5 Creative Ways to Cook Instant Ramen | NYT Cooking

Eric Kim is here to show us five fun ways to unlock the potential of a simple pack of instant ramen. Up your instant ramen game with these recipes and tips!
Quick Kimchi: nyti.ms/3nRYn7P
Ramen Carbonara: nyti.ms/42UYIek
Crispy Sheet-Pan Noodles With Glazed Tofu: nyti.ms/40RbvNa
Gochujang Buttered Noodles: nyti.ms/3zkYHTq
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About NYT Cooking:
All the food that’s fit to eat (yes, it’s an official New York Times production).

[@tomelko]

Eric is one of the few food writers who lives in my reality.

[@AchtungKarate]

That's it. Nail on the head. That's what makes him so good.

[@fayebarry5748]

Does he have his own youtube channel? I loved watching him. lol

[@IsinMoon]

When I was growing up, my mom would take packets of maruchan ramen, cook the noodles, then drain and stir fry them with veggies, eggs, and shrimp or chicken, and add some of the flavor packet as seasoning. It was so filling and good, and is still such a comfort meal to me 🥰

[@BadHattie]

The yaki-soba kits from Maruchan seems to be based on this idea, and I LOVE them. Especially the green one, but the red is also okay.

[@Ahzpayne]

I was like 23-24 when I learned ramen was a soup and not what you just described. Same day I learned it wasn't "Ray-men" lol

[@GlizzyGoblin6969]

I do something similar. Stove top ramen, tofu, and some veg seem to work really well. Throw in some fish sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, and dark soy sauce near the end to finish it all up and top off with some furikake

[@stephanielundquist1675]

I make a roux with the seasoning packet and the pasta water after heating up Costco frozen stir-fry veggies, creamy and delicious ramen.

[@_sayandas]

If you're adding both egg and chicken for just some noodles, it's not a comfort meal it's an aristocrat meal 😂

[@elenamitchell]

I really appreciate how realistic these recipes are. As a college student, I love Eric's recipes because they DO actually use ingredients I already have (which is like 8 things) and also help me expand on those really easily

[@jtlamba]

What I've learned from this video is that Eric is hungry at midnight A LOT.

[@annaelizabeth3035]

I feel so validated by Eric's point about gochujang calling for brightness/acidity. Agreeeeee!! It's the perfect ingredient when you add vinegar, but can be a bit heavy with no acid and I rarely see recipes that have both

[@plainjane748]

I'm glad you posted this because the sherry vinegar addition was so quick I almost missed it!

[@mateokang]

Actually, cho-jang (vinegar-garlic-sprite-gochujang) has long been a thing, a dip for savory dishes like raw seafood and leek pancakes.

[@annaelizabeth3035]

@@mateokang thanks for saying so! I don't eat seafood, so it's likely I never would have heard of this otherwise. I'll have to give it a go :)

[@markshirley01]

How long does gochujang last in the fridge - Ive got a tub thats been there for a couple of months - should I add a bit of vinager and a touch of honey to it, when mixing into noodles.

[@markshirley01]

​@@mateokang what is sprite?

[@homosoftommorow]

Ok as a physically disabled person who loves cooking but also struggles with feeding myself I deeply appreciate this. So many culinary professionals will look down on things like instant noodles. Thank you!

[@Emma-Maze]

I think that's actually an incorrect stereotype :) In my experience culinary professionals will cook themselves *extremely* simple and low effort meals when they get home, because they're tired and the last thing they feel like is to cook and clean a bunch more 😂 so trust me, they don't look down on instant noodles or even microwavable meals, they jazz them up a bit and call it a day~

[@Kristiekins2]

@@Emma-Maze I remember an interview with a big name chef where they asked her what she had for dinner the night before. She said Fruit Loops; after 8+ hours at work, the last thing she wanted was to make some fancy lamb shank on risotto or something.

[@titania642]

I absolutely love Eric's energy and vibe. So calming and soothing, which makes cooking Eric's recipes so approachable. More Eric content please!

