Andy Montoya
Ramen is a versatile dish that can be made in many different ways. One popular variant is instant ramen with cheese. This dish is simple, quick, and easy to make, and it can be adapted to suit different preferences. The process involves cooking the ramen noodles, adding butter, garlic powder, and cheese, and then stirring the mixture until it is creamy. The dish can be customised by adding vegetables, meat, or tofu, and various types of cheese can be used, such as cheddar, Monterey jack or American cheese.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cheese
The choice of cheese for instant ramen is crucial and can significantly impact the flavour, texture, and overall experience. While some may prefer the convenience of pre-shredded cheese, opting for fresh shredded cheese is generally recommended. Freshly shredded cheese melts better due to the absence of anti-caking agents, resulting in a smoother and more cohesive sauce.
When it comes to cheese varieties, American cheese is a popular choice for instant ramen. Despite its reputation as a lowbrow product, American cheese has several advantages. Its high fat and sodium content contributes to a creamy, rich texture that complements the ramen broth. Additionally, American cheese is readily available in slices or blocks and melts easily without leaving behind grease. However, those conscious about their health may prefer other options due to its high fat and sodium content.
For those seeking a more robust flavour, cheddar cheese is an excellent option. Cheddar brings a more complex taste and texture to the dish. Other cheeses that melt well and can be considered are Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack. For a truly indulgent experience, a combination of cream cheese and American cheese can be used, resulting in an exceptionally creamy and decadent ramen.
While the aforementioned cheeses are popular choices, it is essential to remember that the versatility of ramen allows for experimentation with various cheeses. Blue cheese, Munster, and Parmesan have all been suggested as alternatives by different sources. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference, and adventurous chefs may even opt for a blend of multiple cheeses to create unique flavour profiles.
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Preparing the noodles
When preparing the noodles, it is also important to consider the type of ramen noodles being used. Some instant ramen noodles are flash-fried, while others are steamed. Steamed noodles, such as Mike's Mighty Good ramen, are considered more wholesome and have a chewier texture. It is also worth noting that the quality of the noodles can impact the overall dish, so choosing a good brand is recommended.
Additionally, while cooking the noodles, you can also prepare the cheese sauce. In the same pot that the noodles were boiled in, melt some butter over low heat. Then, add milk and shredded cheese. Stir the mixture continuously until it becomes smooth and creamy. For a more flavourful dish, you can also add garlic powder, chili powder, or other spices to the sauce. If you want to add some protein, you can fry minced garlic in butter before adding the milk and cheese.
The type of cheese used can also be varied according to preference. While American cheese is a popular choice due to its melting properties, other options include cheddar, Monterey jack, or pepper jack. Freshly shredded cheese is recommended as it melts better and does not contain anti-caking agents. However, it is important to note that American cheese has a high-fat content, so those conscious of their health may opt for reduced-fat cheese.
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Making the sauce
To make the sauce for instant ramen with cheese, start by cooking the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, adding extra water as needed. Remember not to overcook the noodles, as they should be al dente or tender. Drain the water, but keep about one cup of pasta water aside to help blend the sauce into the noodles later.
In the same pot, melt some butter over low heat. You can add a tablespoon of butter or as much as you like. Then, add milk and shredded cheese. Freshly shredded cheese is best as it melts better. You can use cheddar, Monterey jack, or pepper jack. If you want to spice things up, add some minced garlic and fry it for a couple of minutes until it's golden brown.
Next, add the ramen flavour packet and stir everything together over low heat until it's smooth and creamy. If you want to add some spice, you can include garlic powder, chilli powder, ground black pepper, or hot sauce. Keep in mind that the amount of sauce you make should be enough to generously coat the ramen noodles.
Finally, add the cooked ramen noodles to the pot and gently fold them into the sauce, ensuring even coverage. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with the reserved pasta water. Stir everything together until you achieve the desired consistency.
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Adding the cheese
Adding cheese to your instant ramen is a great way to elevate this simple dish. There are a few ways to do this, depending on your preference and the ingredients available.
One popular method is to cook the ramen according to the package instructions, keeping the noodles al dente. Drain the water, but keep a cup of the pasta water aside. In the same pot, melt some butter over low heat, then add milk and shredded cheese. You can use cheddar, Monterey jack, or pepper jack, or even processed American cheese slices, which some claim make for a creamier result. Stir in some garlic powder and the ramen flavour packet, and keep stirring until the sauce is smooth. Finally, add the cooked ramen noodles to the pot and gently fold them into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can use the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Another way to add cheese to your ramen is to boil the noodles, drain the water, and then put the noodles back into the pot. Melt some butter in the pot, along with some green onion. Next, add cream cheese, American cheese, the flavour packet, and a spicy packet if you want some heat. Pour in half a cup of milk and stir everything together until it's melted and creamy.
You can also try adding some cheese on top of your ramen after it's cooked. Slide an egg into the hot broth, followed by some butter, and then crown the steaming noodles with slices of American cheese. You can also scatter some toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions on top. The butter, egg, and cheese will add depth to the flavour of the ramen and help coat the noodles.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different types of cheese and additional ingredients. Some people add a dash of hot sauce, chilli powder, or cyan pepper to their ramen for an extra kick. You can also add protein like grilled chicken, prawns, sausage, ham, or tofu, or vegetables like broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or peppers.
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Serving suggestions
Cheese ramen is a versatile dish that can be customised in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your instant ramen with cheese:
- Protein additions: For non-vegetarian options, consider adding grilled or cooked shredded chicken, prawns, sausage, ham, or egg. These proteins can be mixed with the noodles or simply added as toppings.
- Vegetarian options: For vegetarian alternatives, include blanched, roasted, or sauteed broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, peppers, peas, asparagus, zucchini, or tofu. These vegetables will add texture and vitamins to your ramen.
- Spices and sauces: To enhance the flavour of your ramen, try adding spices such as chilli powder, garlic powder, or cyan pepper. You can also include sauces like soy sauce or hot sauce to give it an extra kick.
- Garnishes: Finish your ramen with garnishes such as chopped scallions or green onions, adding a fresh touch to your dish.
- Customise the cheese: While the recipe calls for shredded cheese, you can experiment with different types of cheese. For example, cheddar, Monterey jack, or pepper jack can all melt well and offer unique flavour profiles.
- Make it spicy: If you enjoy spicy food, create a spicy cheese ramen by adding a spicy packet or extra spices like ground black pepper.
- Customise the broth: For a richer broth, slide an egg into the hot broth, along with some butter, to coat the ramen noodles and deepen their flavour.
Remember, instant ramen with cheese is a versatile dish, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavours to find your perfect combination. Enjoy your cheesy creation!
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