Frederic Melton
Cheese ramen is a classic Korean comfort food that combines the umami flavour of ramen with the cheesiness of dairy. The dish is made by adding cheese to instant ramen noodles, and it can be prepared in a variety of ways. While it may sound like an unusual combination, cheese ramen has become increasingly popular, especially during the pandemic, due to its comforting and delicious taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Savory, creamy, buttery, cheesy |
| Texture | Gooey, stretchy, chewy |
| Ease of preparation | Easy, quick, simple |
| Nutritional value | High in fat, carbohydrates, protein, calcium |
| Type of dish | Comfort food, lockdown food |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese ramen is a classic Korean comfort food
The history of cheese ramen can be traced back to the Korean War when American soldiers brought non-perishable food rations, including American cheese, to Korea. The combination of cheese and ramen may seem unusual, but it has become a beloved comfort food for many, both in Korea and internationally. The dish first gained widespread attention in 2018 when celebrity chef Roy Choi shared a recipe for cheese ramen in The New York Times, sparking a global interest in this Korean culinary tradition.
The key to the success of cheese ramen lies in the natural affinity between ramen and cheese. Cheese is rich in free glutamates, a building block of umami flavour, and ramen is already packed with umami. Adding cheese enhances the savouriness of the dish and contributes fat and carbohydrates, resulting in a heartier and more indulgent meal. The type of cheese used can vary, but processed American cheese slices, such as Kraft Singles, are particularly popular due to their melting ability and stretchiness, making them ideal for broth-based ramen. Other popular cheese options include cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, Monterey Jack, and parmesan.
Cheese ramen can be customised to suit individual preferences and can be made with different types of noodles, broths, and additional ingredients. While the basic recipe calls for instant ramen noodles, water, and cheese, many people like to add milk, garlic powder, salted butter, ground black pepper, and green onions (scallions) to enhance the flavour and creaminess of the dish. For a more substantial meal, protein sources such as meat or tofu, and vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, spinach, mushrooms, and peppers can be added. Spicy cheese ramen is also a popular variation, where red chilli paste, cayenne pepper, paprika powder, or red pepper flakes are added to give the dish an extra kick.
Cheese ramen has become a go-to meal for many, offering a quick, easy, and delicious option for busy days. Its simplicity, versatility, and comforting flavour have made it a favourite among food enthusiasts, especially during times when people are looking for familiar and indulgent dishes to enjoy at home.
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American cheese is a popular choice for ramen
Cheese and ramen might not seem like an intuitive combination, but it is actually a classic Korean comfort food. The combination of cheese and ramen first made waves on the internet in 2018 when The New York Times published celebrity chef Roy Choi's recipe. While some people were outraged by the idea, it is worth noting that it has roots in Korean and Korean-American culture.
The history of adding American cheese to ramen goes back to the Korean War when American soldiers brought rations of inexpensive and highly preserved foods, including American cheese. After the war, the cheese remained in Korea, and Korean cooks began experimenting with adding it to their cuisine. Over time, cheese became a common ingredient in various Korean dishes, including ramen.
Preparing ramen with American cheese is simple and easy. One can prepare instant ramen according to the instructions and then add one or two slices of American cheese, stirring to combine. For a more indulgent experience, one can add butter and a poached egg. This combination of American cheese and ramen has become so popular that many brands now sell cheese-flavored ramen.
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Other cheese options include cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, and parmesan
Cheese ramen is a classic Korean comfort food that gained popularity in 2018 when The New York Times published a recipe by celebrity chef Roy Choi. The dish combines ramen noodles with cheese, resulting in a filling and tasty meal. While American cheese is a popular choice for this dish due to its melting properties, other cheese options can also be used, including cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, and parmesan.
Cheddar cheese, known for its sharp and tangy flavour, can add a bold twist to ramen. Its strong flavour can stand up to the bold spices in ramen, creating a complex and satisfying dish. Gouda, on the other hand, has a milder, sweeter flavour with a hint of nuttiness. When added to ramen, it can provide a creamy texture and a subtle, complementary taste.
