Ramen noodles are a popular, inexpensive meal that can be prepared quickly and easily. While ramen is traditionally served as a soup with broth, it can also be made by just adding boiling water to the dried noodles and seasoning in a cup. This cup ramen recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or snack on the go.
Making ramen in a cup takes only a few minutes. All you need is a package of instant ramen, a cup or bowl, and hot water. The keys are using the right amount of water and letting the noodles soak for the perfect timing. With the right technique, you can enjoy delicious ramen without dirtying pots or pans. We’ll walk through the simple steps for making great ramen in a cup every time.
What You’ll Need
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The two essential ingredients for ramen in a cup are the dried noodles and water for cooking. You’ll also need a cup, bowl, or container that is microwave-safe if heating the water in the microwave.
For the noodles, use any brand or variety of instant ramen that you prefer. The classic Maruchan or Nissin styles work well. You can use regular or large brick ramen packages. Other instant noodle cups also work.
The cup, bowl, or container should be made of microwave-safe material like ceramic, glass, or certain plastics if heating water in the microwave. Select a size that will comfortably fit the brick of ramen or allow water to cover the noodles adequately.
Tips for Ingredients
– Feel free to use any flavor packets that come with the ramen or add your own seasonings.
– For a heartier meal, add protein like cooked chicken, beef, shrimp or a soft boiled egg.
– Customize with vegetables like spinach, corn, shredded carrots or cabbage.
– Swap the seasoning packet for miso paste, curry powder, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce or other flavor.
Cooking the Noodles
Here are two methods for cooking ramen noodles in a cup – stovetop or microwave:
Stovetop
1. Boil water in a kettle or small pot. You’ll need 1 1/2 to 2 cups water depending on your container size.
2. Place block of dry noodles in cup or bowl.
3. Once water has boiled, carefully pour it over the noodles until they are fully submerged. Add up to 2 cups if needed.
4. Let noodles soak for 3 minutes until soft and cooked through.
5. Drain excess water if needed and enjoy the ramen while hot.
Microwave
1. Add block of dry noodles to microwave-safe cup or bowl.
2. Pour over 1 1/2 to 2 cups freshly boiled water from an electric kettle, or heat water in the microwave until hot, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Microwave noodles for 3 minutes, allowing them to soak and cook.
4. Carefully remove from microwave and drain excess water if needed.
Tips for Cooking
– For firmer noodles, use less water and soak for less time.
– For very soft noodles, use more water and soak for longer, 4-5 minutes.
– Partially cook thick udon or soba noodles before soaking to desired doneness.
– Take care when handling the hot cup and water. Use oven mitts or a towel.
Customizing Your Ramen
One of the best parts about ramen in a cup is being able to customize with your favorite flavors and add-ins. Here are some easy ways to make your ramen unique:
Seasoning Packet
– Use the entire seasoning packet for a stronger flavor.
– To make it less salty, use only half or a portion of the packet.
– Skip the packet and use your own seasonings (see below).
Spices and Seasonings
– Garlic powder, onion powder, sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili oil
– Soy sauce, miso paste, curry powder, 5-spice powder
– Hot sauce, sriracha, chili garlic sauce
– Sesame seeds, furikake, diced green onions
Proteins and Vegetables
– Soft boiled or hard boiled egg, sliced
– Rotisserie or grilled chicken, shredded or chopped
– Cooked shrimp, beef or pork
– Sauteed mushrooms, bok choy, spinach
– Corn, snap peas, shredded carrots
– Bean sprouts, kimchi, green onion
Noodle Swaps
– Udon, soba, rice noodles, egg noodles, cellophane noodles
– Ramen varieties – shrimp, chili, curry, miso, garlic oil
FAQs
Can I use a bowl instead of a cup?
Yes, either a cup or bowl will work. Just make sure it is microwave safe if heating water in the microwave. The bowl should be deep enough to submerge the noodles.
How much water should I use?
Use 1 1/2 to 2 cups of water depending on your container size. The noodles should be fully covered by water while soaking. For a firmer texture, start with less water. For softer noodles, use more water and soak for longer.
Do the noodles stick together?
The noodles may stick a little while soaking but will naturally separate after a minute. You can gently stir them with a fork or chopsticks to prevent sticking if desired. Adding a touch of oil or butter to the water can also help prevent sticking.
Can I reheat ramen made in a cup?
It’s best to eat the ramen freshly made for the best texture. Reheating in the microwave can make the noodles overcooked and mushy. However, you can add fresh hot water to rehydrate and warm back up.
Can I prepare the whole ramen package in a cup?
For a single serving, it's best to only prepare one block of the noodles in a cup. To prepare the full package, use a larger bowl or divide between two cups for multiple servings.Tips and Tricks
– Break the dry noodles into smaller pieces for quicker cooking and easier soaking in the water.
– Add a pinch of baking soda to the water to help the noodles soften faster.
– Heat your cup or bowl first with hot water to keep the ramen warmer longer.
– Customize the ingredients to make each cup unique – mix and match flavors!
– Top with an egg, frozen mixed veggies, kimchi or avocado after cooking for instant toppings.
– For a spicier broth, add chili crisp oil, chili powder, cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes when making cup ramen:
– Using too little water so the noodles don’t soften enough
– Overcooking the noodles until they’re mushy
– Microwaving too long so the noodles are soft but the water isn’t hot
– Not draining excess water after soaking leads to a watery soup
– Adding egg or uncooked ingredients before soaking the noodles
– Using a cup or bowl not suitable for hot liquids
Conclusion
Ramen noodles can be transformed into a quick and easy meal with just the addition of water. Follow the simple steps for making delicious ramen in a cup with the right amount of water and soaking time. Customize your noodles by adding proteins, veggies, and unique seasonings. Avoid common mistakes like overcooking. In just a few minutes, you can enjoy a hot and comforting ramen meal anywhere. Experiment with different add-ins and noodles for varied flavors in each unique cup creation.