Unlock the full potential of instant noodles with these 20 tips on how to make ramen in the microwave! Prepare for a journey that transforms your ramen game forever.
Find Your Perfect Bowl
Starting with the right bowl is half the battle when you’re making ramen in the microwave. Ceramic or glass is your best pal for perfect microwave noodles.
Your ideal ramen bowl also needs to be the right size. Too small, and you’re basically guaranteeing a disaster zone of noodle-water flooding in your microwave.
Too large a bowl, and your ramen might not cook evenly, and you risk adding too much water. However, too big is preferable to too small!
Break Up Your Noodles
Breaking your ramen into smaller pieces before popping it into the microwave is an essential step. It ensures that each strand cooks evenly and completely.
If you’ve ever microwaved ramen without breaking it up first, you might have noticed that the texture is less than ideal. Some noodles are perfect while others are…not.
This simple step is often overlooked, and sometimes, this is all it takes to take your “meh” microwave ramen to “heck yeah!” Trust us, it’s worth it.
Add Enough Water
Mastering the art of microwave ramen doesn’t require wizardry. Sometimes all it takes is a keen eye for water measurement. It might seem simple, but is it?
If your ramen noodles have instructions, that’s the first place you’ll want to turn. Start by following their water level recommendations to the T.
If there are no instructions, a good rule of thumb is to add around 2 cups of water for a standard single-serving package of ramen.
Cover It Up
Ever wondered how to make ramen in the microwave without the mess? Covering your bowl with a microwave-safe plate or plastic wrap is your answer.
You can use plastic wrap, but it’s essential to make sure it’s labeled as microwave-safe. Another option is to cover your bowl with a microwave-safe plate.
If you go the plastic wrap route, make sure to cut several small holes. This allows the steam to escape, helping you avoid a potential volcano situation.
Cook Your Ramen In Intervals
Ever wonder how to make ramen in the microwave that tastes just as good as stovetop? Here’s a quick tip: give it a good stir halfway through.
Giving your ramen a little breather and a hearty stir halfway through the process helps everything cook more evenly. It also helps chill out the boiling water.
If you notice your bowl of ramen starting to bubble and boil over the sides, it’s a good indicator that it’s time to give your noodles a break.
Season After Cooking
Now it’s time for a somewhat controversial take on cooking ramen: we recommend seasoning your noodles after cooking them in the microwave, rather than before.
Seasoning your ramen after cooking provides better flavor distribution throughout the noodles and broth. Each noodle gets a fresh, powdery flavor treatment.
This post-cooking flavor treatment also ensures that the flavors don’t get diluted during cooking. They maintain their original, intended taste. However, don’t forget the next step!
Let it Rest
After perfectly boiling your noodles and adding your seasoning, you’re not quite done. Now it’s time to let your noodles take a little breather.
Let your ramen sit for a minute or two after microwaving and seasoning. This helps give the noodles an even texture and a better flavor.
This crucial step also helps the broth thicken into something you’ll actually enjoy slurping up. Plus, it helps you avoid burning your mouth on some hot noodles!
Spice It Up
Who said you need to stick with the flavor packet when you whip up a dish of microwave ramen? Toss in some of your favorite spices!
Need some inspiration? Try sprinkling on some garlic powder to add a savory depth and a touch of sweetness. Toss in some red pepper flakes for a kick.
If you want to take things to the next level, you can add a tiny dash of fish sauce or miso paste. These ingredients add a deep umami flavor.
Try Using Broth
Sure, you have to cook your noodles in liquid in the microwave. But does that liquid have to be regular, plain old water? It turns out, it doesn’t!
If you’ve got any broth on hand, try using it to cook your ramen. Try chicken, beef, vegetable, or even a homemade bone broth if you’re feeling gourmet.
Use the same amount of broth as you would use water — about two cups. When adding your flavoring, try airing on the lighter side.
Practice Seasoning Control
Single-serving ramen packages come with their own specially measured little packets of flavor. But that portioned serving of salty flavoring isn’t right for everyone.
For some, all that flavor is just a little too much. For others, the amount of sodium in a package of ramen flavoring isn’t the best idea where their health is concerned.
Luckily, you can adjust the amount of flavoring you use to your own preferences. Start with half, and add a dash more until you reach your desired taste.
