Here are our favourite ways to jazz up your packet noodles...
The popularity of packet or instant noodles is on the rise with their sales increasing by 50% year on year according to Ocado. People just can’t get enough of this speedy carb option. But, it’s no longer satisfactory to simply sprinkle over the packet seasoning and add water, no, TikTokers are seeking more flair than that.
With #ramenhacks trending, we’re here to give the nation what they want... five simple ways to take your noods from a sad salty bowl of emptyness, to a flavour bomb for your tastebuds!
1. Add a jammy egg
Make your instant noodles immediately ramen-esque by adding a runny boiled egg to them. It couldn’t be easier to do; simply lower your egg into a pan of boiling water, reduce to a simmer and cook for 6min. Remove your egg to a bowl of ice-cold water and peel when it’s safe to handle. Cut in half and enjoy!
For the most golden orange yolks, I like to use Clarence Court Burford Brown eggs, which are sure to add an instant pop of colour to your speedy supper.
2. Drizzle over something yummy
Whether it’s something spicy like crispy chilli oil or sriracha, or something to add an instant boost of flavour like sesame oil or tamarind sauce, I love to drizzle over something last minute to make my noodles look fancy and taste more restaurant-like.
3. Sprinkle over extra bits
My favourite thing about a restaurant ramen (shoutout to Bone Daddies’ Yuzu Tonkotsu) is all the delicious bits you can order on top. Some easy wins to add at home are finely chopped spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, shop-bought crispy onions or pink pickled ginger.
If I’m going that extra mile and trying to recreate the 'Yuzu Tonkotsu' ramen at home I'll add sliced bamboo shoots, chicken or pork scratchings and some fried chicken if I’m feeling luxurious.
4. Whisk things into the broth
If you’re going to add pastes and sauces to the broth itself, I would recommend choosing a plainer vegetable, chicken, pork-based packet noodle as safer options.
You can of course experiment later on down the line with more unique flavoured noodles, such as your tom yum and piri piri chicken, but it might be advised to only add extra toppings to these broths!
You can go down the traditional route of miso, gochujang or yuzu additions for a South-East Asian inspired broth, or if you’re feeling a little wild, then try adding your choice of spiced curry paste. Thai Green, Massaman or Madras curry pastes are some of my favourite choices. I'd recommend a teaspoon of each if it's a single serve.
Whisk your pastes/sauces into the boiling broth before adding your noodles for a flavoursome twist.
5. Make it a whole lot more nutritious
By adding some protein and vegetable options to your instant noodles, you’re injecting some nutritional value into them. Some of my favourite veggie options are charred pak choi, crispy enoki mushrooms or roasted aubergine. Crispy pork belly, shredded chicken, blackened cod or sautéed prawns make for great protein options.
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