Frederic Melton
Adding cheese to ramen is a popular choice, especially in Korea, where it is often added to instant ramen. The type of cheese used can vary, with some people opting for processed cheese slices, while others prefer shredded cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, or a combination of different cheeses. The addition of cheese can turn ramen into a creamy and comforting dish, and it is especially recommended for brothless ramen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Cheddar, Mozzarella, Cream cheese, Parmesan, Bleu, Colby-jack, American, Velveeta, Kraft, Cotija, Feta |
| Ramen type | Korean ramen without broth, Spicy ramen, Chicken ramen, Beef ramen, Chili flavor ramen |
| Add-ons | Cornstarch slurry, Hot sauce, Butter, Green onions, Siracha, Soy sauce, Broccoli |
| Tips | Use fresh shredded cheese, Add milk to improve texture, Use hot water to make a thinner cheese sauce, Do not overcook the ramen noodles |
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What You'll Learn
Popular cheese choices
Cheese ramen is a popular dish, especially in Korea, where it is commonly served with sweet corn, Korean sausage bread, and budae jjigae. While some people enjoy adding cheese to their ramen, others believe that it does not complement the dish.
Processed cheese slices, such as American cheese, are a popular choice for ramen as they melt easily and add a creamy texture to the dish. Kraft cheese slices, in particular, are commonly used in Kimchi ramen. Some people also add shredded cheddar cheese to their ramen, which adds a smooth, creamy, and salty flavour with a slight tang.
Mozzarella cheese is another option, known for its stretchiness and chewiness. However, it solidifies as it cools, so it requires more heat to melt. Cream cheese can also be added for extra creaminess, and Cotija or Feta cheese can be used for a salty and gooey texture.
When making cheese ramen, it is important to be mindful of the cooking time to avoid overcooking the noodles, as this can result in a mushy texture. Additionally, using fresh shredded cheese is recommended as it melts better due to the absence of anti-caking agents.
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How to prepare the ramen
How to Prepare Cheesy Ramen
Cheese ramen is a quick, easy, and tasty dish that can be made in several ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare it:
Ingredients
Firstly, gather your ingredients. For a basic cheesy ramen, you will need:
- Ramen noodles
- Cheese (see the next section for suggestions)
- Water
- Seasoning/flavour packets
You can also add:
- Milk
- Butter
- Eggs
- Meat or vegetables
- Spices
Choosing the Right Cheese
The type of cheese you use is a matter of personal preference. Some popular options include:
- Cheddar: Smooth, creamy, and salty with a slight tang. Melts very easily.
- Mozzarella: Provides a nice stretchy, chewy texture, but can harden as it cools.
- Cream cheese: For added creaminess.
- American cheese: Melts easily and adds a rich texture to the broth.
- Parmesan: Grated parmesan can add a salty, savoury note.
You can also get creative and experiment with different cheeses, such as cotija, feta, or colby-jack.
Preparing the Ramen
Now it's time to cook the ramen:
- Boil water in a saucepan. Add the ramen noodles and cook until tender, usually around 2 minutes.
- Drain the water and return the noodles to the saucepan.
- Add the seasoning packet and cheese. Stir well until blended and melted. You can also add milk or butter for extra creaminess.
- If you're using meat or vegetables, cook them separately and add them to the ramen.
- Serve the ramen warm. You can garnish it with green onions and parmesan, or spices like chilli powder and garlic powder.
Tips
- If you want a thinner cheese sauce, add 1-4 tablespoons of hot water or milk.
- Don't overcook the ramen noodles, as they can become mushy. Aim for al dente.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese, which may contain anti-caking agents.
- If you're adding an egg, poach or soft-boil it separately and add it to the ramen at the end.
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How to prepare the cheese
There are many ways to prepare cheese ramen, and the type of cheese you use can vary depending on your preference. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare cheese ramen with different types of cheese:
Preparing Cheddar Cheese Ramen:
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for ramen as it melts easily and adds a smooth, creamy, and salty flavour with a slight tang. To prepare cheddar cheese ramen, cook your ramen noodles as usual. Drain the water, then stir in the seasoning packet, shredded cheddar cheese, and a splash of hot water or milk to create a creamy sauce. You can also add a slice of cheddar cheese to the broth while it's still hot, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese and create a rich texture.
