There is so much to love about instant ramen, but one of the most under-appreciated things is its utility. Aside from a classic bowl of ramen, it feels like there are an infinite amount of dishes you can make with these versatile noodles.
You already know about recipes that use ramen noodles for soup. You already know that adding an egg and a few veggies can change the game, and you may even know that peanut butter goes really well in ramen soup, too.
Turns out, there is more to instant ramen than soup. Just ask these Redditors, who shared their favorite quirky ways of using ramen noodles. Intrigued? Here are 10 unconventional, easy recipes with ramen noodles.
1. Chow Mein and Stir Fry
This is one of the easiest instant ramen noodle recipes you’re likely to find. All you really need are your noodles, the seasoning packet, and any veggies you’ve got in the fridge. Eggs, soy sauce, and an additional protein can help take things to the next level.
Recipe: Andy Ricker
2. Ramen Noodle Salad
Noodles — both cooked and raw — can be a great addition to a cold salad. You can make everything from croutons to wonton-style crunchies. According to one Redditor, you can even use the seasoning packets to make dressing.
Recipe: Allrecipes3. Instant Ramen Gnocchi
Thank celebrity chef David Chang for this recipe, which takes average instant ramen and transforms it into Parisian-style gnocchi. It’s actually pretty easy to pull off, too, as long as you’ve got a decent blender.
Recipe: David Chang4. Crunch it Raw
The easiest way possible? Don’t cook it at all. One Redditor says that they knew a guy who would crush the noodles inside the package, pour in the seasoning packet, and “eat it like a small bag of chips.”
I myself used to pour the seasoning packet over the top and crunch down like a rice cake. Great stuff.
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5. Casseroles
“I used to make a sort of casserole with them,” explains one user. This is pretty common, especially if you’re going for the vibe of a chicken noodle soup casserole. Any canned soup, tuna, veggies, or cheese are welcome additions.
Recipe: The Cutting Edge of Ordinary
Related: 15 Hacks to Make Instant Ramen More Delicious Under $1
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6. ‘Japanese Coleslaw’
According to one user, crushed ramen noodles are a great addition for a slaw-like side dish. “Crushed ichiban noodles, coleslaw mix, and oil and vinegar dressing with the powder,” one Redditor writes. “It’s awesome.”
Recipe: A Pinch of Healthy
Related: I Tried 13 Kinds of Instant Ramen and These Were the Best (and Worst)
7. Ramen Burger Buns
If you’ve never tried the viral food trend of making burger buns out of ramen noodles, you’re missing out. Though most foods that are only created for Instagram don’t always live up to the hype, this is actually a very delicious dish.
Recipe: DelishRelated: These Mouth-Watering Ramen Recipes From TikTok Will Elevate Your Noodle Game
8. Ramen and Cheese
One of the most common responses in the thread was the defense of ramen and melted cheese. “It’s amazing comfort food,” one user says. “I pair it with roasted veggies.” I’m fully on board. It’s basically just spaghetti at that point.
Recipe: Spoons of Flavor
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9. Okonomiyaki
Have you ever had this classic Japanese street dish? It’s a winner, and you can absolutely make it with instant ramen noodles. Bonus points if you’ve got good seafood on hand, especially octopus, calamari, or shrimp.
Recipe: Emmy Cho10. Don’t Eat It at All
Do you not even like ramen? That’s fine, there’s another use for it.
Just fix stuff with it, like this guy.Ideas for Ramen Noodle Seasoning Packets
Wondering what to with just the seasoning packet? Here are a few ideas.
Add it to popcorn.
Season a pot of rice with it.
Mix it into canned tuna.
Sprinkle it over home fries.
