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12 Ramen Recipe Upgrades That Are Completely Unexpected, Because You Can Do Better Than A Flavor Packet

Whether you're trying to save a few bucks on meals or you're just craving some good old salty noodles, ramen will always have a special place in your heart — but sometimes you'll admit that sometimes you could use more than just a pack of dehydrated noodles and a flavor packet. Luckily, there are plenty of unique ramen recipes to make this food even more unexpectedly delicious. It's time to hack your ramen.

Cook your noodles or leave them dry, add them to broth or savor them on your own — the possibilities are endlessly amazing. Forget the flavor packet, and use these 12 unique recipes for some instant ramen inspiration.

Photo: House of Yumm

by Rebecca Deczynski

Thai Chicken Peanut Ramen Noodle Soup

It may look exceedingly fancy, but Half Baked Harvest’s coconut milk-based Thai ramen isn’t too hard to make at home. Just don’t skip out on the cilantro.

Image: Half Baked Harvest

Warm Cabbage Noodle Salad

Ditch the broth, and let your noodles shine on their own — alongside some fresh veggies. A Beautiful Mess knows how to make one stand-out noodle dish.

Image: A Beautiful Mess

10-Minute Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles

For a cheap yet delicious meal, The Kitchn is our savior for this oddly gourmet-tasting meal that even college students can afford to make.

Image: The Kitchn

Asian Chicken Salad

Give this summer salad recipe a crunchy twist with Mel’s Kitchen Cafe’s tip — just mix in some chopped, crispy ramen.

Image: Mel’s Kitchen Cafe

Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen Noodles

Think beyond the stovetop. A Spicy Perspective cooks ramen in a slow cooker for an extra rich, hearty taste.

Image: A Spicy Perspective

Crispy Caramelized Pork Ramen Noodle Soup With Roasted Acorn Squash

Acorn squash, caramelized pork, and a yolky eggy make Half Baked Harvest’s ramen an unbelievably gourmet dish. This isn’t your college ramen.

Image: Half Baked Harvest

Asian-Style Soy-Glazed Chicken Salad

While perfectly browned chicken may be the star of The Crepes of Wrath’s chicken salad, ramen makes it all the more delectable.

Image: The Crepes of Wrath

Amazing Asian Ramen Salad

Who knew coleslaw mix could taste so out-of-this world? Table for Two uses ramen as a final touch in this crunchy side dish.

Image: Table for Two

Ramen Burger

The ramen burger may be famous. But that doesn’ t mean it’s hard to make at home. In fact, Endless Simmer makes it seem beyond easy.

Image: fat_albert9631/Flickr

Kung Pao Style Ramen

No need to order takeout. Mel’s Kitchen Cafe mixes hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and veggies to recreate that classic Kung Pao flavor.

Image: Mel’s Kitchen Cafe

Crunchy Cabbage And Ramen Noodle Salad

The Kitchn’s classic cabbage-noodle salad makes a perfect side dish for any barbecue bash.

Image: The Kitchn

Ramen Grilled Cheese

We are all about unique grilled cheese sandwiches — but this creation by House of Yumm may take the cake as most unique. Think of it as the beautiful, cheesy alternate to the famed ramen burger.

Image: House of Yumm

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