Kamil Perry
Ramen is a popular dish, but what about adding cheese to the mix? It turns out that cheese ramen is a thing, and it's a delicious, simple, and quick spin on the traditional dish. The key to achieving the perfect cheese ramen is in the type of cheese and the temperature of the ramen. The cheese must be melted, not clumped, and the right temperature is crucial to achieving this. So, which cheeses melt best, and how hot should the ramen be?
Characteristics and Values Table for Melting Cheese in Ramen:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | American Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella, Cream Cheese, Cotija/Feta, Swiss Cheese |
| Temperature | Ramen should be allowed to cool to around 145-150 Fahrenheit before adding cheese |
| Technique | Use residual heat from hot milk and noodles, grate the cheese, turn off heat before adding cheese |
| Add-Ins | Butter, Cornstarch Slurry, Soy Sauce, Furikake, Spices, Miso Butter, Hot Sauce |
| Toppings | Green Onions, Seaweed, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Spam, Eggs |
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What You'll Learn
Use processed cheese
Processed cheese, such as American cheese, is a great option for adding a creamy texture to your ramen. It melts easily and can be combined with other cheeses to create different textures. When using processed cheese, follow these steps:
Start by boiling water in a saucepan. Add your ramen noodles and cook them until tender, which usually takes about 2 minutes. Once the noodles are cooked, pour out the water and stir in the seasoning packet. You can use the flavour packet that comes with your instant ramen or add your own spices and seasonings. At this point, you can also add butter, which will give your ramen a richer flavour and help coat the noodles.
Now it's time to add the cheese! Turn off the heat or lower the temperature before adding the processed cheese to your ramen. This is important because too much heat can cause the cheese to clump up instead of melting smoothly. You can use sliced or shredded processed cheese, or even a combination of both for a creamier result. Stir the cheese into the ramen until it's well blended and melted.
If you want to get creative, you can experiment with different types of processed cheese slices or blocks, such as Kraft cheese slices or cheddar cheese. You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour and texture of your ramen. For a spicy kick, add sriracha hot sauce or chilli oil. To add a crunchy texture and extra saltiness, try crushed-up potato chips or deep-fried garlic or shallot bits.
Processed cheese ramen is a quick, easy, and budget-friendly meal that can be customised to your taste preferences. It's a simple way to elevate your instant ramen and create a comforting, indulgent dish. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations of cheese, spices, and toppings to find your perfect cheesy ramen recipe!
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Turn off the heat before adding cheese
Turning off the heat before adding cheese to your ramen is a crucial step in achieving the perfect, creamy cheese sauce. This method utilises residual heat to melt the cheese, ensuring it doesn't stick or burn at the bottom of the pan.
First, prepare your ramen noodles by boiling them in water for about 2 minutes, or according to the package instructions. Drain the water, then add the seasoning packet and milk to the noodles. Stir well until the seasoning is dissolved and combined.
Next, turn off the heat. This step is essential, as it allows you to control the temperature of your dish. If the heat is too high when you add the cheese, it can cause the cheese to clump up and separate instead of melting smoothly. By turning off the heat, you create a more gentle cooking environment for your cheese.
Now, add your grated cheese to the hot noodles and stir until melted. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for ramen as it melts easily and has a smooth, creamy texture with a slight tang. However, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, cream cheese, or even a combination of cheeses for varied textures and flavours.
Finally, combine your cooked noodles with the creamy cheese sauce and mix well. You can adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding hot water if it becomes too thick.
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Grate the cheese
Grating the cheese is an important step in making cheesy ramen. By grating the cheese, you increase the surface area, which helps it melt more easily and evenly. Here are some detailed instructions on how to grate the cheese for your ramen:
Start by choosing the right type of cheese. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for ramen as it melts smoothly and has a creamy, salty flavour with a slight tang. Other options include American cheese, which melts easily and adds a rich texture, or mozzarella, which provides a stretchy, chewy element. You could also add a small amount of cream cheese for extra creaminess or cotija/feta for a salty, gooey twist.
Take your chosen cheese and use a grater to shred it into thin, even strips. Grate enough cheese to generously cover your ramen, usually about a cup or two, depending on your preference. If you're using multiple types of cheese, grate them separately and then mix the shredded cheese together.
Once you've grated the cheese, set it aside while you prepare the rest of your ramen. Follow the instructions for cooking your ramen noodles, and when they're almost done, turn off the heat. This is the perfect time to add the cheese as the residual heat will gently melt it without overheating.
To add the grated cheese to your ramen, start by stirring in a small amount, just enough to coat the noodles. Then, gradually add more cheese, stirring continuously, until you've reached your desired level of cheesiness. Keep the pan on low heat if needed, but be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cheese to clump.
With these steps, you'll be able to create a delicious, cheesy ramen with a perfect melt. Enjoy experimenting with different types of cheese and finding your favourite combinations!
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Don't overcook the noodles
When making cheesy ramen, it is important to cook the noodles just right. Overcooked noodles can be soggy and slimy, and will spoil your dish. Ramen noodles cook quickly and can overcook in no time at all.
To avoid overcooking the noodles, start timing as soon as you add them to the water. Do not wait for the water to boil again. Use the instructions on the packet as a guide, but remember that the desired texture may mean cooking for a shorter or longer time. For example, if you are making instant ramen, the cooking time will be much shorter than for fresh noodles. Fresh ramen noodles will take around 2 minutes to cook, whereas instant noodles will take 30 seconds to a minute.
If your noodles are overcooked, there are some things you can do to salvage them. You can add crunchy vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to provide an al dente texture. Rinsing the noodles with cold water and ice cubes will also stop the cooking process and remove some of the starch coatings, preventing them from sticking together. You can also try sautéing the noodles over low heat with a little butter or olive oil to crisp them up.
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Add cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce
Cornstarch is a common thickening agent used in cooking. It is often used to thicken sauces and soups, and it can also be used to make gravy. Cornstarch has a smooth texture and a glossy sheen, which makes it ideal for use in sweet sauces and pie fillings. However, it can also be used in savoury dishes, such as stir-fries, to help reduce excess wateriness.
To thicken a sauce with cornstarch, you need to first make a slurry. A slurry is a mixture of equal parts cornstarch and liquid, usually water, stock, or wine. It is important to note that the liquid used should be cold, and then the slurry should be added to a hot, simmering sauce. For every cup of liquid that you want to thicken, you will need to start with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a small bowl. You can then add more water to the slurry, but it will take longer to thicken the sauce or soup. If you are an experienced cook, you can try a 1:1 ratio of cornstarch to water, but this will thicken very quickly and may clump if not mixed well.
When making a cornstarch slurry, it is important to let the cornstarch dissolve completely in the liquid before adding it to the sauce. You should also whisk the slurry until right before you pour it into the sauce. If your sauce is too thick, you can add more water a little at a time, but be aware that it may become lumpy. Additionally, if your sauce is quite acidic, such as a tomato-based sauce, the acid will cause the cornstarch to lose its effectiveness as a thickener. In this case, you can substitute arrowroot or tapioca starch.
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Frequently asked questions
American cheese slices melt quickly and give the broth a creamy texture. Other cheeses that melt well in ramen include cheddar, mozzarella, and Havarti.
If your ramen is too hot, the cheese may clump up in chunks. Allow the ramen to cool down slightly before adding the cheese.
Butter, eggs, toasted sesame seeds, scallions, and garlic powder are all popular additions to ramen with melted cheese.
