Ramen's Best Cheese: A Comprehensive Guide

Adding cheese to ramen is a quick, easy, and versatile way to elevate a simple meal. While some people may be hesitant to combine these two beloved foods, the creamy, indulgent result has gained popularity, especially in Korea. So, what kind of cheese goes well with ramen?

Mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella has a neutral flavour, so it won't overpower the other ingredients in your ramen. It does, however, require a bit more heat to melt, so you may need to leave the heat on for about 30 seconds while trying to melt it into the sauce.

Mozzarella also solidifies as it cools, so it's best to use it in smaller amounts to maintain the creaminess of your ramen. It's perfect for that stringy, chewy texture that makes cheese ramen so indulgent and satisfying.

For a quick and easy meal, simply cook your favourite instant ramen noodles, drain the water, and add butter, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and grated mozzarella. Stir everything together until creamy, and you've got yourself a delicious and versatile cheese ramen!

Cheddar cheese

Ramen and Cheddar Cheese

Ramen is a versatile dish that can be customised with various ingredients to suit one's taste. While ramen is traditionally not made with cheese, some people enjoy adding different types of cheese to their ramen, including cheddar cheese. Here are some tips and recipes for preparing ramen with cheddar cheese:

Selecting the Right Ramen Noodles

It is essential to choose the right type of ramen noodles for this dish. You can use either dried or fresh instant ramen noodles. Some people prefer thicker noodles, such as the Korean brand Shin Ramyun, as they tend to have a chewier texture and are less likely to be overcooked. However, you can use any instant ramen noodles that you like or have available.

Preparing the Noodles

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. It is recommended to cook the noodles until they are al dente, which means slightly firm to the bite. Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they can become mushy. Once the noodles are cooked, drain the water and set the noodles aside.

Creating the Cheese Sauce

To make the cheese sauce, heat milk, butter, garlic powder, and spices in a separate pot over medium-low heat. You can also add the ramen flavour packet to enhance the flavour. Stir the mixture until the butter has melted and the milk has come to a low rolling boil. At this point, you can add a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and cold water) to thicken the sauce. Continue stirring until the milk has thickened. Then, turn off the heat and add the grated cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese has melted and combined with the creamy milk.

Combining the Noodles and Cheese Sauce

After preparing the cheese sauce, it is time to combine it with the cooked ramen noodles. Add the noodles to the pot of cheese sauce and gently fold them together to ensure even coverage. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of reserved pasta water or hot water.

Serving and Garnishing

Serve the cheddar cheese ramen while it is still hot. You can garnish it with various toppings, such as green onions, fried eggs, seaweed flakes, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed-up potato chips. For a spicier dish, you can add sriracha hot sauce or red chilli flakes.

Tips for Optimal Results

When making cheddar cheese ramen, it is essential to grate your own cheese instead of using pre-grated cheese, as the pre-grated variety often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Additionally, it is recommended to turn off the heat before adding the cheese to the sauce, as this will prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Finally, do not overcook the noodles to maintain their chewy texture.

Pre-packaged Cheddar Cheese Ramen Options

If you are short on time or want a convenient option, you can also purchase pre-packaged cheddar cheese ramen cups or bowls, such as the Maruchan Instant Lunch Cheddar Cheese Ramen Noodle Soup. These products typically require only hot water and a few minutes to prepare.

American cheese

When adding American cheese to ramen, it is recommended to use pre-sliced cheese, as shredded cheese may not melt as well. Simply prepare the instant ramen according to the instructions, then add one or two slices of American cheese and stir to combine. For an even creamier texture, a small pad of butter can also be added.

Some people prefer to use American cheese in ramen without broth, as the cheese itself can be mixed into the noodles to create a thick sauce. This is a common way to serve instant ramen in Korea, where American cheese and ramen are considered natural companions. The combination of American cheese and ramen is said to be comforting and delicious, providing a whole new level of creamy umami flavour.

Parmesan cheese

Parmesan can be added to ramen in shredded form, or as the "stuff in a can". It can be mixed into the ramen or served on the side, for dipping. One source suggests that Parmesan is best served on ramen with butter, and another recommends adding garlic and parsley to the dish.

If you're looking for a specific recipe, try this one for Spicy Parmesan Ramen:

Ingredients:

• Ramen noodles
• Green onions
• Garlic
• Gochugaru
• Ramen soup base packet
• Neutral oil
• Butter

Method:

• Cook the ramen noodles, setting aside the flavour packets for later.
• Heat up 4 tablespoons of neutral oil in a small pot.
• In a heat-proof bowl, add chopped green onions, garlic, gochugaru, and half the ramen soup base packet.
• When the oil is hot, carefully pour it over the sauce and mix.
• Drain the ramen noodles and stir them into the sauce.
• Top with green onions and grated Parmesan.

Feta cheese

Feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in many different ramen recipes. For example, it can be crumbled over Korean spicy ramen with a fried egg and sausage, or blended with milk, chile peppers, crackers, oil, and salt to make a creamy Huancaína sauce, which is then poured over the ramen. Feta can also be used in combination with other cheeses in ramen, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to add extra saltiness and gooeyness.

When adding feta to ramen, it is important to consider the other ingredients and flavours in the dish. Feta pairs well with ingredients such as fried eggs, sausages, watermelon, and asparagus. It can also be used in combination with other cheeses, spices, and sauces to create a unique and indulgent ramen dish.

Frequently asked questions