When also paying for tuition, housing, books, and other basic living expenses, it’s no wonder Instant ramen is a staple amongst college students. And while it is cheap, easily accessible, and simple to make, instant ramen is not known for being the healthiest, or tastiest, meal option. Luckily, there are several ways to elevate your instant ramen without breaking the bank.
1. Add Aromatics
Fresh aromatics, like garlic, ginger, and green onion, really pack a punch in terms of flavor. Plus, fresh ginger is a great option for when you’re feeling under the weather.
TIP: Mince your garlic and grate your ginger, and then sauté both in a little oil for about a minute. Add your broth to the pot and stir. Finish your ramen by sprinkling some green onion over the top and enjoy!
2. Spice it up with Sauce
You most likely have a fridge full of half used sauces. This is your opportunity to use up some of those sauces and experiment with different flavor combinations. Consider mixing in soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, or teriyaki sauce.
TIP: Remember that adding any sauce will typically up your salt content. For this reason, consider only using half of your broth or seasoning packet. You can always add more later.
3. Add Veggies
Fresh veggies are a fantastic way to spruce up that predictable packet, as well as add some much-needed vitamins and nutrients to your diet. Go through your fridge and see if you have any vegetables that need to be used or hit your local farmers market or grocery store for great deals on locally grown produce. Raw bell peppers and carrots are the perfect veggie to add a little bit of crunch and sweetness, while fresh mushrooms and baby spinach add a myriad of nutrients without significantly changing the flavor.
TIP: You can also use frozen veggies, like broccoli, peas, or corn. Most grocery stores even have a frozen stir fry option which would be the perfect addition.
4. Add a Protein
There are so many options when it comes to protein in your ramen, but the most affordable is an egg. You can soft or hard boil it or poach it for an instant flavor and nutrient upgrade! You can also add grilled chicken, tofu cubes, shrimp, pulled pork, etc. There are so many possibilities, and each protein brings its own unique flavor profile.
TIP: Add rotisserie chicken. It’s a pre-cooked option that won’t leave you for broke, and you can utilize whatever is leftover in different meals!
5. Don’t Forget your Tasty Toppings
This is the time to really customize your meal. You can finish your dish with a wealth of different toppings that will ultimately give your bowl more color, flavor, and texture. Think sesame seeds, bacon, dried seaweed, cilantro, chives, Thai basil, lime or lemon wedges, bean sprouts, and pickled ginger.
TIP: Consider the flavor profiles you’ve created with your elevated ramen as you pick your toppings, and don’t forget to have fun!
Now that you have all the tools and inspiration, visit the Golden Eagle Pantry to grab some ramen and see what other inclusions you can find to transform your run-of-the-mill ramen, into something spectacular.