[@peadar-o]

When I’m too lazy to fry an egg, I add a tablespoon of peanut butter and some sambal. I mix it with the flavour powder & oil and some of the cooking water. Also handy to blanch pre-prepared broccoli/ cauliflower/ Brussels sprouts before boiling the noodles, and mix it before serving. If you sauté mixed mushrooms one day, put some aside for using with instant fried noodles, with or without a fried egg. If you want to add meat, diced/ cubed salami or ham is nice as well. To increase the flavour, heat the salami a bit, so some fat renders out and mix it with the included flavourings.

[@jammyflower3369]

That ramen carbonara is 🔥🔥🔥! Sometimes I like to add one minced garlic clove for a little extra flavor!

[@HRHDMKYT]

If you’re in too big a hurry to do bacon, just shake some REAL bacon bits into hot melted bacon grease (because we all save our strained bacon grease to use in cooking later, right?) until bubbling. Then add the garlic, sauté for a bit, then add the rest of your sauce.

[@Emma-Maze]

Ooooh garlic 😲✨💛 you're onto something here

[@coni3538]

Eric got paid to cook and eat delicious ramen all day. What a wonderful day.

[@miltonguevara8467]

that lil ramen pot is the cutest thing i've seen in my entire life

[@multisoap]

Eric needs a raise! This is the most comforting “how to cook…”,

[@StarrStringer]

I discovered that I am allergic to soy so I have to avoid the seasoning packet but using "better than bouillon" allows me to have the easy noodles with a great broth. I add dried onion, frozen peas and carrots, finish cooking noodles and then toss in a raw egg or add a cooked egg (fried, soft or hard boiled) on top. I can't wait to try your ideas.

[@LAsnark]

New fan. I love the way you talk about food.

[@robinrichards3884]

I love how Eric’s recipes are both delicious and approachable

[@jauipop]

I live in Malaysia where instant noodles are also a way of life (and evil on waist size) - our main brand here is Maggi and Indomie. Our "mamak" stalls basically fry Maggi in big woks with eggs cooked into it. But traditionally at home, we do a Maggi instant noodle soup (chicken, curry or laksa flavours), add veggies (like choy sam or Chinese cabbage), tofu puff and egg. I love adding a good onsen egg, which I usually have ready to go in the fridge. I also mix in a good chilli oil. Korean brands are also becoming a big deal here in Malaysia (especially the big cities), but Maggi is a staple all around the country.

[@thishtns]

I'm in the US and I buy a lot of Indomie but I've never seen Maggi! Maybe I should buy some online?

[@saena971]

I've never seen anyone make instant ramen the way I do. It's probably heresy to the ramen purists, but I love it! I don't drain it because the salty/umami/spicy broth is a big part of it for me, and I don't boil the noodles because I really prefer them al dente. For my 5 minute, 1 bowl ramen, I put some frozen spinach in the bottom of the bowl and microwave it for a minute to defrost. Meanwhile, I start water heating in the kettle and while all that's happening, I grate some fresh ginger. Add that to the bowl with the spinach, then add sesame oil, soy sauce, lemon juice (I don't like vinegar), sriracha, and the flavor packet (I use a non-spicy beef flavor). Then the raw noodles go in, and by that time the kettle is boiling. Pour the boiling water over the noodles, wait a minute or two, stir it all up and enjoy! Gonna go make a bowl of this right now!

[@sharkie2240]

Haha in the nicest way possible this reminds me of the main guy from one of my favorite romcoms ‘This is not what I expected’ he’s super specific about his ramen!

[@dennisp3314]

I Love al Dente noodles. I am able to make Ramen very easily just by timing them a little shorter

[@carolphillips-wk7ws]

That sounds great the add ins I would have to boil the noodles though

[@sharonyang8822]

i always love how eric shares with the crew.

[@elizabethtakeo]

I was inspired by Beryl Shereshewsky’s video about instant noodles and have a pretend version of internet! If I have leftover rice, I’ll throw it in the microwave while I’m making a packet of Indomie noodles-I love spicy nasi goreng, or onion chicken flavours the best. I’ll also make 1 strip of bacon, then fry 1 shallot / half an onion, some garlic, some spinach or broccolini, and maybe an egg. The assembly is rice, noodles mixed with seasoning packets, bacon pieces, veggies, egg. It’s delicious and really filling, and you can add whatever veggies you have! I keep meaning to try roast chicken instead of bacon.

