10 Ramen Recipes to Kick the Instant Stuff Up a Notch

Ramen Casserole Recipe

If you love ramen, you’ll love this casserole. It’s got that rich, comfort-food vibe, all while feeling like an upgraded college microwaveable ramen. The smoke from the pork and nori, combined with rich hits of mushrooms, egg, and bamboo add a lot of depths to instant noodles.

Teriyaki Cheesesteak Ramen Recipe

Though far from traditional, this mighty mashup meal combines two of our favorite comfort foods: Philly cheesesteaks and ramen. What’s not to love? 

Ramen Carbonara Recipe

A good carbonara is a thing of beauty: a tangle of noodles slicked with a creamy cheese-forward sauce, little nuggets of salty pork cheeks. The sauce itself is a miracle of pasta cooking water, cheese, and an egg cooked only by the residual heat of the pasta.

Breakfast Ramen Recipe

Ramen for breakfast? Yeah, we went there—and yeah, it's delicious. Use quick-cooking packaged ramen noodles (ditching the seasoning packet) as a base for creamy eggs, cheese, bacon, sweet peppers, and tomatoes to make a hearty and super-satisfying breakfast bowl in no time.

Cheesy Spinach Ramen Recipe

Use quick-cooking packaged ramen noodles (ditching the seasoning packet) as a base for this easy and cheesy noodle bowl. This Cheesy Spinach Ramen is the perfect go-to for a crazy comforting last-minute meal. Feel free to toss in any other veggies or proteins, like leftover rotisserie chicken, you might have hanging out in your fridge. 

Shrimp and Ramen Stir-Fry  Recipe

The college student's standby gets a serious upgrade in this tasty stir-fry supper. Using quick-cooking, packaged ramen noodles (minus the seasoning packet) as a base, simply bulk them up with frozen shrimp, veggies, and a quick and flavorful homemade sauce to create a weeknight-friendly dinner. Added bonus: The leftovers make for an excellent next-day packed lunch. 

Sweet Potato Zoodle Ramen Recipe

For a healthier take on ramen, substitute sweet potato zoodles for the traditional wheat noodles. The shortcut broth has loads of flavor without taking hours to cook.

Slow Cooker Ramen Bowls Recipe

Any ramen lover will tell you--it's all about the broth. We build layers of rich umami flavor with the help of mushroom stems, fresh ginger, kombu (a type of edible kelp), sesame oil, and, of course, low and slow heat.

Edamame and Ramen Avocado Salad Recipe

This fresh avocado salad is way better (and way healthier!) than the instant ramen you ate in college. Top with orange slices for extra brightness.

Crispy Ramen-Crusted Chicken with Asian Salad Recipe

Buttermilk battered fried chicken might be a Southern classic (and deservedly so!), but it’s always fun to switch things up. Try this Asian-inspired dish that swaps classic batter for crushed ramen noodle pieces, which give these chicken cutlets a satisfying crunch.