean sprouts, scallions, and sesame seeds. You can also add some miso paste, chicken stock, or vegetable broth to make a nutritious soup.
How do you make spicy ramen noodles?
You can make spicy ramen noodles by adding some chili oil, chili flakes, chili paste, sriracha, or gochujang to your broth, sauce, or toppings. You can also use spicy ramen noodles, such as Shin Ramyun or Samyang, which come with their own spicy seasoning packets.
Can you microwave ramen noodles?
Yes, you can microwave ramen noodles. You can either use a microwave-safe bowl or a mug. Fill it with water and add the ramen noodles. Microwave for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked. Be careful not to overfill the container or the water may boil over. Add the seasoning packet and any other ingredients you like and enjoy!