[@jenb.9454]

Indomie are my favorite!

[@HRHDMKYT]

The original Rice-a-roni!! 😋😋😋😁

[@DuyNguyen-yx2vd]

My sister crushes the noodles in the bag until they're little pebbles, then she cooks them like normal. You end up with a creamier, thicker broth, probably because of the powder that comes from the crushing. The noodles are like little grains of rice, and you can eat the whole bowl with just a spoon. It kind of reminds me of "Chicken and Stars" soup, and it's really good when you're feeling sick and don't have the energy to handle a fork or chopsticks.

[@Lisa-ny5ke]

Do you know the pasta "orzo"?

[@BP-yd9vn]

I used to do that when I was little, but it was to make it easier to eat. I didn’t have to deal with chopstick and spoon; I could just eat with a spoon one hand and splay open my paperback in the other!

[@TR__3]

It's almost 1am, and I'm using massive restraint to not hop out of bed to go make the Gochujang noodles. Adding sweetness and acid to the sauce is what got me. It's very similar to a wing sauce ProHomeCooks uses in his videos that's an absolute hit with my family. Can't wait to try your recipes over the next few days.

[@sylviebutts]

this is my first time seeing this chef but i really like them

[@galaxy_mosaic3587]

one thing I've been doing is when I make miso soup, I like to grab 1/2 of the ramen soup base powder (preferably sopporo ichiban original or beef) and add it to the miso soup base (bc the dashi tastes a little too subtle for me). then sometimes I'll break in 1/2 of the ramen noodles at the last minute (sometimes I'll substitute rice for noodles like whatever is leftover or a cup of the microwavable brown rice/wild rice mix). the other items I like to include are tofu rectangles, a few frozen mandu (korean wonton with meat filling), an egg, and garnish with green onion. this is my hearty soup. but it is not instant. I feel like it takes me 15-20min for this.

[@IceAintNice]

😍 Please make a video!

[@avadickson3657]

I went to a funeral Sunday and have not had an appetite since Thursday. This video makes me finally want to eat again! :) Going to cook some ramen now. Thank you Eric and co~

[@jennrose2358]

Eric had such a positive disposition… what a pleasant watch. Also, these recipes seem like must tries!

[@hypn0tk]

Eric, as a follower of your YT channel for many years, I am so proud of you for following your heart of what you truly wanted to do. It's amazing to see you talk and cook food with so much passion...and I love hearing the stories; the stories that come with the dishes/recipes. I am still your fan. Love you much and I'm very proud of how much you've accomplished and how far you've come.

[@BlinkPopShift]

I use 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon miso, 1 tablespoon gochujang, 1 tablespoon saamjang, 1 tablespoon chili crisp, 2 sheets of seaweed, and a handful of greens. Then a tablespoon of homemade msg and garlic mayo in the bowl and put in a tiny amount of the liquid at a time and stir until creamy.

[@jennifergraham3752]

My favourite way to cook instant ramen is to use Shin Ramyun and add a spoonful of natural peanut butter, a tiny bit of butter and an egg. If I have fresh green onions and cilantro in the house I will put those on top. Delicious and filling! I learned the peanut butter trick from Aaron and Claire’s KZbin Chanel. Now I want to try every single one of Eric’s recipes!!!

[@andreasnyder2135]

So many great ideas. I tried the sheet pan crispy noodles for lunch today and couldn't believe how good it turned out!

[@aiendail]

My instant ramen upgrade is 1) discarding the boiling water and using different water for the broth since it gives a “clearer/cleaner’ taste and 2) coating the noodles in sesame oil before putting in the broth. Sometimes I also make a fusion of mapo tofu with spicy ramen

[@rosejustice]

My favorite way of doing ramen is to add a squirt of gochujang in the bowl, a dollop of peanut butter, when noodles are finished pour some of the hot broth in the bowl & mix to create a sauce. Then just tip rest of noodles & broth in the bowl, mix together and enjoy!

