Description of this recipe
This Spicy Garlic Ramen is a quick, flavorful, and comforting dish that elevates the humble instant ramen to a gourmet experience. Packed with aromatic garlic, spicy chili flakes, and a rich, savory sauce, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying lunch, dinner, or late-night snack. Whether you’re a college student looking for an easy meal or a seasoned foodie craving a burst of flavor, this ramen recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll love this Spicy Garlic Ramen for several reasons:
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and a blend of savory and sweet sauces creates a complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a delicious meal in a hurry.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding your favorite toppings, such as a fried egg, sesame seeds, scallions, or fried spam. You can also adjust the spice level to suit your preference.
- Budget-Friendly: Using instant ramen noodles as a base, this recipe is an affordable way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
- Comfort Food: There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of ramen, and the spicy garlic flavor takes it to the next level of coziness.
Ingredients:
- 2 packs of ramen noodles
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ginger, minced
- 3 scallions, chopped
- ½ tbsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- ½ packet of ramen seasoning
- Sauce:
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp water
- To Serve:
- Fried egg or raw egg yolk (optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Scallions
- Fried spam (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the light soy sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, brown sugar, white pepper, sesame oil, and water until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more brown sugar; for more heat, add more sriracha. Set the sauce aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ramen Noodles: Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Be careful not to overcook them, as they should be slightly firm. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside. Rinsing the noodles briefly with cold water can help prevent them from sticking together.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the cooking oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and the white parts of the chopped scallions. Stir-fry continuously for about 1 minute, or until the garlic turns golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 4: Combine and Coat: Add the cooked ramen noodles to the pan with the sautéed aromatics. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles. Using tongs or chopsticks, toss the noodles thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce. Continue to stir-fry for another minute or two, allowing the noodles to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Spicy Garlic Ramen to a serving bowl. Garnish with the green parts of the chopped scallions and sesame seeds. If desired, top with a fried egg or raw egg yolk and slices of fried spam for added richness and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade ramen!
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Flavor Intensity: Medium to High (depending on the amount of chili flakes and sriracha used)
- Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Spicy Garlic Ramen as a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Pair it with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables for a Korean-inspired meal.
- Add a protein of your choice, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, for a more substantial dish.
- Garnish with additional toppings like nori seaweed, bean sprouts, or corn for added texture and flavor.
- Enjoy it as a late-night snack when you’re craving something warm, spicy, and comforting.
Tips:
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Mince it finely or use a garlic press to release its aromatic oils.
- Chili Flakes: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to your preference. If you like it extra spicy, add a pinch more or use a spicier variety of chili flakes.
- Noodles: Don’t overcook the ramen noodles. They should be slightly firm to the bite.
- Sauce: Taste the sauce before adding it to the noodles and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy twist.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with different toppings and add-ins to create your own unique version of Spicy Garlic Ramen.
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving (without additional toppings)
- Protein: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Sodium: Approximately 1500-2000 mg (depending on the ramen seasoning and soy sauce used)
Conclusion
Spicy Garlic Ramen is a fantastic way to transform a simple packet of instant noodles into a flavorful and satisfying meal. The combination of fresh garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and a perfectly balanced sauce creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re a student on a budget, a busy professional, or simply a ramen enthusiast, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of Spicy Garlic Ramen that is bursting with flavor in every bite!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes, absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, simply ensure that the ramen noodles you use are vegetarian/vegan-friendly (some brands contain animal products in the seasoning packets). You can also omit the fried spam topping and add plant-based protein alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or edamame. For the sauce, make sure your soy sauce and sriracha are vegan-friendly.
Q2: How can I adjust the spice level of this ramen?
A: Adjusting the spice level is easy! If you prefer a milder ramen, reduce the amount of red chili flakes and sriracha in the recipe. If you like it extra spicy, add more red chili flakes, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use a spicier variety of chili flakes for an added kick.
Q3: Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely prepare the sauce ahead of time! In fact, making the sauce in advance allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in an even more delicious and complex flavor profile. Simply whisk all the sauce ingredients together, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and use it within 2-3 days.
Q4: What are some other toppings I can add to this ramen?
A: The possibilities are endless when it comes to ramen toppings! Some popular options include:
- Protein: Grilled chicken, sliced pork, shrimp, tofu, tempeh, boiled egg
- Vegetables: Bean sprouts, corn, spinach, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, seaweed
- Other: Nori seaweed, fish cakes, kimchi, pickled ginger, green onions
Feel free to experiment and add your favorite toppings to create your own personalized ramen masterpiece!
Q5: Can I use a different type of noodles for this recipe?
A: While this recipe is specifically designed for ramen noodles, you can certainly experiment with other types of noodles. Udon noodles, soba noodles, or even spaghetti noodles can be used as alternatives. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of noodles you use, so be sure to follow the package instructions carefully.
