Bushra Griffith
The addition of cheese to ramen may seem like an unusual combination, but it has become a popular dish, especially in Korea and among Korean Americans. The dish is said to have originated during the Korean War when American soldiers brought with them inexpensive and highly preserved foods like Spam, chocolate, hot dogs, and processed cheese slices. These foods became integrated into Korean cuisine, and adding cheese to ramen created a rich and creamy broth with a unique umami flavour. While some may be hesitant to try this combination, it has gained a following for those seeking a quick, easy, and comforting meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | American cheese, Kraft Singles, mozzarella, cream cheese |
| Cheese quantity | One or two slices |
| Cheese placement | On top of noodles and broth, or on top of noodles only |
| Additional toppings | Green onions, a fried egg, spicy chili crisp, sliced bacon, fried pancetta, crispy pork belly |
| Origin | Korea |
| Popularity | Popular in Korea and among Korean Americans, also popular in Japan |
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What You'll Learn
American cheese in ramen is a Korean innovation
Although ramen has Chinese and Japanese origins and deep roots in many Asian cuisines, the addition of American cheese is actually a Korean innovation. The dish was created when American soldiers brought processed cheese, among other inexpensive, highly preserved, calorically dense goods, overseas during the Korean War. When the war ended, the soldiers went home, but the cheese remained in Korea.
During the war, food was scarce, and Koreans relied on surplus food from US army bases to feed their families. This included highly processed foods like hot dogs, Spam, baked beans, and American cheese. These foods became important parts of the local cuisine, especially in the decades after the war when much of the country experienced unemployment and poverty.
American cheese quickly melts and incorporates into the ramen broth, creating a rich and creamy texture that enhances the flavour of the spice. The cheese adds a whole new level of creamy umami flavour from the free glutamates, while its fat and carbohydrates bring a more luscious texture than you could get from the seasoning packet.
While some may argue that American cheese is overly processed or too artificial, it is a popular ingredient in Korea and among Korean Americans. It is loved for its ability to quickly transform a bowl of instant ramen into a delicious, comforting meal.
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Cheese in ramen adds creaminess to the broth
While the idea of putting cheese in ramen may seem unusual, it is a well-loved practice with a long history. The addition of cheese to ramen is particularly popular in Korea and among Korean Americans, with the combination of cheese and ramen even being called a match made in heaven by some.
The practice of adding cheese to ramen is said to have originated during the Korean War when American soldiers brought with them a variety of inexpensive, highly preserved, calorically dense goods, including American cheese, which they shared with Koreans. After the war, much of the country experienced unemployment and poverty, and cheap, high-calorie foods, including American cheese, helped keep people alive.
Cheese, particularly American cheese, is often added to ramen for its ability to melt quickly and incorporate into the sauce, resulting in a rich and creamy broth. While some may argue that American cheese is overly processed or too artificial, it adds a unique depth of flavour and creaminess to ramen that is both comforting and delicious. The cheese also helps to thicken the sauce or broth, creating a luscious texture.
When adding cheese to ramen, it is recommended to use a processed cheese slice, such as Kraft Singles, which will easily melt and blend into the broth. Simply prepare your ramen as usual, ensuring it is nice and hot, then add the cheese slice on top and cover the dish to allow the cheese to melt. Once melted, mix well to ensure the cheese is fully incorporated into the broth.
While some may be hesitant to try cheese in their ramen, fearing it will make the dish taste overly cheesy, the cheese actually adds a subtle creaminess that enhances the overall flavour. In fact, many people who add cheese to their ramen are not seeking a cheesy flavour but rather the creaminess that the cheese provides. So, if you're feeling adventurous, give cheese in your ramen a try! You may be surprised by how much you enjoy this unique and creamy twist on a classic dish.
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Cheese-flavoured ramen is sold by many brands
While some people may add cheese to their ramen as an additional ingredient, there are also many brands that sell cheese-flavoured ramen. Maruchan, for example, sells instant lunch cheddar cheese-flavoured ramen noodles. This can be purchased at Walmart and Amazon. Mike's Mighty Good is another brand that offers organic ramen noodles with an American cheese flavour.
