Andy Montoya
Stir fry cheese ramen is a quick and easy meal that can be made in just 15 minutes. The dish consists of chewy ramen noodles stir-fried with aromatics and covered in melted cheese. The stir fry variety of ramen is cooked by boiling the noodles, removing most of the water, and then adding the seasoning with the noodles still over heat. This results in a macaroni and cheese-like consistency. The dish can be made in a variety of ways, including with kimchi and cheddar cheese, or with spinach, jalapenos, and veggie broth for a vegetarian option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 15 minutes |
| Noodles | Ramen |
| Consistency | Similar to macaroni and cheese |
| Flavors | Kimchi, chicken powder, vegetable broth, spinach, jalapeno, beef, pork, tofu, mushrooms, napa cabbage, leafy greens, carrots |
| Cheese | Cheddar |
| Toppings | Green onions, boiled eggs |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the noodles
To prepare the noodles for stir fry cheese ramen, start by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a boil. You will need about 500ml of water, which is roughly 2 and 1/2 cups. Once the water is boiling, add the ramen noodles and cook them for around 3 minutes. You can also cook the noodles for a maximum of 2 minutes for a chewier texture.
After the noodles have cooked, drain the water, leaving just a small amount—about 1 tablespoon or a couple of teaspoons—in the pot. This water will be used to help mix the seasoning and prevent the noodles from drying out.
If you are using instant ramen, you can add the seasoning or powder packets directly to the noodles in the pot. Stir everything together, ensuring the noodles are well-coated. If you are not using instant ramen, you can add your desired seasonings and mix them into the noodles.
At this point, your noodles are almost ready for the stir-fry! You can add additional ingredients, such as cooked chicken, pork, beef, tofu, or vegetables, directly to the noodles and mix them together. Alternatively, you can proceed to the next steps of the stir-fry recipe, adding in the aromatics, cheese, and any other desired toppings.
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Stir-frying the aromatics
To cook stir-fry cheese ramen, you'll first need to prepare the aromatics. This can include ingredients like garlic and green onions, as well as the kimchi, which is a key component of this dish.
Start by heating some vegetable oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. You want to use enough oil to generously coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add your aromatics. For this recipe, we'll be using kimchi, garlic, and green onions, but you can also add other aromatics like ginger or chili peppers if you like a spicier dish.
Begin with the kimchi. Add it to the hot oil and let it fry until its juices are released. This should only take a few minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and stir-fry everything together. If using other aromatics, such as ginger or chili peppers, add them now and continue stir-frying for another minute or so, until the spices are fragrant.
At this point, you can also add a small amount of the kimchi juice, which will give your dish a nice tangy flavor. You can also add a little chicken powder or vegetable broth, depending on your preference, to enhance the savory notes of the dish. Give everything a good toss to ensure it's well combined.
Finally, add the cooked ramen noodles to the pan and toss everything together. Make sure to coat the noodles evenly with the aromatic mixture. You can also add a little noodle water to create a bit of sauce and help the ingredients come together.
The aromatics are a crucial part of this dish, providing flavor, texture, and a punch of color. By stir-frying them first, you build a solid foundation of flavors that will infuse your entire dish.
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Adding cheese
To add cheese to your stir-fried ramen, you can follow these steps:
First, prepare your ramen noodles by boiling them in water. You can use instant ramen noodles, but it is recommended to only use the noodles and discard the seasoning and dried veggie flakes that come with them. Boil the noodles for a maximum of 2 minutes. Drain the water, leaving about 1 tablespoon (or a couple of teaspoons) of water with the noodles.
Next, heat some vegetable oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Fry your desired aromatics and ingredients, such as kimchi, garlic, or spinach, until they release their juices. Toss in the cooked ramen noodles and mix well. You can also add some noodle water, chicken powder or ramen seasoning, and a bit of sugar and sesame oil for extra flavour.
Now it's time to add the cheese! Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the noodles and let it melt. Reduce the heat to low-medium to prevent overcooking the noodles and burning the cheese. You can also add some green onions at this point for extra flavour and colour. Stir everything together until well combined, and serve hot.
You can get creative and experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of cheeses. You can also try adding other ingredients, such as cooked chicken, beef, tofu, mushrooms, or vegetables. Enjoy your cheesy stir-fried ramen!
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Serving suggestions
Stir-fry cheese ramen is a delicious and quick meal that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish:
- Protein additions: For a more substantial meal, consider adding a source of protein. This could include cooked chicken, pork, beef, tofu, or eggs. For instance, soft-boil an egg for 8 minutes and serve it halved on top of the ramen. Alternatively, you can incorporate ham, spam, or bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Vegetables: Bulk up your ramen with some vegetables. Try cooked mushrooms, napa cabbage, leafy greens, carrots, or spinach. If you're feeling adventurous, add some heat with a chopped jalapeño pepper.
- Side dishes: Serve your stir-fry cheese ramen with other Korean side dishes or banchans. This can enhance the overall flavor profile and make for a more interesting meal.
- Preparation and storage: If you're preparing this dish in advance, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Customization: Feel free to customize your stir-fry cheese ramen to your taste preferences. If you're vegetarian, you can substitute chicken powder with a packet of ramen seasoning. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or aromatics to find your perfect combination.
- Presentation: While the taste is essential, don't forget about the visual appeal. Top your ramen with some sliced green onions and watch the dish come alive. The bright colors will make your meal look even more inviting.
Remember, stir-fry cheese ramen is a versatile dish that can accommodate various ingredients and flavors. Get creative and tailor it to your liking!
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Storage and reheating
When storing leftover stir-fry cheese ramen, it is important to let it cool down to room temperature to prevent ice crystal formation. Then, store the leftovers in an airtight container and place them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 2 to 4 days. If you wish to store the ramen for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn and flavour loss, use freezer bags or containers to seal the ramen.
When reheating stir-fry cheese ramen, you can use a microwave or a stovetop. For the microwave, sprinkle some water over the noodles to prevent them from drying out. Cover the container and heat the ramen in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature. For the stovetop method, pour the ramen into a pot and warm it over medium heat. It is important to reheat carefully to avoid overcooking the noodles or losing the flavours of the broth.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need ramen noodles, water, vegetable oil, kimchi, garlic, green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and chicken powder.
It should take around 15 minutes to cook stir fry cheese ramen.
You can add cooked chicken, pork, beef, spam, ham, extra-firm tofu, cooked mushrooms, napa cabbage, leafy greens, or carrots.
Stir fry ramen is drained of most of its water and then stir-fried with the seasoning, resulting in a consistency more like macaroni and cheese.
