Andy Montoya
Ramen with cheese may sound like an unusual combination, but it is a popular, quick, and easy comfort food in Korea and among Korean Americans. The dish is said to have originated when American soldiers brought American cheese overseas during the war, leaving it behind when they returned home. The classic combination is said to be Kraft Singles with Shin Ramyun ramen, but other types of cheese such as Parmesan and Bleu can also be used. To make cheesy ramen, simply cook the ramen noodles in boiling water, then transfer them to a bowl with the broth and top with slices of cheese, stirring until melted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of ingredients | 3 |
| Preparation time | Less than 10 minutes |
| Origin | Korea |
| Cheese type | American, Kraft singles |
| Additional toppings | Green onions, fried egg, crispy pork belly, bacon, pancetta |
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What You'll Learn
The history of putting cheese in ramen
While ramen is a traditional Japanese dish, the addition of cheese to the dish is believed to have originated in Korea. During the war, American soldiers brought American cheese overseas, and when the war ended, they returned home, leaving the cheese behind in Korea. This led to the creation of cheesy ramen, a quick, easy, and comforting dish that has since become popular in Korea and among Korean Americans.
Cheesy ramen is a simple dish that typically requires only three ingredients: ramen noodles, cheese, and water. The noodles are cooked in boiling water until tender, and then cheese is added and stirred until melted. Some popular cheese options for ramen include American cheese, cheddar cheese, and Swiss cheese.
The addition of cheese to ramen creates a creamy and gooey texture, similar to a lighter version of mac and cheese sauce. The dish can be further enhanced by adding various ingredients such as sliced green onions, a fried egg, spicy chili crisp, crumbled bacon, or fried pancetta.
Cheesy ramen has gained popularity due to its simplicity, affordability, and versatility. It is particularly favored by college students and those looking for a quick, filling, and delicious meal. The dish can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and preferences, making it a fun and creative way to enjoy ramen.
While the exact history of putting cheese in ramen may be difficult to trace, it is clear that this unique combination has developed a dedicated following, with many people enjoying the comforting and indulgent qualities that cheese brings to the traditional ramen dish.
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Popular cheese choices for ramen
Cheese and ramen might not seem like an intuitive combination, but it is surprisingly delicious. Adding cheese to ramen is a straightforward process, but there are tips and tricks to improve your experience. The best cheese for ramen is processed cheese, such as American cheese, which melts and stretches well. This type of cheese is also cheap and easy to find. Other popular cheese choices for ramen include:
- Mozzarella, which is stringy and chewy and goes well with spicy ramen.
- Parmesan, which is best when the ramen water is drained.
- Colby-Jack, which melts very well.
- Cream cheese, which goes well with carbonara ramen.
- Cheddar cheese, which can be used to make a creamy cheese ramen.
In addition to cheese, people also add other ingredients to their ramen, such as corn, bacon, eggs, and green onions.
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Quick and easy cheesy ramen recipes
Cheese in ramen is a quick, easy, and delicious meal option. It is a popular comfort food in Korea and among Korean Americans. The dish is believed to have originated when American soldiers brought American cheese to Korea during the war. Here are some simple and tasty cheesy ramen recipes that you can make in no time!
Basic Cheesy Ramen
This recipe is a quick and easy way to elevate your instant ramen. It only requires a few simple ingredients and can be made in about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Start by boiling water in a saucepan or pot.
- Add your favourite instant ramen noodles and cook them until al dente or tender.
- Drain the water and add butter, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and grated cheese. You can use shredded cheddar, Monterey jack, or pepper jack cheese, or simply go for a slice or two of American cheese.
- Allow the cheese to melt and then stir everything together until you get a creamy consistency.
- If needed, add some of the pasta water you kept aside to thin the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped scallions or green onions and enjoy your cheesy ramen!
Spicy Cheesy Ramen
If you like your food spicy, this variation is perfect for you!
- Prepare the ramen as mentioned above, but instead of using plain butter, spice it up by adding a tablespoon of butter mixed with chili powder, garlic powder, cyan pepper, and your favourite hot sauce.
- Stir everything well and enjoy your spicy, cheesy ramen!
Cheesy Ramen with Eggs and Meat
For a heartier meal, try adding some protein to your cheesy ramen.
- Prepare the basic cheesy ramen recipe.
