Instant Ramen Recipes: 17 Quick, Easy Dinners To Make
Discover 17 creative and delicious dinner ideas, ready in minutes, all starring humble instant ramen noodles as the star ingredient.
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17 Quick and Easy Dinners That Start With Instant Ramen Noodles
Whether you’re tight on time or looking to shake up weeknight dinner, instant ramen noodles are a versatile MVP. Far from the humble soup in a styrofoam cup, these pantry staples can become the base for bold, hearty, and satisfying meals. In this guide, explore 17 delicious, inventive recipes that start with instant ramen, showing just how quick and creative your next dinner can be!
Table of Contents
- Fast and Easy Tofu Lo-Mein
- Spicy Beef Ramen
- Easy Chicken Skillet Ramen
- Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry with Chicken and Vegetables
- Quick Tofu Stir Fry
- Shrimp Noodle Bowls
- Cheesy Ramen Noodles
- Chinese Chicken Soup
- Pea and Pancetta Ramen ‘Risotto’
- Chicken and Cabbage Ramen Slaw
- Ramen Carbonara
- Pork Ramen Noodle Soup
- TikTok-Style Ramen
- Easy Saucy Vegan Ramen
- Ramen Chicken Casserole
- Asian Ramen Salad
- 10-Minute Magical Ramen
Fast and Easy Tofu Lo-Mein
Ready in about 15 minutes, this vegetarian dish is a weeknight hero. Cubed tofu is stir-fried with colorful veggies and then tossed with cooked ramen noodles. A soy-based sauce brings the flavors together, resulting in a savory, satisfying meal with staying power.
- Use firm tofu for the best texture.
- Add carrots, bell peppers, and baby bok choy for freshness and crunch.
- Drizzle with toasted sesame oil for extra flavor.
Spicy Beef Ramen
Heat things up for dinner with this spicy, hearty ramen bowl. Ground beef is quickly browned with garlic and ginger, then simmered with the ramen’s flavorful seasoning. Top each bowl with sliced scallions and a drizzle of chili oil for a restaurant-worthy finish.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less chili paste or flakes.
- Toss in spinach or kale for added greens.
Easy Chicken Skillet Ramen
If you crave one-pan dinners, look no further. Cook chopped chicken breast with onions, garlic, and your favorite vegetables, then add cooked ramen noodles to soak up all the flavors. Top with sesame seeds and a splash of soy sauce for a quick, protein-packed dinner.
- Try rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for even faster prep.
- Add snap peas, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry with Chicken and Vegetables
Give your ramen a stir-fry twist! Sauté sliced chicken and a mix of colorful vegetables—such as peppers, carrots, and snap peas—then toss with cooked ramen noodles and a simple stir-fry sauce. Quick, colorful, and crowd-pleasing.
- Use pre-cut stir-fry veggies to save time.
- Serve with a wedge of lime for a fresh finish.
Quick Tofu Stir Fry
This speedy vegetarian stir-fry transforms ramen noodles into a balanced meal. Pan-fried tofu provides protein, while broccoli, bell pepper, and snow peas add crunch. Toss in a savory stir-fry sauce and serve piping hot for the ultimate meatless Monday dish.
- Press tofu to remove excess water for best results.
- Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch.
Shrimp Noodle Bowls
Perfect for lunch or dinner, these shrimp noodle bowls are bursting with flavor and freshness. Cooked shrimp, crisp veggies, and ramen noodles are tossed in a bright, tangy dressing. Serve chilled for a refreshing noodle salad or warm for comfort food vibes.
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- Marinate shrimp in garlic and lime before cooking for extra zest.
- Top with cilantro and sliced chiles for a kick.
Cheesy Ramen Noodles
Ready in just five minutes, this playful comfort dish combines hot ramen noodles with melting cheese. It’s creamy, gooey, and endlessly customizable—add fresh herbs, leftover ham, bacon bits, or your favorite hot sauce for a personal twist.
- Velveeta or shredded cheddar melt best.
- Mix in steamed broccoli for added fiber.
Chinese Chicken Soup
Turn ordinary ramen into a warming, restorative soup by simmering it with chicken, ginger, garlic, celery, and turmeric. Finished with soy sauce and toasted sesame oil, this soup is both soothing and bold in flavor, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Thinly slice celery so it cooks evenly.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
Pea and Pancetta Ramen “Risotto”
Ramen noodles stand in for rice in this unexpected take on risotto. Sauté diced pancetta until crisp, then toss in green peas and cooked ramen noodles. Creamy, savory, and delightfully quick—this dish surprises even ramen skeptics!
- Swap pancetta for bacon or omit for a vegetarian version.
- Finish with a sprinkle of parmesan for extra richness.
Chicken and Cabbage Ramen Slaw
This crunchy salad pairs shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped cabbage, and toasted ramen noodles for a hearty lunch or picnic side. Tossed with a light vinaigrette and sunflower seeds, it offers big flavor with minimal effort.