Mozzarella, a stretchy and mild-flavoured cheese, is another excellent option for ramen. Its stringy texture adds a fun element to the dish, and its mild flavour doesn't overpower the other ingredients. When paired with spicy ramen, mozzarella can help balance the heat and create a more rounded flavour profile. Parmesan, a hard and salty cheese, can be grated over ramen to add a savoury, umami-rich flavour. Its strong flavour means a small amount goes a long way, intensifying the taste of the dish without overwhelming it.
When choosing between these cheese options, consider the desired flavour profile and texture. Each cheese will contribute differently to the overall taste and mouthfeel of the ramen. Additionally, the type of ramen, whether spicy or mild, can also influence the cheese selection. Experimenting with different combinations can lead to unique and delectable cheese ramen creations.
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Cheese ramen can be made in 5 minutes
Cheese ramen is a classic Korean comfort food that has become increasingly popular, especially during the lockdown. It is a filling, quick, and easy meal that can be made in just 5 minutes. The combination of cheese and ramen may seem odd, but it is a match made in heaven. Cheese is naturally 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.
To make cheese ramen, you will need the following ingredients: instant ramen noodles, water, milk, garlic powder, salted butter, cheese, ground black pepper, and green onions (scallions). You can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, American, Monterey Jack, or parmesan. You can even use a mix of 2-3 different cheeses! If you live in India, processed cheese like Amul or Brittania also works well.
Start by heating 1 cup of water in a pan over medium-high heat and bringing it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 2 minutes. In a separate pan, melt a tablespoon of butter and add a clove of minced garlic. Fry for a couple of minutes until the garlic is golden brown. Add the cooked noodles and broth to the pan with the garlic and butter, and mix in your cheese. Cover the pan to allow the cheese to melt, and then mix everything together.
If you prefer a stir-fry or dry noodle style of ramen, add the cheese directly to the pan during the stir-fry phase. This will allow the cheese to melt and caramelize, creating a delicious cheese crust. You can also add blanched, roasted, or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, spinach, mushrooms, peppers, peas, or zucchini to your ramen. For an extra kick of flavour, spice up your ramen with red chilli paste, cayenne pepper, paprika powder, or red pepper flakes.
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Cheese ramen is filling and requires minimal ingredients
Cheese ramen is a classic Korean comfort food that has become increasingly popular worldwide, especially during the pandemic. It is a filling meal that can be made in just 5 minutes with minimal ingredients, making it a convenient option for those short on time.
The key ingredients in cheese ramen are instant ramen noodles, cheese, and milk. Any type of instant ramen noodles can be used, and they can be purchased from most large grocery stores, Asian specialty stores, or online. The best cheese to use with broth-based ramen is processed American cheese, such as Kraft Singles, as it melts and stretches easily. However, other types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan can also be used, depending on personal preference.
To prepare cheese ramen, cook the instant ramen noodles according to the package instructions. If desired, garlic and butter can be fried and added to the broth for extra flavor. Once the noodles and broth are ready, add a slice of cheese on top and cover the dish to allow the cheese to melt. The cheese can also be blended into the broth to create a gooey, mac and cheese-like sauce.
Cheese ramen can be customized with various ingredients to enhance its flavor and nutritional value. Blanched, roasted, or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, spinach, mushrooms, and peppers can be added. Meat or tofu can provide protein, while spices like red chili paste, cayenne pepper, and paprika powder can add a spicy kick. Seasonings such as garlic powder, black pepper, and soy sauce can be adjusted to taste.
The addition of cheese to ramen enhances the umami flavor and adds fat and carbohydrates, creating a rich and satisfying meal. The combination of cheese and ramen may seem unusual, but it has become a beloved hack for many, providing a quick, filling, and delicious meal with minimal ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese ramen is a classic Korean comfort food that tastes like a lighter version of mac and cheese. The cheese adds a smooth creaminess and an extra hint of savory flavor to the broth.
Processed American cheese, like Kraft Singles, is the most popular choice for cheese ramen. This is because it melts and stretches easily and is readily available. However, other types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan can also be used.
In addition to cheese, people also add vegetables, meat or tofu, and spices to their ramen. Some popular vegetable options include broccoli, asparagus, spinach, and mushrooms. For a spicy kick, ingredients like red chili paste, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes can be added.
![[OTTOGI] Cheese Ramen, KOREAN STYLE INSTANT NOODLE, Rich flavor with savory cheese (111g) - 8 Pack](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91XIzI1f2fL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
