Top Instant Ramen Hacks

Picture this: you’ve just finished a work project and you’re craving a hot steaming bowl of ramen noodles. You don’t have time to go all the way to your favorite ramen shop for a bowl of handmade gourmet soup. Instead, you’ve got some packets of instant ramen noodles. But you wanted something a little more special. What do you do? Hack it. Take that basic pack or cup of instant noodles and make it even better. All it takes is a few simple additions. We’ll show you some of our favorite instant ramen hacks that we think you’ll love too.

First step: start with the best Japanese instant ramen you can get your hands on.

Taste is subjective so you should use whatever instant ramen you like. If you’re looking to find your new favorite Japanese instant ramen, Bokksu Boutique is a great place to start your search. In addition to offering a variety of Japanese snacks, ramen-wise, we've got everything from cute and tasty Pokemon-themed ramen, tonkotsu instant ramen, and even Japanese curry ramen. You’re sure to find something that suits you.

Second step: cook your ramen. We’ll show you what to do using some of the ramen we have on stock at Bokksu Boutique.

Pokémon Noodle: Seafood Flavor

For our first instant ramen hack, we’ll start off simple by elevating the humble cup of noodles with delicious toppings. This version comes with cute Pikachu shaped fish cakes, but we want to really amplify the seafood flavor. We’ll do that by adding in shrimp, fish balls, and clams which will add flavor depth and provide new textures that will keep your Japanese instant ramen from tasting basic. Top off with some katsuoboshi furikake, Japanese rice seasoning with nori and dried shaved fish flakes.

Nissin Raoh: Rich Miso Ramen

Here’s a slightly more elevated take on the classic Japanese instant ramen. For this instant ramen hack we’re taking inspiration from Hokkaido style ramen. Prepare the ramen as usual. Then top your noodles with a generous slice of butter, canned or fresh corn, green onions, and bean sprouts. The butter will melt into your soup adding an extra dimension of rich creamy flavor while the corn will add a burst of sweetness.

Nissin: Cheese Curry Cup Noodle

For this next instant ramen hack, we’re making stir-fried Japanese curry ramen. Parboil the instant noodles and cook for half the time indicated on the package. Reserve some of the cooking water and set aside. Heat up some oil in a frying pan and toss in the cooked noodles. Add half of the seasoning mix. If the noodles are looking too dry add some of the cooking water to loosen them up. Serve with a protein of your choice and dress the noodles with spicy chili oil and some pickled jalapenos. The spicy oil will add a toasted flavor while the pickled jalapenos will help cut the richness of the cheesy curry sauce.

Sugomen: Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen

To dress this bowl up, we’re going to turn it from a premium bowl of Japanese instant ramen into a more restaurant-worthy dish. Prepare the Japanese instant ramen as recommended by the package. Add a soft boiled egg, a sheet of toasted nori, a protein of your choice (seared tofu, sliced chicken breast, roasted pork, etc). Lastly, drizzle some quality toasted sesame oil on top, which will lend the bowl a roasted nutty flavor and fragrance.

Nissin Raoh: Shoyu Soy Sauce Ramen

This next instant ramen hack might sound a little crazy to you but bear with us. Prepare the ramen as usual. After adding the seasoning packet, add about a tablespoon of peanut butter, sriracha to taste, and a splash of coconut milk. Adjust based on your tastes. Mix to combine. Garnish with some fresh cilantro, green onions, and a fried egg. You’ve got yourself a Thai-Japanese instant ramen fusion dish.