Preparing Mozzarella Cheese Ramen:
Mozzarella cheese is another option for ramen, known for its stretchy and chewy texture. However, it requires more heat to melt and can solidify when cooled, so it's important to time its addition carefully. Prepare the ramen noodles as usual, then add mozzarella cheese to the hot broth and keep the heat on for about 30 seconds to facilitate melting.
Preparing Cream Cheese Ramen:
Cream cheese is an excellent choice for adding extra creaminess to your ramen. Start by cooking your ramen noodles. Once drained, stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese, along with the seasoning packet, to create a rich and creamy sauce. You can also add a slice of cream cheese to the hot broth and let it melt, creating a creamy and indulgent ramen dish.
Preparing American Cheese Ramen:
American cheese, or processed cheese slices, is a popular choice for ramen, especially in Korean ramen without broth. These slices melt easily, thickening the broth and adding a creamy texture. Simply add a slice of American cheese to your hot ramen broth and stir until melted and well combined. You can also experiment with other processed cheese slices, such as Velveeta.
Preparing Parmesan Cheese Ramen:
Parmesan cheese can be used as a topping or garnish for your ramen. Prepare your ramen as usual, then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the noodles along with the seasoning packet for a more robust cheesy flavour.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of cheeses and add-ins to create your ultimate cheesy ramen experience!
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Thinning the sauce
There are several ways to thin out a cheese sauce for ramen. One way is to use pasta water. After cooking the ramen noodles, set the noodles aside and keep one cup of the pasta water. Then, add butter, milk, shredded cheese, garlic powder, and the ramen flavor packet to the pot. Stir the mix on low heat until it's smooth, and gently fold in the cooked ramen noodles. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Another method is to use rice to emulsify the cheese into the broth. Prepare your broth as usual, and if you are using 1-2 cups of broth, add about 1 teaspoon of rice. Boil the rice until it is very soft, then add your cheese. Blend the rice and broth together using an immersion blender or a food processor. The rice should help emulsify the cheese and prevent the broth from becoming too thick.
Additionally, you can try adding milk to your cheese sauce to thin it out. Whole milk, 2%, or 1% milk can all work well. You can also experiment with unsweetened plant-based milks.
If you are looking for a more creative approach, you can make an infusion by simmering your broth with a big rind of Parmesan for about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, let it cool, and then strain the broth. This will add flavor without making the sauce too thick.
Finally, to achieve a thinner cheese sauce, it is important to choose the right type of cheese. Some cheeses, such as processed American cheese, tend to result in a creamier sauce. Cheeses like Butterkaise or Muenster melt well and are suitable for creating a thinner sauce.
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Cheese and ramen in Korea
Cheese ramen has become a popular dish in Korea, especially among students and those looking for a quick, cheap, and delicious meal. It has also gained worldwide popularity in recent years, thanks to social media platforms like TikTok. The dish typically consists of instant ramen noodles, milk, cheese, and various seasonings. The addition of milk and cheese creates a creamy texture, and the cheese melts into the ramen, adding a rich flavour.
While the exact origins of cheese ramen in Korea are unclear, it appears to have emerged as a creative twist on traditional ramen. The dish has become so well-loved that it is now considered a classic comfort food in Korea, with some people even adding cheese to other classic Korean dishes like budae jjigae, dakgalbi, and buldak.
When making Korean cheese ramen, people typically start by boiling ramen noodles in water. They then drain the water and add milk, the seasoning packet that comes with the ramen, and cheese. The cheese can be added directly to the ramen, or melted on top as a final step. Popular types of cheese used in Korean cheese ramen include cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, and American cheese slices. Some people also add additional ingredients to enhance the flavour, such as butter, chilli powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or green onions.
While cheese ramen may not be considered a healthy meal, it has become a beloved comfort food in Korea and beyond. It is a simple, affordable, and satisfying dish that can be easily customised to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether it's a late-night study snack or a quick weeknight dinner, cheese ramen has become a go-to option for many, spreading from Korea to kitchens and restaurants around the globe.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular cheeses to add to ramen include cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, and American cheese.
Cheese is commonly added to Korean ramen without broth, like Kimchi or Shin Ramyun. Cheese is also added to Japanese ramen, though less commonly.
To make cheese ramen, cook the ramen noodles in boiling water, then drain the water and stir in shredded cheese until blended. You can also add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
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