It’s Veggie Time
Ever wondered how to make ramen in the microwave not just quick but also nutritious? Tossing in some frozen peas can instantly elevate your meal.
They cook to perfection alongside your noodles, adding a pop of color and a healthy boost! But peas aren’t the only veggies you can incorporate.
Try adding some green onions to the mix before cooking, or try a few broccoli florets. Thinly sliced carrots or bell peppers can add a delightful crunch, too!
Make It Egg-cellent
Ever wondered how to make ramen in the microwave not just quick but also more satisfying? Crack an egg into it during the last minute of cooking!
Another option is to hard-boil soft-boil, scramble, fry, or marinate an egg separately and toss it on top of your ramen after it’s done microwaving.
No matter how you style your egg, this is one of the best tips for elevating microwaved ramen. Once you go egg ramen, you don’t go back.
Have a Meat Moment
Want a boost of protein? Adding leftover beef or cooked bacon bits in the last two minutes of microwaving can elevate your noodles to a meaty masterpiece!
By incorporating some proteins like chicken, beef, or pork, you not only add a burst of flavor but also increase the nutritional value of your meal.
Just make sure your meat is fully cooked before adding it to your noodles! It’s an effortless way to make your quick meal more satisfying and delicious.
Cheese Please
Ever wondered how to make ramen in the microwave that’s not just quick but also mouthwateringly creamy? The secret ingredient is as simple as a slice of American cheese.
American cheese, with its perfect meltability, transforms your bowl into a creamy, cheesy delight. It’s an easy trick that makes all the difference.
If you’re looking to jazz up your microwave ramen, don’t overlook the power of cheese. A single slice can turn your noodles into a rich, gooey treat!
Saucy Sensation
It’s all about the sauce! A simple splash of soy sauce can transform your quick microwave noodles from bland to grand with its rich, umami punch.
Don’t stop at soy, though. Sesame oil is your secret weapon for adding a nutty, aromatic twist to your microwave ramen. Just a few drops will do you!
And for those who love a depth of flavor, oyster or fish sauce is a game-changer. It brings a savory, slightly sweet complexity to your bowl.
Crunch Factor
Here’s a pro tip for finishing up your microwave ramen: don’t forget to add some crunch. Try sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds right on top.
Not only do they add a delightful crunch, but their nutty flavor elevates the whole dish. Another great option is crushed peanuts for a crunchy contrast.
Making ramen in the microwave is quick and convenient, but adding a crunchy element like toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts can transform it from basic to brilliant.
Give It a Lemony Lift
Wondering how to make ramen in the microwave more exciting? Try a squeeze of lemon! It’s not just a burst of freshness. It’s a culinary secret weapon.
Lemon perfectly cuts through the richness of ramen noodle seasoning, transforming your quick meal into a gourmet experience that’s refreshingly delicious.
Add your squeeze of lemony goodness just before diving into your ramen to preserve its bright, fresh flavor. Cooking lemon juice can make it bitter!
Take Your Ramen Around the World
Noodle dishes are traditional staples in many different countries. You can take these traditional dishes as inspiration for your simple microwaved lunch!
For example, emulate Chinese noodle dishes by incorporating Sichuan peppercorns, chili oil, ginger, and ground pork. Toss in some bok choy and garlic for good measure.
Or take your ramen to Thailand using red to green curry paste and coconut milk as your broth. Add lime juice, shrimp or tofu, bean sprouts, and cilantro.
Tailor It to Your Taste
Ultimately, your bowl of microwaved ramen should be as unique as you are! It’s all about tweaking the cooking and flavoring process to your tastes.
Want a bowl of ramen that’s light on broth? Use less water when cooking, or drain off the water before seasoning and spicing up your noodles.
Want noodles that are extra packed with salty seasoning? Try cracking open another seasoning packet to bring your ramen to salty new heights!
Dress It Up
Whatever method you choose for making your perfect ramen, never forget that you eat with your eyes, first! Presentation is key for the ultimate ramen enjoyment.
Balance the colors of your dish by adding bright veggies like broccoli and carrots. Consider sprinkling on some bright green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
A beautifully arranged bowl not only looks appetizing but also enhances the overall dining experience. And it’s bound to improve the taste, too!