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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
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