The Best Cheeses To Compliment Your Ramen Bowl

Cheese and ramen might seem like an unusual combination, but it's surprisingly delicious. The trend, which started in Korea and Japan, has been growing in popularity in the United States, too. The best cheeses for ramen are those that melt well, such as American cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan. These cheeses add a creamy, cheesy texture to the dish without overwhelming the other flavours. Spicy ramen flavours also pair well with pepper jack cheese, which adds a kick to the dish.

Mozzarella is a good option for ramen as it's mild and balances well with spicy flavours

Mozzarella is a good option for ramen as it is mild and balances well with spicy flavours. It is a popular choice for ramen because it is stringy and has a light flavour. The cheese adds a lot to the texture of the noodle dish without taking over. Mozzarella can be the star of the show in stir-fried or sauce/noodle-forward recipes. It has a unique ability to melt and create a super chewy, cheesy texture.

Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be added to ramen in various ways. For broth-based ramen, it is best to add the cheese after the ramen has finished cooking and is plated. This will create a cheesy layer that will stretch and stick to the noodles as you eat. If you are adding mozzarella to a stir-fry or dry noodle dish, it is best to add it directly to the saute pan during the stir-fry phase. This will allow the cheese to melt and caramelise, creating a delicious cheese crust.

However, it is important to note that mozzarella usually takes longer to melt. It also tends to harden and solidify when it cools, so it is best to add it at the last moment before serving.

Cheddar is a popular choice for its smooth, tangy taste and easy melting

Cheddar is a type of cheese that melts very easily, which makes it perfect for ramen. When adding cheddar to ramen, it is best to do so after the ramen has been plated to avoid incorporating it into the broth. This will create a cheesy layer that will stretch and stick to the noodles as you eat. It is also important to note that the temperature of the noodles can affect how the cheese melts. If the noodles are too hot, the cheese may break down too quickly and become clumpy.

When making cheddar ramen, it is also important to be mindful of the type of noodles used. Thicker noodles are often preferred as they have a chewier texture and are less likely to be overcooked. Additionally, it is recommended to undercook the noodles by about a minute to avoid sogginess.

To make cheddar ramen, start by boiling water in a saucepan and adding the ramen noodles. Cook the noodles for about 2 minutes, or according to the package instructions, being careful not to overcook them. Drain the water and add milk, butter, and the seasoning packet that came with the ramen. Stir until the seasoning is dissolved. Once the milk starts to thicken and bubble, add green onions and turn off the heat. Finally, top the noodles with cheddar cheese and enjoy!

Parmesan can be added to ramen for an extra cheesy flavour

When adding parmesan to ramen, it is important to be mindful of the temperature. Cheese is temperamental and can behave unexpectedly when exposed to high heat. For broth-style ramen, it is best to add the cheese after the ramen has finished cooking and has been plated. This will allow the cheese to incorporate without dissolving into the broth, creating a super stretchy cheese bite. If parmesan is added during the cooking process, the fat, protein, and sugars will melt into the broth, defeating the purpose of adding cheese to the ramen.

For stir-fry or dry noodle styles, parmesan can be added directly to the saute pan during the stir-frying phase. The cheese will melt and caramelize, forming a delicious cheese crust. Adding the cheese at the end of the stir-frying will result in a chewier texture.

When adding parmesan to ramen, it is also important to choose the proper type of ramen. Spicier ramen flavours, such as Spicy Kimchi Ramen, pair well with the rich flavour of parmesan. The Fried Garlic Chicken Flavour ramen from MMG is a perfect base for simple parmesan ramen recipes like Cacio e Pepe Ramen. The slow-roasted garlic flavour complements the sharpness of the parmesan.

In addition to its versatility and ability to elevate the flavour of ramen, parmesan is a popular choice for those who crave a cheesy kick to their noodles. Its sharpness and saltiness can transform a bowl of ramen into a comforting and indulgent meal.

Cream cheese is a nice option for those who want a creamier ramen

While it may seem like an unusual combination, cheese and ramen are a match made in heaven. Cheese is rich in free glutamates, a building block for umami flavour, and ramen is already packed with umami. Adding cheese to ramen also adds fat and carbohydrates, enriching the broth even more.

If you're looking for a creamier ramen, cream cheese is a nice option. It adds a tablespoon or two of extra creaminess to your ramen without being too overpowering. It's also a good choice if you want to make Korean cheese ramen, a classic comfort food that has become wildly popular worldwide.

When making creamy ramen with cream cheese, it's important to control the temperature. Cheese is temperamental and can break or behave strangely when exposed to high heat. For broth-style ramen, add the cream cheese after the ramen has finished cooking and has been plated. This will allow the cheese to incorporate without dissolving into the broth, creating a stretchy, cheesy bite.

If you're adding cream cheese to stir-fry or dry noodle styles, add it directly to the saute pan during the stir-frying phase. This will allow the cheese to melt and caramelise, creating a delicious cheese crust. Adding the cheese at the end of the cooking process will result in a chewier texture.

To make Korean cheese ramen, start by boiling 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Add your favourite instant ramen noodles and cook for 2 minutes. Drain the water and add milk, the seasoning packet that came with the ramen, and chopped green onions. When the milk starts to thicken and bubble, turn off the heat and add your cream cheese. Plate the noodles and enjoy your creamy, cheesy ramen!

You can also experiment with different types of cheese in your ramen. Mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, American, Monterey Jack, and parmesan are all great options. Or, get creative and use a mix of 2-3 different cheeses!

Provolone is a mild cheese that gives a cheesy taste without being overpowering

If you want to add cheese to your ramen, it is important to be careful with temperatures. Cheese is temperamental and can break or do weird things when you least expect it. For broth-style ramen, you should add the cheese after the ramen has finished cooking and is plated. This will prevent the cheese from dissolving into the broth and create a super stretchy cheese bite. If you add cheese during the cooking process, you will melt the fat, protein, and sugars into the broth, which defeats the purpose of adding cheese to your ramen in the first place.

There are many types of cheese that can be added to ramen. Processed American cheese slices, like Kraft Singles, are a popular choice because they melt and stretch, creating a cheesy layer that sticks to the noodles. Cheddar cheese is also a good option for ramen because it melts easily and has a salty, tangy flavour. Mozzarella is another popular choice because it is stringy and has a light flavour, adding texture without being overwhelming. For a spicy kick, pepper jack cheese is a great choice that can be added directly to the broth or melted onto the noodles.

Frequently asked questions