[@donttalktomebye]

Thank you Eric for that sheet pan recipe. I cannot configure any vegan friendly sheet pan recipes that features food i'd actually EAT. That sheet pan looks INCREDIBLE. A lot of these recipes are actually new ideas for me (minis the carbonara) and I will be looking forward to trying these:)

[@lavender.lemonade]

If you frequently make Ramen, making yourself some ajitamas is the best upgrade, you've just gotta think ahead so they can marinate. It's just soy sauce, mirin and sugar but if you really know how to make a good jammy yolk egg, it's so delicious.

[@O2life]

These all look great, especially the first and last versions. The first one is a lot like how I often eat noodles, and the last one is one I will definitely try!

[@MsDollie]

Beautiful simplicity. I will be serving every one of these ramen dishes over the next few weeks.

[@Pastry626]

ust finished and ate a slice... Delicious!!! Super soft. Took about 3 1/2 hours from prepping to out of the oven. But it was well worth it. With more practice I'm sure I can get the time down. I seasoned the potatoes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and some chilli powder. Gives the overall recipe a nice kick.

[@jbt6007]

Big ramen fan. I love a very simple butter and miso sauce made with adding a little pasta water (also NYT's). But these are some other great options. thanks.

[@jenb.9454]

My dad would always doctor up some ramen for us as a quick in-between meal as a kid--so much, that when I went to college, I swore I would never eat it again. Yet, somehow it has found its way back to my life, and there is nothing I enjoy more as a quick in-between meal than a gussied up ramen. Can't wait to try some of these ideas.

[@jasonsimkins9547]

Great recipes, cannot wait to try the sheet pan glazed ramen tofu and veg, one note I see Eric looking over to someone in the corner of the room throughout the video like he's looking for approval. You did awesome!

[@carolphillips-wk7ws]

I'm allergic to tofu but chicken breast strips would work for that.

[@joanncall1525]

I make boring ramen noodles straight out of the package. Now, that I seen this video I can try some of your recipes. I loved your way of talking to us viewers, because it was something I haven't seen much of on other video's. Thanks for that! Great job and looking forward to more video's with you in them.

[@phillipjoseph]

I always add everything bagel seasoning to the hot noodles along with a soft boiled egg and frozen broccoli or stir fry veg. so good.

[@vanhattfield8292]

One of my favorites is to cook the noodles as normal and as that is happening, sauté a mixture of stir fry vegetables in butter and scramble an egg. When the noodles are finished, drain and add the egg and noodles too the vegetables. Add the seasoning packet and toss. I then wrap in a tortilla and eat with hot sauce. It is filling and delicious. Optionally I will add shredded chicken if I have any as leftovers and will sometimes put shredded cheese on the tortilla and heat in the oven until melted before adding the noodle mixture. Eating with Cholula hot sauce is the best and is more of a treat than just a cheap meal...

[@JuleszzC]

I love all these versions using instant ramen for a quick and yummy lunch or dinner and can't wait to try them. Also, as a child growing up in the 80's, I love your t shirt!!

[@TheHufflepuffie]

he's adorable with how much he says the veg is cute and these are definitely something I'm gonna try!

[@erincarter9995]

I'm eating the Gochujang Pasta tonight. I like it. I can see what you mean by the levels of flavor notes. It is a solid pasta. Thank you for the recipe!

[@azrael_flugel4335]

Your carbonara recipe is the first one I’ve tried and it worked! Thank you!

[@cristinagarza1068]

Wow! So many great ideas! We love instant ramen, I will definitely give some of these a try!!

[@livingonaclaud]

These recipes look delicious and super accessible - yum, can't wait to try them.

