Spicy Garlic Butter Ramen

$- 2 packs of instant ramen noodles - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes - 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) For this dish, I love using instant ramen noodles. They cook quickly and soak up flavors well. You will need unsalted butter to create a rich base. Fresh garlic adds a punch to the dish. The red pepper flakes give it a spicy kick, so adjust to your taste. Choose either chicken or vegetable broth. This choice affects the overall flavor, so pick what you like best. Soy sauce brings umami, enhancing the savory notes. Green onions add freshness and color. Baby spinach or bok choy gives a nice crunch. Lastly, sesame seeds add visual appeal and a nutty flavor. If you want creaminess, include soft-boiled eggs. They make the dish feel even more special. Enjoy gathering these ingredients! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by filling a pot with water. Bring it to a rolling boil. This step is key for perfect noodles. Once boiling, add the instant ramen noodles. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes. They should be just tender, not mushy. After cooking, drain the noodles well and set them aside. Next, grab a large skillet. Add the unsalted butter and melt it over medium heat. Once it melts, toss in the finely minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir this mix for 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic fragrant, but watch it closely to avoid burning. Now, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the soy sauce for extra flavor. Increase the heat slightly. Bring this mix to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend perfectly. Gently add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet. Use tongs or chopsticks to mix them well. You want every noodle coated in that rich garlic butter broth. Next, toss in your choice of baby spinach or bok choy. Stir until they are slightly wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. This keeps their bright color. To serve, ladle the spicy garlic butter ramen into bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. If you like, add a soft-boiled egg on top. This adds a creamy touch. For a final flourish, drizzle a bit of extra melted garlic butter over the ramen. Enjoy your delightful meal! To avoid mushy noodles, cook them just until tender. This takes about 3-4 minutes. Drain the noodles right away to stop cooking. If you want a firmer bite, reduce the cooking time by one minute. Adjusting spice levels is easy. Start with one tablespoon of red pepper flakes. Taste the broth and add more if you want it spicier. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it out! Pair your ramen with a light side dish. A simple cucumber salad goes well with the bold flavors. You can also serve it with steamed dumplings for extra texture and taste. For garnishing, use fresh ingredients. Sliced green onions add color and crunch. Sesame seeds give a nice nutty flavor. A soft-boiled egg adds creaminess, making each bite richer. For seasoning additions, try a splash of rice vinegar. It brightens the dish and balances the richness. You can also stir in a teaspoon of miso paste for depth. Using homemade broth gives the best flavor, but store-bought works in a pinch. If you use store-bought, look for low-sodium options. This way, you can control the saltiness of your dish better. Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste preference. Start with less if you're unsure, and you can always add more to your bowl later! Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and green onions enhance the flavor significantly. If possible, opt for fresh over pre-minced or dried options for the best results. Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to your ramen. Simply toss them in with the noodles before serving. Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Consider adding nori strips, pickled ginger, or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra layer of flavor. {{image_4}} You can add protein to your spicy garlic butter ramen for a heartier meal. Here are some easy options: - Chicken: Cooked chicken, grilled or shredded, adds great flavor. - Tofu: Firm tofu works well. Cube and sauté until golden. - Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp cooks quickly and enhances taste. - Pork: Thinly sliced pork belly adds a rich, savory kick. If you have dietary needs, you can easily adjust this recipe. - Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free noodles or rice noodles instead. - Dairy-free modifications: Substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Experimenting with flavors can make this dish even more exciting. - Additional spices: Try adding ginger for warmth or sesame oil for richness. - Different sauces: Swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. You can also use sriracha for extra heat. To keep your spicy garlic butter ramen fresh, you need to store it right. First, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, place leftovers in an airtight container. This prevents moisture loss and keeps flavors locked in. - Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the lid is tight. - Freezing tips: If you want to freeze it, use freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out extra air before sealing. You can freeze it for up to 1 month. Reheating your ramen is simple, but you want to keep the noodles nice and chewy. - Optimal reheating methods: For best results, warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to help it heat evenly. Stir gently as it warms. - Maintaining noodle texture: Avoid using the microwave if you can. It can make the noodles too soft. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the texture intact. Spicy Garlic Butter Ramen is a rich, flavorful dish. It features tender noodles coated in a spicy garlic butter sauce. This dish is popular for its bold flavors and quick prep time. Yes, you can use many types of noodles. Some great options are udon, soba, or rice noodles. Each type will give you a unique taste and texture. This recipe takes about 20 minutes. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is around 10 minutes. You can enjoy a delicious meal in no time! If you cannot use garlic, try shallots or chives. These options add great flavor without garlic's strong taste. You can also skip it altogether for a milder dish. To make this ramen vegan, swap the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rest of the ingredients are already suitable for vegans! This blog post outlined how to make spicy garlic butter ramen. We started with the key ingredients, then went through each cooking step. I shared tips for perfect noodles and how to present your dish. We explored variations for different diets and how to store leftovers. With these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious meal quickly. Don't shy away from customizing this dish to fit your taste. Happy cooking!$

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

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 2

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

2 packs instant ramen noodles
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, finely 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
1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
optional soft-boiled eggs

Instructions

Begin by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the instant ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions, about 3-4 minutes, or until they are just tender. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, ensuring you keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with the soy sauce. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Gently add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet, using a pair of tongs or chopsticks to stir and coat each noodle thoroughly in the garlic butter broth.
Toss in your choice of baby spinach or bok choy, stirring just until they are slightly wilted, which should take about 1-2 minutes, preserving their vibrant color and crunch.
Carefully ladle the spicy garlic butter ramen into serving bowls. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. If desired, add a soft-boiled egg on top for a creamy touch.

Notes

For an eye-catching presentation, place halved soft-boiled eggs on top and arrange green onion slices in a circular pattern.

Keyword butter, garlic, quick meal, ramen, spicy