Bushra Griffith
Ramen is a popular dish that can be made in a variety of ways. One such way is to cook it with cheese, resulting in a simple, quick, and delicious meal. This dish can be made with instant ramen noodles and cheese, and can be customised with vegetables or proteins of your choice. The recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit vegetarian or non-vegetarian preferences. It can also be spiced up with ingredients like butter, chilli powder, garlic powder, and hot sauce.
How to Cook Real Cheese Ramen
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Ingredients | Ramen Noodles, Water, Butter, Milk, Cheese, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Green Onions, Parmesan, Eggs, Onion, Vegetable Broth, Mushrooms, Carrots, Miso Paste, Mirin |
| Instructions | Boil water, add noodles and cook until al dente, drain water, add butter, milk, cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, stir until smooth, add cooked noodles, garnish with green onions and Parmesan, serve hot |
| Customization | Add vegetables or protein of choice, such as broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, chicken, prawns, or sausage |
| Calories | Approximately 531 calories per serving |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cheese
Melting Properties
For cheese ramen, it is crucial to select a cheese that melts well. Cheeses that melt smoothly create a creamy and indulgent texture when combined with the noodles. Freshly shredded or grated cheese is ideal because it melts evenly and has a better flavour. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect its melting properties and overall taste. Cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and American cheese are excellent choices as they melt smoothly and have a creamy texture.
Flavour Profile
The flavour of the cheese you choose will significantly impact the overall taste of your ramen. Different types of cheese can enhance or complement the other ingredients in your dish. For example, cheddar cheese adds a sharp and savoury flavour, while American cheese lends a creamy and mild taste. If you prefer a more robust flavour, you can opt for pepper jack cheese, which adds a spicy kick to your ramen. Alternatively, mozzarella cheese provides a mild and stretchy texture, making your ramen indulgent and satisfying.
Experimentation
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your preferred flavour combination. You can try using a combination of cheeses to create a unique and complex flavour profile. For instance, you can mix cheddar with Parmesan to add a sharp and nutty flavour to your ramen. Additionally, you can explore different varieties of the same type of cheese, such as mild, medium, or sharp cheddar, to find the one that suits your taste buds the most.
Customisation
Consider customising your cheese ramen by adding various ingredients to complement your chosen cheese. For example, green onions or scallions can provide a fresh and mild onion flavour, enhancing the overall taste of your dish. You can also experiment with spices and seasonings, such as garlic powder, chilli powder, or black pepper, to create a more complex and flavourful ramen. Don't be afraid to get creative and adjust the recipe to your liking.
In conclusion, choosing the right cheese for your ramen involves considering melting properties, flavour profiles, experimentation, and customisation. By selecting a cheese that melts well and complements the other ingredients, you can create a delicious and indulgent cheese ramen dish. Remember to have fun with the recipe and make it your own by adding your favourite ingredients and seasonings. Enjoy crafting your perfect bowl of cheese ramen!
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Preparing the noodles
Once the noodles have reached the desired doneness, it is important to reserve some of the pasta water before draining it. This can be done by setting a cup or bowl near the stove before beginning to cook the noodles, ensuring that it is easily accessible when needed. Approximately one cup of pasta water should be reserved, which can be used later to help blend the cheesy sauce into the noodles if the sauce becomes too thick.
After draining the water, set the noodles aside. It is important to work quickly at this stage to prevent the noodles from drying out or sticking together. In the same pot that was used to cook the noodles, melt a tablespoon of butter over low heat. This will not only add flavor to the dish but also create a base for the sauce. Once the butter is melted, add in a dash of milk and shredded cheese. The type of cheese can vary depending on personal preference, with options such as cheddar, Monterey jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella. It is recommended to use freshly shredded cheese as it melts better and does not contain anti-caking agents.