[@kathrynshawn1419]

my two go to ramen recipes: if i'm feeling fancy, it's miso carbonara: white miso paste, an egg, parmesean, a bit of the chicken ramen seasoning packet, then mix it with the hot noodles and top with green onion and sesame seeds. if i'm turning it into a full meal i'll saute the whites of the green onion with some shiitake and oyster mushrooms and some kind of ground meat and add those in after i've mixed the noodles into the sauce. or the extra lazy way: cook the ramen, then mix the seasoning packet, some butter, and a few spoons of the pasta water to make a sauce, then toss the noodles in that. could eat this as is or throw on green onion, sesame seeds, parm, chili oil, whatever's around that's appealing.

[@Donna_73]

The Carbonara looks wonderful. Making that soon. Yum. Thanks!

[@jeanniebrooks]

Eric is great at short cut , semi prepared food you doctor up with a few fresh items. Some of his favorites are boxed Mac n’ cheese, Stovetop stuffing, and instant ramen packets! And he likes cooking hacks a lot! Not fine dining, but quick ways to satisfy hunger.

[@TMD3453]

Noodles are more fun! Thanks for time conscious recipes! Liked gochujang recipe, will come back to it. Thanks for creating it!

[@kikichelo7449]

Thank you for sharing! I cant wait to try these recipes! 😊

[@Pammellam]

I love all these. I want to try them all! I know it’s “not” allowed, but I’d put some cream on the carbonara ramen!

[@AchtungKarate]

I regularly make gochujang buttered noodles, but I use udon noodles. I toss them in some chopped kimchi. Delish.

[@rebeccahenderson9065]

All of these look amazing! I usually just do an egg drop and chili oil

[@Oksana-1024]

Bravo Eric! Making ordinary things non ordinary. And in very inviting and approachable manner. I'm a fan!

[@philoctetes_wordsworth]

6:37 I agree. I do not break them up until it is serving and devouring time!🙃

[@deejaydubla]

Never been much of an instant ramen fan, but all of these sound really delicious.

[@suebowman7258]

WOW! I just discovered this channel. I love instant noodles. Thank you for the tips to enhance the instant noodles. I can’t wait to try it.

[@stevena1606]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video, great commentary , gorgeous looking meals, great visuals 😊thank you for the wonderful content

[@NancyMartin-qu3vt]

Freaking amazing!!!! Love all your recipes.

[@secretagentperez]

The gochujang ramen at the end is absolutely delicious - it's officially part of the rotation!

[@hollyambler9772]

He. Is. ADORABLE. (And I love the description of layers of flavor, from deep to sharp.)

[@marniejane11]

Every dish looks delicious 😋

[@MadonnnaMae]

Love this episode 😊. Ramen is staple in our house too. Please more Eric Kim🥰

[@magicknight13]

Oh hell yeah, instant ramen and school house rock, I love both of these things!

[@jamiecee4960]

I had an egg with Ramen for the first time a while back. I have to say it is really yummy with it. Sometimes I like frying them. Will have to try the egg as you done. Yum.

[@Nick-hz9no]

Eric is wonderful, more please.

[@kalenamichele3114]

Eric, I made your Stouffers Mac recipe for Easter dinner. It was a huge hit. Now I come across this? I can’t wait to try.

[@18rabbit31]

They all look delicious. I'll be right over. I especially like how you throw the towel over your shoulder. Every good cook does that thanks for the video 😻

[@mossy723]

My go to when I’m stuck at work for something quick is one package of instant ramen with a spoon full of crunchy peanut butter.

[@changveronicas]

so many awesome tips! great job!!

[@18rabbit31]

All look delish thanks for demos will be trying some maybe at midnoc and loved the hand towel over shoulder action a good cook move 😻

[@bethrogers5656]

Thank you for these great ways to prepare ramen! My fave is using shin ramen, seasoning, throw in some veggies (bok choy, mixed veg or whatever I have) scramble egg and add at last minute of cooking, then add a slice of american cheese.

[@jamesheng1878]

How I eat my instant noodles is usually with Shin Ramyeon, I mix the seasoning packet with eggs and boil the noodles. On the side I fry up some minced meats and add it to the egg and seasoning mix. Then I add the drained noodles with a little bit of the noodle water until it becomes almost saucy. Fried egg and spring onions on top. My go-to!

