How to Microwave Ramen (Best Instant Ramen Noodles Recipe)
on Jan 10, 2022
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You’ll hardly find a meal more convenient than a bowl of instant ramen noodles. Learn how to microwave ramen properly and you’ll have a flavorful dish ready in minutes.
Ramen is a cheap, quick meal that’s perfect for a low-effort dinner or a midnight snack. What’s more, ramen noodles can be dressed up with other ingredients like vegetables, meat or eggs to make it even more satisfying and wholesome.
What You’ll Need
- Instant Ramen Noodles: including flavor packets
- Chicken Broth: or cold water
- Optional green onion, boiled egg, vegetables, or meat
How to Microwave Ramen
1. Open the package of ramen noodles and place into a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Add the flavor packet included. Then discard the packaging.
3. Pour in water/broth to cover.
4. Microwave the ramen noodles for 1 minute on full power, followed by 30 second intervals, until steaming hot. Using oven mitts to prevent burns, carefully remove the hot ramen from the microwave.
5. Garnish with optional green onions.
Tips for Making Microwave Ramen Taste Better
- Use Broth Instead of Water: This will add flavor but be sure to use salt-free broth, especially if using the salty ramen flavor packet. You can try using chicken, vegetable or beef broth.
- Add Your Own Flavorings: Packaged ramen can be easily dressed up by adding some fresh garlic or ginger for flavor or adding an egg for extra nutrition. Frozen veggies like peas, carrots, broccoli and mushrooms work well as does cooked chicken or pork.
- Use Your Own Seasonings: Stirring in sauces like hoisin sauce, soy sauce or oyster sauce adds lots of flavor. If you like spicy food, you can Sriracha or chili powder to your ramen.
- Use Oven Mitts: It can be scalding hot coming out of the microwave, so use oven mitts to prevent burns.
How Long Do You Cook Ramen Noodles in the Microwave?
Microwave cooking times vary widely based on the type of microwave and how powerful the microwave is. Generally speaking, you should microwave the ramen for a minute, then stop to check the softness of the noodles. Continue cooking in 30-second intervals until noodles are soft and ready to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Microwave Ramen Cups?
Ramen cups are not microwave-safe, as they are usually made from styrofoam and microwaving them can release chemicals into the ramen. It’s also not advised since the ramen can get so hot that it creates a hole in the cup.
Is Ramen Bad for Me?
Ramen isn’t completely unhealthy and can be made more nutritious by adding in ingredients. On its own, ramen lacks nutritional substance
Is Ramen Japanese or Chinese?
Ramen is a traditional Japanese meal, though it is also popularly consumed in China.
How Long is Ramen Good For?
Cooked ramen should be consumed immediately and is best served hot. Reheated ramen usually becomes soggy, mushy and unpalatable.
Can You Eat Ramen Every Day?
Ramen isn’t the most nutrient-dense food, so for a balanced diet, you should not be consuming it everyday.
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Microwave Ramen Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 package ramen noodles, including flavor packets etc.
- salt-free chicken broth, or cold water
Optional Additions
- green onions, minced
- 1 hard boiled egg
- vegetables, such as sliced carrots, mushrooms,
- meat, such as leftover cooked chicken or pork
Instructions
- Open the package of ramen noodles and place into a microwave safe bowl.
- Add the flavor packet included if desired and discard the packaging.
- Pour in water/broth to cover.
- Add any optional additions as desired (except for green onions, which go in at the end).
- Microwave the ramen noodles for 1 minute on full power, followed by 30 second intervals, until steaming hot. (Note: times may vary by microwave strength, so add extra time for tabletop microwaves, and reduce time for powerful microwaves.)
- Using oven mitts to prevent burns, carefully remove the hot ramen from the microwave.
- Garnish with optional green onions. Serve with a large spoon and chopsticks.
Notes
- Ramen can be high in sodium. To manage the saltiness, use salt-free broth and do not add any extra salt.
- To go further, omit the flavor packet and use your own seasonings: 1 teaspoon soy sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