American cheese has a reputation for being a "lowbrow" product, but it is a versatile ingredient that can be added to ramen to make it more filling and delicious. It is also a good source of protein and calcium and melts without leaving grease behind. In addition, American cheese is convenient to use as it can be purchased in individual slices or larger blocks.
Cheese ramen is a popular dish in Korea and among Korean Americans. It was introduced when American soldiers brought American cheese to Korea during the war. The dish is quick and easy to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients and about 10 minutes to make.
Some suggestions for adding cheese to ramen include tossing the noodles and broth in a bowl with cheese slices, or adding sliced green onions, a fried egg, or spicy chili crisp for a kick.
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Adding cheese to ramen is a quick and easy process
Today, adding cheese to ramen is a popular, quick, and easy way to add extra flavour and comfort to the dish. The cheese melts and helps to thicken the sauce/broth, creating a rich and creamy texture. The process is simple: prepare your ramen as usual, ensuring it is hot, then place a slice of cheese on top. Cover the dish to allow the cheese to melt, then mix well so that the cheese disperses throughout the soup.
Cheese ramen can also be made by tossing the noodles and broth in a bowl and stirring in the cheese slices. This method creates a similar result, with the cheese melting and incorporating into the dish. For an extra indulgent touch, try adding sliced green onions, a fried egg, or a spoonful of spicy chili crisp.
While some may view adding cheese to ramen as a Western innovation, it is actually an authentically Korean creation that has been loved for decades. The addition of cheese to ramen may seem unusual, but it is a delicious and simple way to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish.
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People add different types of cheese to ramen
Adding cheese to ramen is a practice that has gained popularity, especially among Koreans and Korean-Americans. While it may seem like an unusual combination, the addition of cheese to ramen creates a rich and creamy broth that enhances the overall flavour of the dish. People add different types of cheese to ramen, depending on their preference for taste and texture.
One of the most commonly used cheeses in ramen is American cheese. This includes processed cheese singles such as Kraft Singles, which are known for their bright orange colour and meltability. American cheese has a long history in Korea, dating back to the Korean War when American soldiers brought with them inexpensive and highly preserved foods like Spam, chocolate, hot dogs, and American cheese. During this difficult period marked by unemployment and poverty, these highly processed foods became integral to the local cuisine as they were cheap and calorie-dense.
Another popular cheese variety used in ramen is mozzarella. Some people prefer to melt the mozzarella on top of dry noodles for a different texture. Cream cheese is also mentioned as an option for achieving a similar creamy effect in the broth without an overwhelming cheesy flavour. Mozzarella and cream cheese offer a more subtle cheese flavour while still adding creaminess to the dish.
In addition to the type of cheese, the spiciness of the ramen also plays a role in the overall flavour profile. Many people who add cheese to their ramen specifically mention using spicy ramyun or instant ramen. The cheese adds a layer of creaminess to the spicy broth, enhancing the flavour without overpowering it. The combination of cheese and spicy ramen has become so popular that some brands have started selling cheese-flavoured ramen to cater to this unique preference.
While the addition of cheese to ramen may have started as a convenient way to add flavour and nutrition during difficult times, it has evolved into a beloved culinary tradition in Korea and among Korean-Americans. The unique combination of cheese and ramen creates a comforting and indulgent dish that has gained a dedicated following, even inspiring brands to create cheese-flavoured ramen options.
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Frequently asked questions
Adding cheese to ramen creates a rich and creamy broth that enhances the flavour of the spice.
Processed cheese singles, like Kraft Singles, are a popular choice as they melt easily and fall apart in the soup.
No, Koreans and Korean-Americans have been putting cheese on ramen for decades. It is said to have originated during the Korean War when American soldiers brought processed cheese to Korea.
Prepare your ramen as usual and place a slice of cheese on top. Cover the dish to allow the cheese to melt, then mix it into the soup.
Some popular toppings and additions include sliced green onions, a fried egg, avocado, butter, or a spoonful of spicy chili crisp.
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