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9 Instant Ramen Hacks You Need to Try | Epicurious

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Originating from the rustic kitchens of France, French Onion Soup is a beloved dish that highlights the deep flavors of caramelized onions and rich broth. Traditionally served as a starter, it has become a comforting main course, especially during colder months. The addition of noodles adds heartiness, making it a satisfying meal. Today, variations abound, with some recipes incorporating different cheeses or even adding proteins, showcasing its adaptability in modern cuisine.

Ingredients

  • onions
  • butter
  • garlic
  • beef broth
  • white wine
  • bay leaves
  • thyme
  • egg noodles
  • gruyère cheese
  • parmesan cheese
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • bread
  • olive oil
  • parsley

Instructions

  1. 1Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. 2Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, about 25-30 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. 4Pour in white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  5. 5Add beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme; bring to a simmer.
  6. 6Season with salt and black pepper to taste; simmer for 20 minutes.
  7. 7Meanwhile, cook egg noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  8. 8Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs from the soup.
  9. 9Add cooked noodles to the soup and stir to combine.
  10. 10Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls and top with slices of bread and a generous amount of gruyère cheese.
  11. 11Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
  12. 12Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven until cheese is bubbly and golden, about 3-5 minutes.
  13. 13Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

gruyère cheese

Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

Cheaper: provolone cheese

Provolone is less expensive while still melting well.

beef broth

Healthier: vegetable broth

Cheaper: chicken broth

Chicken broth is often cheaper than beef broth.

white wine

Healthier: non-alcoholic wine

Cheaper: apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds acidity without the cost of wine.

egg noodles

Healthier: whole wheat noodles

Cheaper: pasta

Regular pasta is usually less expensive than specialty noodles.

Techniques

caramelizingsimmeringbroiling

Equipment

large potoven-safe bowlsbaking sheet
🌶️🌶️🌶️LowContains Alcoholmilkwheat

Also Known As

Soupe à l'oignon gratinéeOnion Soup with Noodles

Fried chicken tenders are a beloved American comfort food, often enjoyed as a snack or main dish. Originating from Southern cuisine, they have become a staple in fast food and casual dining. Today, variations exist globally, with different spices and coatings reflecting local tastes.

Ingredients

  • chicken breast
  • buttermilk
  • all-purpose flour
  • cornstarch
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • paprika
  • cayenne pepper
  • egg
  • bread crumbs
  • vegetable oil
  • honey
  • hot sauce

Instructions

  1. 1Cut chicken breasts into strips.
  2. 2Marinate chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
  3. 3In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  4. 4In another bowl, beat eggs until smooth.
  5. 5Set up a breading station: one bowl for the flour mixture, one for the eggs, and one for the breadcrumbs.
  6. 6Remove chicken from buttermilk and let excess drip off.
  7. 7Coat each chicken strip in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  8. 8Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
  9. 9Dredge the chicken in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  10. 10Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.
  11. 11Carefully add chicken strips to the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  12. 12Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, turning halfway.
  13. 13Remove chicken tenders and drain on paper towels.
  14. 14Serve with honey and hot sauce for dipping.

Ingredient Alternatives

buttermilk

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: milk + vinegar

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

all-purpose flour

Healthier: whole wheat flour

Cheaper: cornmeal

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

bread crumbs

Healthier: panko bread crumbs

Cheaper: crushed crackers

Panko provides a lighter texture.

vegetable oil

Healthier: canola oil

Cheaper: peanut oil

Canola oil is healthier with a higher smoke point.

Techniques

marinatingbreadingfrying

Equipment

deep fryermixing bowlstongsmeat thermometerpaper towels
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediummilkeggswheat

Also Known As

Chicken TendersChicken StripsChicken Fingers

Ingredients

  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 packs instant ramen noodles
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup toasted seaweed, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
  • 1 green onion, sliced
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup spinach (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
  2. 2Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. 3Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
  4. 4Add the instant ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes.
  5. 5If using, add the sliced mushrooms and spinach to the pot during the last minute of cooking.
  6. 6Stir in the soy sauce and mix well.
  7. 7Remove from heat and ladle the ramen into bowls.
  8. 8Top each bowl with shredded toasted seaweed, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced green onion.
  9. 9Serve hot and enjoy your toasted seaweed and sesame ramen!

Equipment

large potladlecutting boardknife

Matzo Ball Soup has its roots in Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine, traditionally served during Passover and other Jewish holidays. The dish symbolizes comfort and home, often enjoyed during family gatherings and celebrations. Today, it has transcended cultural boundaries, becoming a beloved dish in many households around the world, particularly in Jewish delis and restaurants.

