Bushra Griffith
Ramen is a versatile dish with many variations. One such variation is cheese ramen, which combines ramen noodles with cheese to create a creamy, indulgent dish. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for this dish, but is it vegetarian? Cheddar is a type of hard cheese that is often made with animal or microbial rennet, which most vegetarians avoid. However, some companies have switched to plant-based or microbial rennet, making their cheddar cheese suitable for vegetarians. Therefore, when making vegetarian cheese ramen, it is important to choose a vegetarian-friendly cheddar cheese and combine it with vegetarian ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
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What You'll Learn
Vegetarian-friendly cheddar cheese
Ramen noodles with melted cheese is a simple and delicious dish that can be easily made at home. While traditional ramen is usually a soup, adding cheese to ramen noodles is a popular variation. This can be made with cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, or any other variety of cheese.
Cheddar cheese is a type of hard cheese, which means it requires extra help in the production process to achieve the desired texture. Many brands use animal or microbial rennet to get the right taste and texture. Rennet is obtained from the stomach of calves, which most vegetarians avoid. However, some companies have now switched to a more animal-friendly option, using plant-based or microbial rennet, making their cheddar cheese suitable for vegetarians.
When looking for vegetarian-friendly cheddar cheese, check the labels. In most cases, the producers will label their products to inform buyers whether they offer vegetarian-friendly goods. Look for labels that explicitly state that the cheese is made with non-animal rennet. Some brands to look out for include Cabot, Kerrygold, Organic Valley, Laughing Cow, and Sierra Nevada Cheese Company.
To make a simple dish of cheese ramen, heat water in a pan or pot and bring it to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook until tender. Pour out the water, then stir in the seasoning packet, butter, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and grated cheese. Allow the cheese to melt, then stir everything together until creamy. You can also add scallions or green onions for garnishing. For a vegetarian option, you can add blanched, roasted, or sauteed broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, peppers, peas, asparagus, zucchini, or tofu.
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Non-vegetarian toppings
While cheddar cheese ramen can be made vegetarian, there are several non-vegetarian toppings that can be added to the dish. Here are some options:
Meat Toppings
For meat lovers, adding cooked shredded chicken, pork, beef, or ham to your ramen can be a great way to increase the protein content and add a savory flavor. Alternatively, you could try prawns or tuna for a seafood twist.
Egg Toppings
Adding a fried egg on top of your ramen is a popular choice, as it makes the dish more filling and hearty. You could also try a boiled egg, sliced or chopped, for a different texture.
Other Non-Vegetarian Toppings
If you're looking for something a little different, you could experiment with toppings such as:
- Hot dogs
- Bacon bits
- Chicken or beef jerky
- Salami slices
When it comes to non-vegetarian toppings for cheddar cheese ramen, the possibilities are endless. Get creative and customize your ramen to suit your taste preferences!
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Recipe for cheese ramen
Cheese ramen is an extremely simple and delicious spin on typical ramen noodles. It is a versatile dish that can be made in several ways and is perfect for a quick meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make cheese ramen:
Ingredients:
- Ramen noodles
- Butter
- Garlic powder
- Ground black pepper
- Grated cheese (cheddar, parmesan, Monterey jack, or pepper jack)
- Scallions or green onions (optional)
- Milk (optional)
- Any veggies or protein of choice (optional)
Method:
- Heat water in a pan or pot and bring it to a boil.
- Add the ramen noodles and cook until al dente (tender). Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they can become mushy.
- Pour out the water, keeping about a cup of pasta water to help blend the cheese sauce into the noodles.
- Add butter, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and grated cheese to the noodles. You can also add milk to improve the texture.
- Allow the cheese to melt slightly, then stir everything together until well blended and creamy.
- Serve the cheese ramen hot, garnished with chopped scallions or green onions if desired.
Variations:
- For a vegetarian option, add blanched, roasted, or sauteed vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, peppers, peas, asparagus, zucchini, or tofu.
- For a non-vegetarian option, add grilled or cooked shredded chicken, prawns, sausage, ham, or egg.
- To spice it up, add red chilli flakes, red chilli paste, or hot sauce.
- For a creamier result, use processed (American) cheese.