- Top it with a fried egg, sliced green onions, and some crumbled bacon, fried pancetta, or crispy pork belly for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Cheesy ramen is a versatile and simple dish that can be adapted to your taste preferences. It is a great option for a quick and comforting meal or side dish. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavours!
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Additional toppings for cheesy ramen
Adding cheese to your ramen is a great way to make it creamier and more indulgent. But why stop there? Here are some additional toppings that will perfectly complement your cheesy ramen:
Eggs
A soft or hard-boiled egg is a traditional ramen topping that adds substance and a savoury element to the dish. For an extra punch of flavour, try marinating boiled eggs in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, vinegar, and sugar, which will give the egg whites a light brown colour. These marinated eggs are called "ajitsuke tamago" or "ajitama" for short.
Chashu
Chashu, or thinly sliced cuts of roasted or braised pork, is one of the most popular ramen toppings, especially in Japan. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth chashu pork belly slices are a classic yet luxurious addition to your bowl.
Green Onions
Green onions, also known as scallions, add a fresh crunch and a mild onion flavour to your ramen. They pair well with the cheese and help to balance the richness of the dish.
Spicy Chili Crisp
If you like your food with a kick, add a spoonful of spicy chili crisp to your ramen. It will complement the cheese and add a nice contrast of flavours.
Meat or Plant-Based Protein
For a heartier meal, consider adding meat or plant-based protein to your ramen. Crispy tofu, for example, adds a chewy texture that complements the noodles, while crispy pork belly adds a savoury element.
Vegetables
Don't forget to add some vegetables to your ramen for extra nutrition and texture. Blanched bean sprouts offer a fresh crunch and act as a palate cleanser between bites of savoury noodles. If you like spice, try stir-frying the bean sprouts with chilli. Wood ear mushrooms (kikurage) are another unique option, known for their delightful gelatinous and crunchy texture.
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Other ramen recipes
While adding cheese to your ramen is one way to elevate this dish, there are many other ways to prepare and enjoy this popular meal.
One option is to make a quick homemade ramen with fresh vegetables and herbs. This recipe calls for boiling water on the stove, adding an egg straight from the fridge, and then boiling it for 6 minutes. After removing the egg, you can plunge it into an ice water bath, peel the shell off, and cut the egg in half. You can then add the egg to your ramen, along with vegetables such as kale, carrots, spinach, bok choy, and fresh mushrooms.
If you're looking for a heartier option, you can try adding chicken to your ramen. This recipe involves sautéing mushrooms and seasoning chicken with salt and pepper. You'll then add chicken broth, soy sauce, hot sauce, honey, sesame oil, and soup seasonings to the pot and simmer while soft-boiling eggs. Finally, bring the mixture to a boil, add the ramen, and cook for 1 minute. You can then add bok choy and the cooked mushrooms and chicken, simmering until the noodles are cooked through. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in and can be topped with chopped peanuts, green onions, and soft-boiled eggs.
For a more unique take on ramen, you can try making a ramen coleslaw, which is a veggie-packed side dish perfect for barbecues and potlucks. Alternatively, a grilled chicken ramen salad is a complete meal in one bowl, perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
If you're feeling adventurous and want to make your ramen from scratch, you can try making shoyu ramen. This recipe requires time, patience, and effort, but the results are rewarding. Shoyu ramen consists of four important components: dashi and tare for the soup base, and nitamago (marinated eggs) and chashu (braised pork belly) as toppings. The pork belly is seared and then cooked gently in the tare mix, while the eggs are soft-boiled, peeled, and left to chill in the tare marinade overnight.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to customizing and elevating your ramen, whether it's with cheese or other creative ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
American cheese is a popular choice for ramen, as seen in Korean cuisine. Other options include Parmesan, Bleu, or Kraft singles.
Prepare the ramen noodles as you normally would. Then, add a slice or two of American cheese to the bowl and stir until melted.
For a simple upgrade, try adding sliced green onions, a fried egg, or spicy chili crisp. If you're feeling adventurous, toss in some crumbled bacon, fried pancetta, or crispy pork belly.
Ramen with cheese may sound unusual to some, but it is actually a classic Korean comfort food. It gained popularity online in 2018 when celebrity chef Roy Choi shared his recipe, sparking a worldwide interest in this unique combination.
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