Let’s face it — instant noodles are just a reality of student life. They’re cheap, quick to make and super comforting. But despite what the package might say, there is more than one way you can prepare your ramen if you’re feeling creative. So if you’re on a noodle kick, there are ways you can put a twist on them. Here are some great ways to improve instant noodles to switch things up, add nutritional value and make them even tastier.
Add Veg
You might not have anyone to tell you to eat your vegetables anymore, but it’s always a good idea to enforce that rule on yourself. Choose a selection of your favourite vegetables — mushrooms, leafy greens, carrots, pea pods and broccoli all work great — and fry them up to add into your noodles. You can turn it into a stir fry, or simply add the vegetables into your regular noodle soup.
Add an Egg
Whether your preferred type of egg is hard-boiled, soft-boiled or fried, these all work for adding into a noodle dish. It’s a great way to step up your noodles and add a few bites of protein. Cook the egg separately in a pan or even right in the broth, if you’re feeling daring.
See also: The Best Cookbooks For Students
Sauce It Up
If you want to add some spice to your noodles, a dash or two of sriracha can turn them into a whole new dish. You can also add soy sauce, chili sauce, peanut sauce, or sesame oil to create different flavour profiles. Who said noodles had to be boring?
Make It Cheesy
Another way to improve instant noodles is to add cheese. This might sound unusual if you’ve never tried it, but adding cheddar to your noodles can be a total game changer. Strain the noodles and then add in shredded cheese along with the flavour packet. It creates a rich, creamy texture, plus it adds protein to your meal.
Swap Your Broth
If you’re tired of the same flavours in your noodles, you can cook them in a different broth. Simply toss out your flavour packet and cook the noodles in a different soup of your choice. Miso soup is a great option, or you can improvise your own taste using vegetable or chicken stock as a base, and then adding whatever spices or ingredients speak to you.