Instant ramen is one of the most convenient and beloved comfort foods out there, but sometimes it can feel a bit basic. Over the years, ramen enthusiasts have come up with creative hacks to elevate this simple dish into something extraordinary. Curious to see if these hacks live up to the hype, I decided to try five popular instant ramen hacks to see what difference they could make. Here’s what happened.
Hack 1: Adding an Egg
How I Tried It: The first hack I tried was the classic egg addition. I cracked an egg directly into the simmering ramen soup during the final minute of cooking and stirred it in. Some people prefer to poach the egg whole, but I decided to mix it for a creamy texture.
What Happened: The egg made a huge difference in both texture and flavor. The broth became richer, with a velvety smoothness that I hadn’t experienced with plain ramen. The egg added a protein boost, making it feel more like a complete meal. This hack definitely elevated the ramen from basic to decadent. It’s a simple addition that adds depth without complicating things.
Hack 2: Adding Cheese
How I Tried It: Next, I decided to try the viral cheese ramen hack, where you add a slice or two of cheese into the soup. I used a slice of American cheese and let it melt into the hot broth.
What Happened: At first, I was skeptical, but once the cheese melted, the broth turned creamy and indulgent, almost like a cheesy, ramen mac-and-cheese hybrid. It was comforting and surprisingly delicious! However, I could see how this might be a bit too rich for some, especially if you’re not a fan of cheese in your soups. If you like creamy, cheesy flavors, though, this hack is definitely worth a try.
Hack 3: Adding Sriracha for a Spicy Kick
How I Tried It: I’m a big fan of spicy food, so I tried adding a generous drizzle of Sriracha hot sauce to my ramen before mixing it in.
What Happened: The Sriracha added a pleasant heat without overwhelming the ramen’s flavor. It enhanced the broth with a nice balance of spice and tanginess. This hack was perfect for those who like a bit of heat in their meal. It was simple, effective, and added just the right amount of kick without changing the base flavor of the ramen.
Hack 4: Adding Peanut Butter for a Nutty Flavor
How I Tried It: The peanut butter ramen hack intrigued me, so I added about a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter to the broth. I stirred it in and let the noodles cook, hoping for a unique twist.
What Happened: At first, I was unsure, but once the peanut butter melted into the broth, it created a savory, slightly nutty and creamy soup. The flavor was quite rich and comforting, reminiscent of an Asian-inspired peanut soup. The noodles absorbed the nutty flavor, making them taste fuller. However, I found that the peanut butter flavor was quite strong and might overpower the more delicate ramen flavors. It’s a hack worth trying for those who enjoy bold, nutty flavors in their dishes.
Hack 5: Adding Veggies for Freshness
How I Tried It: For my final hack, I added some fresh vegetables—spinach, mushrooms, and green onions—into the ramen as it cooked, making it more of a balanced meal.
What Happened: The vegetables added a burst of freshness and texture that transformed the ramen from a bowl of noodles into a vibrant, more nutritious meal. The spinach wilted nicely into the broth, and the mushrooms added a savory umami flavor. This hack made the ramen feel like a wholesome dish and was perfect for anyone looking to add some greens into their diet without much effort. It also added more depth to the soup, giving it a well-rounded taste.
Trying these five popular instant ramen hacks was an eye-opening experience. Each hack brought something unique to the table, from the creamy richness of the egg and cheese to the refreshing crunch of added veggies. My favorite hacks were the egg for its creamy texture and the Sriracha for a spicy kick, but all five hacks offered something different, depending on your taste preferences.
Instant ramen is already a great base for experimenting, and with just a few simple additions, it can easily be transformed into something extraordinary. So the next time you’re craving ramen, try one (or all!) of these hacks to elevate your bowl of noodles to new heights.