Ingredients

  • matzo meal
  • eggs
  • water
  • vegetable oil
  • salt
  • chicken broth
  • carrots
  • celery
  • onion
  • parsley
  • pepper
  • garlic
  • dill
  • lemon juice
  • chicken
  • bay leaves

Instructions

  1. 1Mix matzo meal, eggs, water, and vegetable oil in a bowl until combined.
  2. 2Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. 3Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to firm up.
  4. 4Bring chicken broth to a boil in a large pot over high heat.
  5. 5Add chopped carrots, celery, and onion to the boiling broth.
  6. 6Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  7. 7Wet hands and form the matzo mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball.
  8. 8Gently drop the matzo balls into the simmering broth.
  9. 9Cover the pot and cook for 20 minutes until matzo balls are fluffy.
  10. 10Add chopped parsley and dill to the soup before serving.
  11. 11Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Ingredient Alternatives

matzo meal

Healthier: quinoa flour

Cheaper: bread crumbs

Quinoa flour is gluten-free and bread crumbs are more accessible.

chicken broth

Healthier: vegetable broth

Cheaper: homemade broth

Vegetable broth is lower in calories and homemade broth can save money.

Techniques

mixingboilingsimmering

Equipment

large potmixing bowlspoonmeasuring cupsknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Loweggsgluten

Also Known As

Matzah Ball SoupMatzah Soup

Rabokki is a beloved Korean street food that combines tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and ramen noodles, creating a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. Originating from the vibrant food stalls of Seoul, this dish is often enjoyed as a late-night snack or a quick meal. Today, Rabokki has gained popularity beyond Korea, inspiring variations worldwide that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

  • ramen noodles
  • tteok (rice cakes)
  • gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
  • soy sauce
  • sugar
  • green onions
  • fish cakes
  • water
  • sesame oil
  • hard-boiled eggs
  • vegetables (e.g., cabbage, carrots)

Instructions

  1. 1Boil water in a large pot over high heat.
  2. 2Add ramen noodles and cook until just tender, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. 3Drain the noodles and set aside.
  4. 4In the same pot, add water, gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar.
  5. 5Stir the sauce over medium heat until it simmers.
  6. 6Add the tteok (rice cakes) and fish cakes to the sauce.
  7. 7Cook for 5-7 minutes until the tteok is soft and heated through.
  8. 8Add the cooked ramen noodles to the pot and mix well.
  9. 9Incorporate vegetables and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  10. 10Drizzle with sesame oil and mix thoroughly.
  11. 11Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Ingredient Alternatives

gochujang

Healthier: miso paste

Cheaper: red pepper flakes + sugar

Miso provides a similar umami flavor.

fish cakes

Healthier: tofu

Cheaper: cooked chicken

Tofu is a lower-calorie protein alternative.

ramen noodles

Healthier: whole grain noodles

Cheaper: instant noodles

Whole grain noodles are more nutritious.

sesame oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Olive oil is a healthier fat option.

Techniques

boilingstir-frying

Equipment

large potstrainerspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Hotglutensoy

Also Known As

RabokkiRamen Tteokbokki

Originating from Laos, Larb is a traditional dish often enjoyed as a salad or main course. It embodies the bold flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine, combining fresh herbs and spices with protein. Larb is commonly served at celebrations and gatherings, showcasing the region's rich culinary heritage. Today, it has gained popularity beyond Laos, with variations appearing in Thai cuisine and around the world.

Ingredients

  • ground pork
  • lime juice
  • fish sauce
  • shallots
  • mint leaves
  • cilantro
  • Thai chili
  • rice powder
  • lettuce leaves
  • green onions
  • sugar
  • salt

Instructions

  1. 1Cook ground pork in a pan over medium heat until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. 2Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. 3In a bowl, combine lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar to create a dressing.
  4. 4Add the cooked pork to the dressing and mix well.
  5. 5Incorporate shallots, mint leaves, cilantro, and Thai chili into the mixture.
  6. 6Sprinkle rice powder over the mixture and stir to combine evenly.
  7. 7Season with salt to taste, adjusting as needed.
  8. 8Serve the larb in lettuce leaves for wrapping.
  9. 9Garnish with sliced green onions and additional herbs if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

fish sauce

Healthier: soy sauce

Cheaper: salt

Soy sauce is lower in calories and can mimic the umami flavor.

ground pork

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground beef

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground beef is often less expensive.

rice powder

Healthier: almond flour

Cheaper: cornstarch

Almond flour offers a nutty flavor, while cornstarch is a cost-effective thickener.

Techniques

mixingcooking

Equipment

panmixing bowlserving platter
🌶️🌶️🌶️Hotfish

Also Known As

Larb MooLarb Pork

Ingredients

  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. 1Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  2. 2In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  3. 3Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. 4Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. 5Stir in the sliced bell pepper and snap peas, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  6. 6Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet, tossing to combine with the shrimp and vegetables.
  7. 7Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
  8. 8Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes, adjusting to taste.
  9. 9Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  10. 10Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Equipment

large skilletpot for boiling noodlescolanderspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 4 cups cooked macaroni
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. 1In a large pot, brown the ground beef and ground pork over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
  2. 2Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion is translucent.
  3. 3Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. 4Add the mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well.
  5. 5Reduce the heat and let the stew simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  6. 6Stir in the cooked macaroni and mix until well combined.
  7. 7Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
  8. 8Remove from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  9. 9Cover the pot for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
  10. 10Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Equipment

large potwooden spoonmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

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