Cheese And Ramen: The Perfect Pairing

Cheese and ramen might seem like an unusual combination, but it's actually a classic Korean comfort food that's become increasingly popular worldwide, especially during the lockdown. Adding cheese to ramen is an easy way to turn a simple bowl of noodle soup into a full-on ramen experience, and it's ridiculously delicious!

While there are no bad choices when it comes to cheese and ramen combinations, some cheeses work better than others. The best cheese to use depends on the type of ramen and the desired texture. For broth-based ramen, processed American cheese slices like Kraft Singles are ideal because they melt and stretch easily, creating a cheesy layer that sticks to the noodles. Mozzarella, on the other hand, is better suited for stir-fried or sauce-based recipes as it adds a chewy texture. Cheddar is a popular choice for its smooth, creamy, and salty flavour, while Parmesan adds an extra kick of cheese flavour. Cream cheese and Cotija/Feta are also good options for those who want a creamier or saltier dish, respectively.

Best cheese types for ramen

Ramen and cheese might seem like an unusual combination, but it's a match made in heaven. Cheese is rich in free glutamates, a building block for umami flavour, and ramen is packed with umami. Adding cheese also brings fat and carbohydrates to the party, enriching the broth.

So, which cheeses work best with ramen?

• Processed American cheese slices are a popular choice for ramen. They melt and stretch easily, creating a cheesy layer that sticks to your noodles as you slurp.
• Mozzarella is mild and balances well with spicy ramen flavours. It also adds a chewy texture, similar to Korean corn cheese. However, it takes a little longer to melt.
• Cheddar is a common choice, as it's smooth, creamy, salty, and slightly tangy. It also melts very easily.
• Cheddar Jack/Blended Cheese is a better option than pure mild or sharp cheddar, as the higher moisture content of Jack cheese helps it melt more evenly, avoiding a grainy texture.
• Parmesan can be added to ramen in small quantities, but it doesn't easily emulsify into a soup or broth. It's best added to fatty or thickened broths.
• Cream cheese is a good option if you want an extra creamy texture, but it doesn't pair well with spicy ramen.
• Cotija/Feta adds a salty, gooey element to your ramen.

How to prepare cheese ramen

Cheese ramen is a classic Korean comfort food that is gooey, carby, and delicious. It is usually made with instant noodles and a combination of cheeses. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this indulgent dish:

Ingredients:

• Instant ramen noodles (1 pack)
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, American, or a combination)
• Milk (whole, 2%, or 1%)
• Green onions/scallions (optional)
• Cornstarch (optional)
• Cold water (if using cornstarch)
• Butter (optional)
• Soy sauce (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Step 1: Cook the Ramen Noodles

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan and add the instant ramen noodles. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, or until they are al dente. If using thin ramen noodles, cook them for about 1 minute. For thicker Korean noodles, such as Shin Ramyun or Nongshim brand, cook for about 2 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

While the noodles are cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, add milk, butter, soy sauce, and spices (if using). Stir well and heat over medium-low heat. Once the milk comes to a low rolling boil, add the cornstarch slurry (if using) and stir until the milk has thickened. Turn off the heat and add the grated or sliced cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and combined with the creamy milk.

Step 3: Combine the Noodles and Cheese Sauce

Add the cooked ramen noodles to the cheese sauce and gently fold them together until the noodles are evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little hot water or reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Top the cheese ramen with chopped green onions or scallions for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve the ramen while it is still hot and enjoy!

Tips:

• It is recommended to use thicker noodles for a chewier texture and to prevent overcooking.
• Do not use the soup flavor packet that comes with the ramen, as it will make the dish too salty.
• When adding cheese to broth-style ramen, it is best to add it after the ramen has finished cooking. This will create a stretchy, cheesy layer on top of the noodles.
• For a creamier texture, add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or a slice of processed American cheese.
• To make spicy cheese ramen, add a dash of cayenne pepper or sriracha hot sauce.
• For a heartier meal, top the ramen with a fried egg.

Korean cheese ramen

Ingredients

The great thing about Korean Cheese Ramen is that it only requires a few basic ingredients:

• Instant ramen
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or American sliced cheese are popular choices)
• Milk
• Green onions (optional)
• Egg (optional)

Instructions

Here's a simple recipe for Korean Cheese Ramen that you can make at home:

• Boil water in a saucepan and add the instant ramen noodles. Cook according to the package instructions, being careful not to overcook the noodles.
• Drain the water and add milk to the saucepan. You can also add the ramen seasoning packet at this point if you want a stronger flavour.
• Wait for the milk to start bubbling, then turn off the heat.
• Add your choice of cheese to the ramen and stir until melted.
• Top with green onions and a fried egg, if desired.
• Enjoy your creamy and cheesy Korean Cheese Ramen!

Tips and Variations

• If you want a thinner soup, you can add more water to the saucepan after draining the noodle water.
• For a thicker texture, you can create a cornstarch slurry by combining cornstarch with cold water and adding it to the milk before adding the cheese.
• To make the dish even creamier, you can add a slice of American processed cheese or a tablespoon of cream cheese.
• If you want to add some spice to your ramen, try using a spicy ramen packet or adding chilli oil.
• For a more balanced meal, you can add some protein like spam or tofu, or some vegetables like kimchi or seaweed.

