Using your noodle
Rev up your ramen by elevating these filling noodles with tasty additions
Originally a go-to meal for time-crunched college students on a budget, instant ramen is known for its versatility. Thanks to authentic Japanese ramen restaurants with various offerings springing up across the country, Canadians are learning how to elevate their bowls of ramen at home. Tasty and easy additions of vegetables, proteins and your own seasonings can easily improve this simple meal’s deliciousness and nutritional value.
Classic Asian veggies, such as bean sprouts, bok choy and shiitake mushrooms, are delicious in ramen. Carrots, celery, onions, button mushrooms, broccoli, corn, peppers and green beans also work well.
For protein, toss in some leftover chicken, fish or other meat. If you lack left-overs, the hot liquid used to cook ramen will quickly cook thinly sliced raw meat. Tofu works nicely too. Japanese cooks often top ramen with a medium-boiled egg, sliced in half. That’s both pretty and yummy. You can also poach an egg in with the ramen, after the ramen is cooked. And some people add cheese and/or butter.
Ramen is a great way to use small odds and ends that often go to waste, such as pan juices from roast beef or chicken. Try adding coconut milk to chicken, beef or vegetable stock for a creamier broth. A garnish of sliced scallions, leeks or minced fresh garlic will enliven the dish too. Although instant ramen contains iron, B vitamins and manganese, adding whole, unprocessed foods boosts the amount of fibre, protein and other vitamins and minerals in your bowl.
You can also replace the seasoning packet with your own seasonings. Onions, garlic and peppers bring deep flavour with less salt; curry adds an earthy flavour, and hot sauce, such as Sriracha, adds heat. A bit of soy sauce is also good.
In Japan, ramen is often a serious culinary endeavour, and people wait hours to get into certain famous ramen restaurants. Meanwhile, you can easily rev up your ramen in your own kitchen, and slurp your noodles comfortably at home.
