How to Spice Up Ramen Noodles: 20 Tasty Cooking Ideas

Ramen can largely be found on store shelves around the world. With the help of some expected and unexpected ingredients, you can learn how to spice up your ramen at home.

What is ramen?

Ramen is a mix of wheat noodles, broth, and variable seasoning combinations. Its popularity rose due to its ability to cook quickly and its low price tag. Elevated alkali levels make the noodles inside the packet become shelf-stable.

On its own, ramen can still be flavorful. However, many people like to add additional ingredients to take this soup from boring to delicious.

How to spice up ramen with proteins

If you are asking yourself “What can I mix with ramen?”, you may want to start by adding a protein or two to the dish.

1. Egg

 Eggs are one of the most common additions to ramen dishes. Often in a soft- or hard-boiled state, eggs add an element of protein to the meal. Slice the cooked eggs in half and add to the broth.

2. Pork

Considered a part of the traditional ramen, thin slices of  pork loin add a tasty touch to your dish. You can also pre-slice the pork, freeze it, and add to your ramen dish.

3. Chicken

In many packets, chicken seasoning is included with the ramen. To amplify the taste, try adding some shredded  chicken to the broth during the cooking process.

4. Beef

While pork and chicken are more traditional additions to ramen,  beef can be a tasty alternative. Add a light coating of seasoned flour or cornstarch to the beef to help tenderize the beef.

5. Tofu

If you prefer a vegetarian option over meats or poultry,  tofu is a great choice to add to the bowl. Pan-frying is the most popular cooking process for tofu, as it provides a crispy texture addition to the ramen.

How to spice up ramen with vegetables

Make your dish healthier and nutritious by adding a few of these ingredients.

6. Green onion

 Scallions or green onions are a popular addition to many Asian dishes. Chop or thinly slice a small amount for a fresh taste. Proceed with caution, as scallions can be very potent!

7. Carrot

Razor-thin or ribbons of  carrots add a burst of color to the dish.

8. Peas

Adding frozen or  fresh peas to ramen is a great way to add a tasty vegetable. If you are looking to add a unique touch, snow or snap peas are also a delicious inclusion.

9. Bok choy

Also known as Chinese Spinach, bok choy adds flavor and color to your ramen dish. Make sure that your vegetable is thoroughly washed, as sand can sneak its way into the many nooks and crannies of the leaves.

What can I season my ramen with?

With just 1 or 2 spices, you can take the dish to a whole new level!

10. Red pepper flakes

Dehydrated red pepper flakesare one of the more common adds to your typical ramen dish. Red pepper flakes are in some flavor packets; however, putting more can increase the spice level of the dish exponentially. When combined with the broth, the heat can quickly become intense. If the dish becomes too spicy, add a protein like an egg to help reduce the spiciness. 

11. Furikake

 Furikake is a popular Japanese condiment and a complex-tasting addition to ramen. It contains fish flakes, salt, sesame seeds, salt, and sugar. Some variations of the seasoning do contain MSG.

12. Garlic

Finely minced  garlic can add a savory touch to ramen. Like many of the ingredients listed here, proceed with extreme caution, as too much garlic can overwhelm the dish.

13. Miso paste

The Japanese condiment  miso paste contains fermented soybeans, salt, and koji. If you are unfamiliar with koji, it is the same mold that makes sake. As the paste ferments longer, the flavor gets more potent. Adding just a tablespoon of the paste can go a long way for a savory touch.

14. Sriracha

Sriracha is a  chili sauce combination containing chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt. It is widely used in many Asian dishes to amplify sweetness and spiciness. When added to the broth or noodles, sriracha can bring many flavors to the dish, making it a tasty addition.

15. Hot sauce

Similar to sriracha, any  hot sauce can kick up your next bowl of ramen. Use this if you are looking to add spiciness over sweetness.

16. Ginger

 Ginger provides a unique spiciness that differs slightly from a hot sauce. Add a few slices to the broth for a fresh kick.

17. Sesame seeds

Traditionally found in ramen variations that do not use broth,  sesame seeds add a savory crunch to the dish. Are you looking to amplify the flavors even more? Try toasting the sesame seeds in a light amount of oil before adding them to the noodles.

Adventurous ways to spice up ramen

If you’re looking to add a unique spin to your dish, give a few of these ingredients a try.

18. Fish cakes

Kamaboko, or a  fish cake, is a popular Asian dish made up of ground-up fish and mixed with a starchy ingredient. The dish is typically served premade and fried. Putting slices on top of your ramen adds a salty and subtly sweet taste.

19. Kimchi

 Kimchi is a bold option to put into ramen. This fermented vegetable mixture can add an extremely complex taste. Be cautious when adding this, as this taste can be overpowering. Kimchi is made from fermented cabbage, but other vegetables are sometimes used.

20. Peanut butter

Adding a tablespoon or two of  peanut butter to your ramen noodles can give the dish a Thai-inspired flavor. Take it further and add a scrambled egg to get it even closer to pad thai.

Ramen: a culinary multi-tasker

With these recommendations, you are ready to take your ramen dish to the next level! Combined with the tastiness and economical value, ramen is an outstanding food option. Experimenting with these and other ingredients from Instacart can make your next ramen adventure unique and delicious.