10 Unique (and Delicious!) Ideas For Preparing Ramen Noodles

Remember 1958? Hopefully not, since that would make you plenty old. But this was a year that shaped humanity like no other, as this is when Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen noodles. College students in particular depend on this cheap, but delicious dish for subsistence. All it takes to prepare is hot water and the seasoning packet that it comes with. But there are equally quick ways to create a satisfying meal using ramen and other ingredients. Here are some of our favorite suggestions for adding creativity to your ramen noodles.

1. Ramen Noodle Salad

One of the biggest problems with preparing conventional ramen noodles is that the seasoning contains so much sodium. This healthy alternative removes all that harmful salt and replaces it with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Simply cook the noodles, drain the water, and top it off with fresh chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and peanuts. Serve it as a side or as a stand-alone meal, depending on how large you want to make it.

2. Homemade Ramen Noodles

Why eat instant noodles when you can make them yourself? Well, okay, for the convenience and speed. However, if you’ve got time to spare, you should definitely make time for homemade ramen that blows the instant stuff out of the water. Instead of the alkaline salt found in the instant stuff, you will use sodium bicarbonate instead, which adds both flavor and chewiness. Once you make it, add some vegetables, beef, or chicken broth and your boring life will change forever!

3. Vegetable and Tofu Ramen

Give this a try, once and you’ll likely to give it hundreds of additional times during the course of your life. First, it is an extremely nutritious dish that compliments any meal. Second, it is an umami lover’s paradise. We’re talking miso paste, toasted tahini, soy sauce, and Asian-style mushrooms. Add some crushed red pepper flakes if spiciness floats your boat.

4. Easy Cashew Ramen

This is a somewhat different take on ramen, but just as worthy of your persnickety palette. Instead of wheat-based ramen, this one is made from rice. Cook it with stewed vegetables — any will do, really — and add some crushed cashews as a topping.