How to upgrade instant noodles
Take your storecupboard instant noodles to the next level with our ramen recipes. Discover ideas for toppings and flavourings to make a filling meal.
Instant noodles are great to have on hand as they have a lengthy shelf life. See how to transform an ordinary storecupboard essential into a filling meal that packs a punch.
Upgrade your meal with our ideas for adding protein (such as chicken, eggs and fish), vegetables, sauces, condiments and spices.
For more thrifty dishes, see our storecupboard recipes.
3 Budget ramen ideas
Instant noodle toppings
Protein
The easiest way to make instant noodles more filling is to add extra protein like meat and fish. This is also a great opportunity to use up shredded meat from a Sunday roast or takeaway leftovers.
- Chicken
- Roast beef
- Salmon
- Prawns
- Soft-boiled eggs
Vegetables
Use fresh or frozen vegetables to give your noodles a filling and nutritious makeover. Add your veggies and boil in the ramen broth until tender.
More like this
- Frozen peas
- Frozen sweetcorn
- Edamame
- Grated carrot
- Spinach
- Kale
- Beansprouts
- Spring onion
Sauces
Raid the storecupboard for other flavours you might like. Add some heat with a spicy condiment, or depth with a cooking sauce or oil.
- Sriracha
- Chilli sauce
- Hot sauce
- Tamarind sauce
- Soy sauce
- Fish sauce
- Sesame oil
Instant noodle recipes
Super-quick sesame ramen
Try upgrading instant noodles with our super-quick sesame ramen. Cook the noodles in boiling water and the sachet provided or vegetable stock. Add spring onions and pak choi to the broth for a couple minutes. Top with a soft boiled egg, sesame seeds and chilli sauce.
Chicken & sweetcorn ramen
For a more kid-friendly version, try this chicken & sweetcorn ramen. Cook a pack of noodles in chicken stock and add sweetcorn, peas or chopped beans. Add sliced leftover chicken breast and a soft boiled egg to make it extra filling.
More ideas
Full English – add crisp bacon, fried mushrooms and a soft boiled egg.
Thai ramen – cook the noodles in coconut milk and add Thai green curry paste and frozen veggies.
Easy pad Thai – add tamarind paste, fish sauce, beansprouts, lime and peanuts.
Satay noodles – mix satay sauce with the noodles then stir in some cooked chicken. Serve with spring onions and chopped peanuts.
See more noodle recipes with our ramen collection.
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How will you upgrade instant noodles? Let us know in the comments below...