Ramen toppings

Best Cheese for Ramen

When it comes to choosing the best cheese for ramen, not all cheeses are created equal. Here are some options to consider:

• Processed American Cheese: Sliced cheese, such as Kraft Singles, melts and stretches easily, making it a perfect topping for broth-based ramen. It adds a cheesy layer to your noodles that will stretch and stick as you slurp.
• Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is smooth, creamy, and salty with a slight tang. It melts easily and adds a mild saltiness to balance out the spiciness of the ramen.
• Mozzarella Cheese: While mozzarella doesn't work well for broth-based ramen, it can be the star of the show in stir-fried or sauce/noodle-forward recipes. It adds a stretchy, chewy texture to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan can be added to ramen in specific instances. It is best suited for fatty or thickened broths/sauces like carbonara sauce.
• Cheddar Jack/Blended Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Jack cheese can be used in broth-style ramen to achieve a more even melt and avoid a grainy texture.
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds extra creaminess to the dish, but it does not pair well with spicy ramen and requires a large amount to be noticeable.
• Cotija/Feta Cheese: These cheeses add saltiness and gooeyness to the dish.

Other Toppings

In addition to cheese, here are some other toppings that can enhance the flavour and texture of your ramen:

• Furikake: Furikake adds saltiness and umami to your ramen.
• Fried Egg: A fried egg makes the dish more filling and hearty.
• Green Onions: Minced green onions add extra flavour and cut through the heaviness of the cheesy noodles.
• Seaweed: Roasted seaweed snacks can be crushed into tiny flakes and sprinkled on for extra saltiness.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavour to your ramen.
• Miso Butter: Miso butter adds a salty, buttery kick to the dish.
• Sriracha Hot Sauce: Sriracha adds a spicy kick and a hint of garlic flavour.
• Crushed-up Potato Chips: Potato chips add saltiness, MSG, and a crunchy texture to the creamy ramen.
• Deep-fried Garlic or Shallot Bits: These add a crispy texture and a hint of garlic flavour.
• Garlic Oil or Chilli Oil: Drizzling garlic oil or chilli oil on top adds extra garlicky flavour.
• Spam: Crispy, pan-fried spam cubes add a salty twist to the dish.

Tips for Making Cheesy Ramen

• Be careful with your temperatures. Add the cheese after the ramen has finished cooking to avoid melting the fat and protein into the broth.
• Choose the proper ramen for your desired recipe and flavour profile.
• Spicier ramen flavours tend to pair well with classic cheese ramen or Korean Cheese Corn recipes.
• Adjust the water amount according to your preferred soup thickness.
• Do not overcook your noodles to avoid sogginess. Undercook by about one minute.
• Wait for the milk to bubble before adding the cheese to ensure the soup thickens properly.
• Turn off the heat before adding the cheese to prevent it from dropping to the bottom of the pan.
• Add chilli oil for extra spice.

Non-vegetarian cheese ramen

Cheese ramen is a classic Korean comfort food that is easy to make and highly customisable. The base of the dish is a combination of cheese and ramen, and milk is sometimes used instead of water to create a rich and creamy broth.

Cheese

The best cheese to use with broth-based ramen is processed American sliced cheese, like Kraft Singles, as it melts and stretches well. However, you can also get creative and use different types of cheese to change up the texture. For example, cheddar adds a slight tang and saltiness, mozzarella creates a chewy texture, and cream cheese adds creaminess. You can also use a mix of 2-3 cheeses.

Ramen

Any instant ramen noodles will work for this recipe, but thicker noodles are generally chewier and harder to overcook. Popular Korean brands include Shin Ramyun and Nongshim.

Non-Vegetarian Options

To make a non-vegetarian version of cheese ramen, you can add a protein of your choice. Some options include:

• Grilled or cooked shredded chicken
• Prawns
• Sausage
• Bacon
• Ham

You can also add scrambled eggs or top the noodles with a fried or poached egg.

Other Ingredients

Cheese ramen can be customised with various other ingredients to enhance the flavour and texture. Here are some options:

• Green onions/scallions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Fried tofu or edamame
• Furikake
• Seaweed
• Miso butter
• Sriracha hot sauce
• Potato chips
• Deep-fried garlic or shallot bits
• Garlic oil or chilli oil
• Spam
• Corn
• Soy sauce
• Black pepper
• Red chilli paste
• Cayenne pepper
• Paprika powder
• Red pepper flakes

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 packet (3 oz) instant ramen noodles
• 1 cup whole milk (or 1/2 cup for less soupy noodles)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salted butter
• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chopped green onions (optional)
• Protein of choice (e.g. chicken, prawns, bacon)

Instructions:

• Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.
• Add ramen noodles and cook for about 2 minutes or according to package instructions.
• Drain the water and transfer the noodles back to the pan.
• Add milk, garlic powder, butter, cheddar cheese, and ground black pepper.
• Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
• Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.
• Add your desired protein and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions