Kamil Perry
Ramen noodles with cheese is a simple, quick, and delicious meal that can be made in under 10 minutes. It is also a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. The key to achieving the perfect consistency is cooking the ramen noodles to al dente and adding the cheese directly to the noodles rather than the broth. This allows the cheese to melt and creates a creamy texture. The addition of butter, garlic powder, and ground black pepper further enhances the flavour and creaminess of the dish. Various types of cheese can be used, such as cheddar, Monterey jack, or American cheese, depending on personal preference. This dish is a creative and tasty way to elevate instant ramen noodles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Ingredients | Ramen noodles, butter, garlic powder, ground black pepper, grated cheese, milk, green onions, pasta water |
| Cheese options | Cheddar, Monterey jack, pepper jack, American cheese |
| Calories | 169kcal-531kcal |
| Nutrition | Carbohydrates, Protein, Fat, Saturated Fat, Polyunsaturated Fat, Monounsaturated Fat, Trans Fat, Cholesterol, Sodium, Potassium, Fiber, Sugar, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron |
| Customization | Veggies, protein, chicken, beef, hot dogs, broccoli, spinach, mushroom, peppers, peas, asparagus, zucchini, tofu, prawn, sausage, ham, egg |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cheese
When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your ramen, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is essential to opt for a cheese that melts well. Shredded cheese is ideal, as it melts smoothly and evenly due to the lack of anti-caking agents. If you're looking for a specific type, cheddar is a great option and commonly used. It has a good melting point and a sharp, distinctive flavour that complements the ramen. For a milder flavour, you could opt for Monterey Jack, which also melts beautifully. If you want to add a little kick to your ramen, Pepper Jack cheese is a fantastic choice. It has a similar melting profile to Monterey Jack but with added spice.
Another popular choice is American cheese, which tends to result in a creamier dish. This is a good option if you're looking for a more indulgent, rich ramen experience. Kraft cheese slices, for example, can be used to create a creamy and comforting dish. Additionally, American cheese is often more affordable and easily accessible, making it a budget-friendly option.
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can opt for reduced-fat cheese. While it may not have the same creamy texture, it can still add a nice cheesy flavour to your ramen without adding extra calories. This is a good option if you're watching your calorie intake but still want to enjoy the delicious combination of cheese and ramen.
Lastly, consider the overall flavour profile you want to achieve. If you're making a chicken-flavoured ramen, for example, you might choose a milder cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack so that the cheese enhances the flavour without overwhelming it. On the other hand, if you're making a beef-flavoured ramen, you might opt for a stronger cheese like Pepper Jack or a sharper cheddar to stand up to the bold flavours of the beef.
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Preparing the noodles
Next, in the same pot, place the pot on low heat and add butter, allowing it to melt gently. You can also add a tablespoon of butter at the end for extra flavour. Then, add milk and shredded cheese. Freshly shredded cheese is recommended, as it melts better due to the absence of anti-caking agents. You can use cheddar, Monterey jack, or pepper jack, depending on your preference. Continue stirring the mixture on low heat until it becomes smooth and creamy.
At this point, you can add in the garlic powder and a ramen flavour packet for extra seasoning. If you want to spice things up, you can also add chilli powder, cyan pepper, and hot sauce to taste. Finally, gently fold in the cooked ramen noodles, ensuring they are evenly coated with the cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can use the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Your cheesy ramen is now ready to be served! You can garnish it with chopped scallions or green onions and even add some Parmesan cheese on top. This dish is best served warm as a side dish or a quick and easy meal. Enjoy your delicious and creamy cheesy ramen!
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Making the sauce
To make the sauce for your cheesy ramen noodles, start by boiling water in a pot. Add the ramen noodles and cook until al dente (tender). Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they can become mushy. Once the noodles are cooked, drain the water, but remember to keep about a cup of pasta water aside to help blend the sauce and noodles later.
Return the pot to low heat and add butter, allowing it to melt gently. You can also add a tablespoon of butter to the top of your noodles once they are cooked, as per another source. Next, add milk and shredded cheese to the pot. Cheddar, Monterey jack, and pepper jack are good choices, as they melt well. You can also add a slice or two of Kraft cheese or shredded cheddar, depending on your preference. If you want to spice things up, add some hot sauce to the mix.
Once the cheese has slightly melted, add garlic powder and black pepper to taste. You can also add a dash of garlic powder and some ground cyan pepper. For extra flavour, include the ramen flavour packet that came with your noodles. Keep the heat low and stir the mixture continuously until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
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Adding extra ingredients
Cheese ramen is versatile, and you can customise it in many ways. You can add vegetables, proteins, or other ingredients to suit your tastes and preferences.
For a vegetarian option, add some broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, peppers, peas, asparagus, zucchini, or tofu. You could also include potatoes, as one person who reviewed a recipe mentioned that they added potatoes and enjoyed the result.
If you are not vegetarian, you can add grilled or cooked shredded chicken, prawns, sausage, ham, or egg. You can mix these with the noodles or add them as a topping. One person who reviewed a recipe mentioned that they added hot dogs and enjoyed the result.
You can also add extra ingredients to enhance the flavour of the dish. For example, you can add butter, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, hot sauce, or chilli powder. You can also add scallions or green onions as a garnish. If you want to make the dish healthier, you can skip the Parmesan and use reduced-fat cheese and low-fat milk.
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Storing leftovers
Firstly, it is important to let the ramen cool to room temperature. This should be done within two hours of cooking to minimize the risk of bacterial growth. Ramen should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, as this can lead to foodborne illnesses.
Once the ramen has cooled, separate the noodles from the broth and any other ingredients, such as meat, eggs, or vegetables. It is important to store the noodles separately from the broth to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy and inedible.
Place the noodles, broth, and other ingredients in separate airtight containers or resealable bags. This will protect the food from air exposure, moisture, and contaminants, keeping it fresh and safe to eat.
Leftover ramen should be stored in the refrigerator promptly and consumed within two to three days. If you do not think you will eat the leftovers within this time frame, it is best to freeze them. Frozen ramen can last for up to three months when stored in freezer-safe airtight containers.
When you are ready to enjoy your frozen ramen, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Always rely on your senses to tell if your leftover ramen is still good to eat. If it looks, smells, or feels funny, or is slimy to the touch, do not eat it.
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Frequently asked questions
First, cook your ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the water, keeping a cup of pasta water aside. In the same pot, melt butter, then add milk and shredded cheese. Stir in garlic powder and the ramen flavour packet. Finally, add the cooked ramen noodles to the pot and gently fold the noodles to ensure an even covering.
This depends on the number of servings and your personal preference. For two servings, you can use two slices of cheese for one and one slice plus a couple of tablespoons of shredded cheddar for the other.
Fresh shredded cheese is best as it melts better. You can use cheddar, Monterey jack, or pepper jack.