Cheese ramen is a quick, easy, and versatile dish that can be customised to your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and combinations to find your perfect cheese ramen recipe!
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Customising your ramen
Ramen is a versatile dish that can be customised to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements. The key to customising your ramen is to keep the soup base consistent and experiment with different proteins, vegetables, and toppings. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you create your own unique bowl of vegetarian or vegan ramen:
Building your Ramen Bowl:
Start with the broth, which forms the base of your ramen. You can make a simple and flavourful vegetarian broth with vegetable stock, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, mirin, or rice wine vinegar. For a vegan option, create a veggie broth or use vegan dashi made with kombu and dried shiitake mushrooms.
Next, choose your noodles. You can use instant ramen noodles or opt for fresh ramen noodles, which you can find in Asian grocery stores or specialty stores. If you're gluten-sensitive, you can even use rice ramen noodles.
Proteins and Vegetables:
For proteins, you can add eggs, tofu, or any other plant-based protein source you prefer. If you're not vegetarian, you can also add shredded chicken, beef, or prawns. For vegetables, you can sauté or blanch a variety of options, including shiitake mushrooms, bok choy, spinach, broccoli, carrots, green onions, or scallions.
Toppings and Extras:
Add texture and flavour to your ramen with toppings such as sesame seeds, nori, bamboo shoots, sweet corn, bean sprouts, or crispy tofu cubes. If you like spice, include hot sauce, chilli oil, sriracha, or chilli powder. You can also add aromatics like garlic powder and ground black pepper to enhance the flavour.
Making it Cheesy:
For a cheesy ramen, stir in some grated cheddar, parmesan, or your favourite cheese until melted and creamy. If you're a vegetarian, look for cheddar cheese made with plant-based or microbial rennet to ensure it aligns with your dietary preferences.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of ingredients and toppings to find your perfect bowl of vegetarian or vegan ramen. Enjoy your delicious and customised meal!
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Calories in cheese ramen
Ramen is a versatile dish that can be adapted in numerous ways to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. One popular variation is cheese ramen, which can be made with cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, or any other variety of cheese. This dish is simple to make and only requires a few basic ingredients, making it a quick, easy, and economical meal option.
The calorie count of cheese ramen can vary depending on the specific ingredients and their quantities used in the preparation. A basic cheese ramen recipe may include ramen noodles, butter, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and grated cheese. According to one source, the approximate calorie count for this combination is 169 kcal per serving.
However, it's important to note that the type and amount of cheese used can significantly impact the overall calorie content of the dish. For example, adding cheddar cheese can contribute about 110 extra calories, as one serving of cheddar (28.35 grams) contains approximately 110 calories. The addition of butter also increases the calorie count; each tablespoon of butter adds about 16 calories.
Other ingredients that can be included in cheese ramen, such as milk, also contribute to the total calorie count. Each tablespoon of milk adds approximately 9 calories. It's worth noting that these values may vary depending on the specific brand and type of milk used. Additionally, toppings and mix-ins like scallions or green onions can slightly increase the calorie count, depending on their quantity.
When considering the calorie content of cheese ramen, it's essential to be mindful of portion sizes. A typical package of ramen noodles contains about 370 calories. However, by adding various ingredients and toppings, the calorie count per serving can increase significantly. For instance, if you prepare a ramen dish with cheese, butter, and milk, the total calories per serving can reach approximately 531 calories. Therefore, it's advisable to adjust the ingredient quantities or serving sizes to align with your desired calorie intake.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese ramen can be vegetarian. Many companies have switched from animal rennet to plant-based or microbial rennet, which is vegetarian-friendly. However, some brands still use animal rennet, so it is important to check the labels if you are a strict vegetarian.
Some brands that offer vegetarian-friendly cheddar cheese include Cabot and Kerrygold. Cabot offers several varieties, including Vermont Sharp, Extra Sharp, and Seriously Sharp. Kerrygold offers "Reserve Cheddar" and "Aged Cheddar".
Other options include processed American cheese, such as Kraft Singles, which is a popular option for ramen because it melts and stretches well. Other choices are parmesan cheese, swiss cheese, and cheddar jack blends.
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