To enhance the flavor of the dish, add a dash of garlic powder and the ramen flavor packet, if desired. Stir the mixture continuously over low heat until a smooth sauce forms. The heat should be low enough to prevent the sauce from burning or sticking to the pot. Once the sauce is ready, gently fold in the cooked ramen noodles, ensuring that they are evenly coated. If the sauce becomes too thick, the reserved pasta water can be added a little at a time to thin it out.
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Making the sauce
To make the sauce for your cheese ramen, start by cooking the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, adding extra water as needed. Drain the water when the noodles are al dente, but remember to keep some pasta water aside to help blend the sauce into the noodles later. Set the cooked noodles aside.
In the same pot, melt some butter over low heat. You can add a tablespoon of butter for a richer sauce. Then, pour in some milk and stir to combine. Next, add shredded cheese to the pot. Freshly shredded cheese is best, as it melts better and doesn't contain anti-caking agents. You can use cheddar, Monterey jack, pepper jack, mozzarella, or American cheese—any variety that melts well.
Add garlic powder to the pot for flavour and aroma, along with a dash of black pepper. You can also add a couple of dashes of chilli powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier sauce. Stir everything together until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Finally, add the cooked ramen noodles back to the pot and gently fold them into the sauce, ensuring they're evenly coated. Serve the ramen warm, garnished with chopped scallions or green onions, and perhaps a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
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Adding protein and vegetables
Cheese ramen is a versatile dish that can be customised with various vegetables and proteins. For a vegetarian option, you can add blanched, roasted, or sauteed broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, peppers, peas, asparagus, zucchini, or tofu. If you're looking for non-vegetarian options, grilled or cooked shredded chicken, prawns, sausage, ham, or egg are excellent choices. You can mix these proteins and vegetables with the noodles or simply add them as toppings.
If you want to incorporate eggs into your cheese ramen, you can make soft-boiled eggs by pouring 2 cups of water into a pot, placing a steamer trivet inside, and then placing the eggs on top. Turn the pressure valve to sealing and pressure-cook the eggs at low pressure for 3 minutes. After releasing the pressure, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool for 30 seconds before peeling and slicing them in half lengthwise.
Additionally, you can enhance the flavour and nutritional profile of your cheese ramen by incorporating vegetables during the cooking process. Start by heating oil in a pot and adding onions and garlic, stirring constantly until they are lightly browned. Next, add your choice of vegetables, such as mushrooms and carrots, along with vegetable broth and water. You can also experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers, cabbage, or bok choy, ensuring they are chopped into bite-sized pieces.
For a heartier and more flavourful dish, you can include meat or alternative protein sources during this step. Chicken, beef, or pork slices can be stir-fried with the vegetables, adding a savoury depth to the broth. If you prefer a plant-based option, firm tofu cubes can be stir-fried until lightly browned, providing a chewy texture and a good source of protein.
Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you're using denser vegetables or proteins to ensure they are adequately cooked. The goal is to create a harmonious blend of flavours and textures, so feel free to experiment with different combinations of vegetables and proteins to find your perfect cheese ramen creation!
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Serving and storing
When serving cheese ramen, it is best to serve it warm. You can garnish with green onions, Parmesan, or chopped scallions. You can also add a soft-boiled egg as a topping.
Cheese ramen is best served as a side dish, pairing well with grilled chicken, chicken tenders, steak, or any grilled protein.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
If you want to prepare the dish ahead of time, you can cook the noodles and make the cheese sauce separately. When ready to serve, combine the noodles and sauce and heat them together.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 10 minutes to make real cheese ramen.
You will need ramen noodles, butter, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and grated cheese. You can also add scallions or green onions for garnish.
You can use cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella, Monterey jack or pepper jack. Freshly shredded cheese is best as it melts more easily.
First, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the water and set the noodles aside. In the same pot, melt butter and add milk, shredded cheese, garlic powder, and the ramen flavor packet. Stir until smooth. Finally, add the cooked ramen noodles to the cheese sauce and gently fold them in.