[@Gnomeshoes91]

I am legitimately salivating at all of these. Saved for future culinary experiments!

[@serena1232]

I love Eric, he seems so approachable, I feel like I could be friends with him lol! Love these ideas - all flavors that are up my alley in terms of taste and flavor. Gotta try those gochujang butter noodles.

[@getrealnow73]

when Eric Kim teaches us it is a REAL school house rocks !

[@pucciann]

OMG what a cutie! sweet easy realistic affordable creative spin on noodles

[@FromMyKitchentoYoursWithLove]

Looks amazing! Thanks Eric 🙂

[@eileengizienski543]

Eric is great!! So much fun!

[@Bethechange197]

I cook ramen in bone broth and add some spinach and mixed frozen veggies (green beans, carrots, and corn, poach an egg in the liquid while it's cooking and garnish with crispy chili oil and chopped scallions. No restaurant could do better.

[@j4d7s8]

Im so glad I stumbled upon this after o on a Saturday. 🤩

[@J_LOVES_ME]

I'm impressed. I started watching this thinking it would be a disaster. But these all look amazing!

[@latrishu9720]

There's nothing better than ramen! The chicken flavor is my favorite, and I like it with cheese, two boiled eggs, green onions, and hot sauce. But now you gave me other ways to try it! Thank you, Eric!

[@hansquintos701]

I love Eric-- as a chef, writer, and a person. He's so cute and relatable~~

[@leighannhayward7049]

I am so going to make some of these recipes!!!

[@andrewsantana7765]

they’re so adorable omg

[@markvetter4711]

I’m going to try the sheet pan, but with Spam instead of tofu, adding American cheese. Think sheet pan army base stew. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@ChrisJohnsonCJs-Kitchen]

LOL, I eat the broken noodles too. I like to use ramen noodles in tangled noodle salads. I also like to add egg, bbq pork, cheese & chives to mine, plus a sesame oil & sriracha. I add the chives & sometimes mushrooms to the water immediately, they are perfect by the time the noodles are done. I add my egg at 2 minutes. When done, I always remove the noodles to my bowl, add my toppings, then pour the broth over to heat the meat and any other veggies I choose to add. Your Carbonara version actually looked good, most of the "carbonara ramens" I've seen aren't like Carbonara at all. YUM! I MUST try the gochujang noodles, it might be too spicy for me, but it looks so good. Thanks for sharing!

[@klindenberger]

I just made instant ramen without the sauce packet. Browned Spam in teriyaki sauce, tossed the noodles with broccoli, and topped with furikake.

[@nintandao64]

omg the ramen carbonara looks amazing

[@patr0clus]

For any dry noodles, I add a small amount of peanut butter and/or mayo! For soup noodles, I like to use 3/4 water milk ratio and (again) add some peanut butter sometimes to get that tantanmen flavor out of any cheap pack.

[@josiethompson5739]

If I'm making instant noodles and intend to drink the broth, I'll replace something like half the packet seasoning or more with instant dashi. Fry an egg and blanch some greens along with the noodles at the end. Then top with whatever topping you have that fit (I usually have pickled ginger and some kind of chili oil). All in all takes maybe 10 minutes to throw together

[@nycecile]

this is so cool! I never knew instant noodles were so versatile. I am French and I always thought "fond" meant what was at the bottom (fond) of the pot lol.

[@Jen-CelticWarrior]

I make a quick peanut sauce and mix this into cooked and drained ramen noodles (no seasoning packet-save it for later and make some bouillon broth later). Very tasty to top with sliced green onions and/or chopped, fresh cilantro. I can add chopped, cooked chicken or pork if I have it.

[@ghostgirl6970]

Wow I learned a lot in this one. It was like a cultural class. What fun!

[@lashazachariah5495]

TASTEfully done!

[@jodiburnett6211]

❤School House Rock T-shirt and amazing,easy recipes! Thanks.

[@elenayee3093]

My family had instant ramen way before it was common. We had to buy boxes from Chinatown because it wasn’t available in the local supermarket. My mom always added spam. Not fancy but made it more robust.