Spicy Garlic Butter Ramen

$- 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 green onions, thinly sliced - 1 cup baby spinach or bok choy - Sesame seeds for garnish - Soft-boiled eggs (optional) I love using instant ramen noodles for this recipe. They cook quickly and soak up flavors well. Discard the seasoning packets since we will create our own rich taste. Unsalted butter gives the broth a creamy texture. The fresh garlic adds a strong, savory base. Red pepper flakes bring heat, but you can adjust this to your taste. The broth is crucial. Chicken or vegetable broth provides depth. Soy sauce adds a salty umami kick. Green onions and spinach or bok choy add freshness and color, making the dish pop. Finishing with sesame seeds adds a nice crunch. If you want, add soft-boiled eggs on top for extra protein and richness. You can swap in other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers if you prefer. If you need gluten-free noodles, look for rice noodles or gluten-free ramen. For a lighter dish, consider low-sodium broth options. To kick up the flavor, you can add a splash of lime juice or a dash of sesame oil. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil add brightness too. Consider adding more spices like ginger or a spoonful of miso for extra depth. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the instant ramen noodles. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on the timer to avoid overcooking. After cooking, drain the noodles and set them aside. For best results, use a large pot. This allows the noodles to move freely. Stir them gently while cooking to prevent sticking. Next, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt slowly. Once melted, add 6 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes. The goal is to make the garlic fragrant, not burnt. Stir it constantly to avoid any burning. This garlic butter sauce is the heart of the dish. It gives the ramen rich flavor and a lovely aroma. Now, pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth along with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors well. After the broth simmers, it’s time to add the cooked noodles. Gently stir to coat the noodles with the garlic butter broth. This step is crucial for flavor. Next, toss in 1 cup of baby spinach or bok choy. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. This adds color and nutrition to your ramen. For a great presentation, ladle the spicy garlic butter ramen into bowls. Top each bowl with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. If you like, add soft-boiled eggs for a nice touch. To serve, use a wide soup spoon or a deep bowl. This makes it easy to enjoy every bite. For an extra pop of flavor, drizzle some melted garlic butter on top before serving. To adjust spice levels, start small. Add red pepper flakes slowly. Taste as you go. You can make it mild or fiery. For a richer broth, add more soy sauce or a splash of mirin. This will deepen the taste. A dash of sesame oil can also boost flavor. When boiling noodles, use a big pot. This helps them cook evenly. Stir them gently to avoid sticking. For sautéing garlic, keep the heat medium. This helps prevent burning. If you're short on time, use leftover broth. It speeds up the cooking process. Get creative with garnishes. Try a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra garlic butter. Use bright green onions for color. To plate like a pro, use a deep bowl. Layer the noodles first, then pour broth over. Add greens last for a fresh look. Pro Tips Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. You can always add more spice later if desired. Butter Quality Matters: Use high-quality unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you want to experiment, try adding a flavored butter, like garlic herb butter, for an extra kick. Fresh Herbs Enhance Flavor: Consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil just before serving. They add a delightful freshness that complements the rich garlic butter. Customize Your Toppings: Get creative with toppings—try adding sliced mushrooms, shredded carrots, or even a sprinkle of chili oil for additional flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can boost your ramen with added protein. Chicken, shrimp, and tofu work well. - For chicken, use cooked, shredded pieces. - Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice taste. - Tofu is great for a vegetarian option. Just cube it and add to the broth. For vegan choices, use firm tofu or tempeh. Both absorb flavors well and keep the meal filling. Spicy garlic butter ramen can adapt to your taste. - If you want it milder, reduce the red pepper flakes. - Try adding ginger for a fresh kick or lime for brightness. You can also explore regional twists. For a Korean flair, add gochujang. For a Japanese touch, use miso paste. You can change the broth to fit your taste. - Use vegetable broth for a lighter option. - For more richness, try adding coconut milk. You can also switch up the seasonings. Add a splash of fish sauce for depth. If you want a creamy broth, blend in some sesame paste or miso. Both give a nice texture and flavor. After you make spicy garlic butter ramen, keep it in the fridge. Place the ramen in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about 3 days. Before eating, check for any odd smells or changes in color. If it seems off, toss it out. You can freeze ramen leftovers for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use a pot on the stove or the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Meal prep makes cooking easy. You can make a big batch of spicy garlic butter ramen. Divide it into individual portions. Use small containers for quick meals. When hunger strikes, just grab a container and heat it. This way, you save time and enjoy tasty ramen anytime. Yes, you can! To make it vegan, use plant-based butter. For the broth, pick vegetable broth. This keeps the dish rich and tasty without animal products. To tone down the heat, reduce the red pepper flakes. You can also add more butter to balance the spice. A touch of sugar can help too. The total time is about 20 minutes. Prep takes about 10 minutes. Cooking the noodles and sauce takes another 10 minutes. It’s quick and easy! Fresh noodles work great! Just cook them per the package instructions. They may take a bit longer than instant noodles but will add a nice texture. In this post, I shared how to make a tasty garlic butter ramen dish. You learned about the main ingredients, flavor enhancements, and easy steps to cook. I also covered tips, variations, and how to store leftovers. Ramen is fun to customize, so feel free to mix and match ingredients. With a little creativity, you can make this dish your own. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

A flavorful and spicy ramen dish with garlic butter, perfect for a quick meal.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 2

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 packs instant ramen noodles
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 pieces green onions, thinly sliced
1 cup baby spinach or bok choy
to taste sesame seeds for garnish
optional soft-boiled eggs

Instructions

In a pot of boiling water, cook the instant ramen noodles according to package instructions until just tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and soy sauce, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet, stirring gently to coat the noodles in the garlic butter broth.
Toss in the baby spinach or bok choy, cooking just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Ladle the spicy garlic butter ramen into bowls. Top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and soft-boiled eggs if using.

Notes

For a vibrant presentation, place soft-boiled eggs halved on top of the ramen, and arrange green onion slices in a circular pattern. Drizzle a bit of additional melted garlic butter over the top before serving for a glossy finish.

Keyword butter, garlic, quick meal, ramen, spicy