- Crunch up ramen noodles (uncooked) for a unique texture.
- Add sliced almonds or edamame for extra protein.
Ramen Carbonara
Give classic carbonara a ramen upgrade! Toss hot noodles with crispy bacon, peas, and a creamy egg-parmesan sauce for a dish that’s rich, silky, and speedy. The starchy ramen water helps create a lush sauce that coats every noodle.
- Work quickly to combine noodles and egg so the sauce stays creamy, not scrambled.
- Use plenty of freshly cracked black pepper for authenticity.
Pork Ramen Noodle Soup
This hearty soup combines tender pieces of pork, bok choy, and mushrooms simmered with ramen noodles in a garlicky broth. Ideal for when you’re craving something warming yet simple.
- Use thinly sliced pork tenderloin for tenderness.
- Swap in spinach or napa cabbage if you don’t have bok choy.
TikTok-Style Ramen
Viral TikTok ramen has taken the internet by storm! Stir-fry cooked ramen noodles in butter, garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar, then scramble in a beaten egg for a glossy, umami-packed meal. Finish with everything bagel seasoning for a unique twist.
- Customize with chili flakes or sriracha for heat.
- Try it with a soft-boiled egg or sautéed veggies.
Easy Saucy Vegan Ramen
This vegan-friendly meal cooks up fast and delivers major flavor. Ramen noodles are tossed in a rich, savory sauce with tofu, carrots, mushrooms, and your favorite stir-fry veggies. Perfect when you need something quick yet wholesome.
- Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Add chili oil or toasted sesame seeds to finish.
Ramen Chicken Casserole
Transform ramen noodles into a creamy, baked casserole by combining them with shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, a simple creamy sauce, and a crunchy topping of toasted ramen pieces. Pop it in the oven and dinner is served with minimal cleanup.
- Mix in frozen peas and carrots for ease.
- Top with extra cheese for added indulgence.
Asian Ramen Salad
This classic potluck favorite uses uncooked, crushed ramen noodles for a surprising crunch in every bite. Tossed with coleslaw mix, scallions, and a sweet, tangy dressing, it’s the perfect side for barbecues and picnics.
- Use the ramen seasoning packet in the vinaigrette for extra flavor.
- Add sunflower or sesame seeds for nutty crunch.
10-Minute Magical Ramen
Bring your ramen to new heights in just 10 minutes by adding pantry proteins and quick toppings. Stir in tuna, tofu, or a soft-boiled egg for protein. Top with chopped scallions, kimchi, or sesame oil for a “real deal” ramen experience that rivals takeout.
- Use your favorite brand of ramen—Japanese, Korean, or American all work.
- Customize with whatever you have in your fridge!
Tips for Elevating Instant Ramen
- Add protein: Eggs, tofu, shrimp, chicken, or pork quickly add substance.
- Pack in veggies: Baby spinach, carrots, broccoli, and mushrooms all cook in minutes.
- Upgrade flavor: Drizzle with toasted sesame oil, chili crisp, sriracha, or soy sauce.
- Get creative with toppings: Green onions, nori, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime add freshness and flair.
Quick Comparison: Stir-Fry vs. Soup Ramen Dinners
| Stir-Fry Ramen | Soup Ramen |
|---|---|
| Less liquid, stronger sauce flavors | Broth-based, lighter and comforting |
| Great for adding stir-fried meats and veggies | Ideal for tender greens and poached proteins |
| Quick skillet or wok method | One-pot simmering approach |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these ramen dinners in advance?
Many stir-fry and salad-style ramen dishes can be made ahead and enjoyed cold or at room temperature. For soups, prepare the broth and add noodles just before serving to maintain texture.
How can I make instant ramen healthier?
Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables and lean proteins, and reduce sodium by using less of the seasoning packet or opting for low-sodium broth.
Do these recipes work with any ramen brand?
Yes, you can use your preferred brand—Japanese, Korean, or American. Adjust seasoning to taste according to package instructions or your preference.
What are some easy toppings for ramen?
Great toppings include soft-boiled eggs, scallions, cilantro, sliced chiles, sesame seeds, nori strips, and chili oil.
Are these ramen recipes budget-friendly?
Absolutely! Instant ramen is one of the most affordable pantry staples, and these recipes use simple add-ins and shortcuts to keep costs low.
With these quick and creative ideas, you’ll never see instant ramen the same way again. Whether you crave hearty soup, saucy stir-fry, or crunchy salad, ramen noodles are always ready for a delicious dinner upgrade—no takeout required!
References
- https://www.allrecipes.com/gallery/quick-dinners-that-start-with-instant-ramen-noodles/
- https://pinchofyum.com/quick-homemade-ramen
- https://www.justonecookbook.com/10-minute-meal-instant-ramen-recipe/
- https://thefoodietakesflight.com/easy-saucy-ramen-noodles-vegan-recipe/
- https://iamafoodblog.com/tiktok-ramen/
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