Instant noodles are fast making waves, and no one can object because, with these small packets of noodles, lunch can be ready in minutes. If you are looking for a way to get a bowl of ramen noodles ready in minutes, cook it in a microwave.
You do not always have to go traditional with ramen noodles, except you have reasons. Instant ramen noodles in the microwave do not taste less flavorful.
Plus, you can cook your ramen noodles in the microwave the same way you would do on a stovetop, with all your ingredients. Moreover, a bowl of ramen noodles is one of the best meals to eat if you are on a budget.
How to make ramen noodles with a microwave
1. Cooking in the microwave
- Get a microwave-safe bowl
- Take the block of ramen noodles out of its wrapper and place it in the bowl
- Fill the bowl with water enough to cover the noodles but not to the brim of the bowl
- If the bowl has a lid, cover it to prevent splattering of liquid in the microwave. If there is no lid, use a paper towel
- Place the bowl of water and ramen noodles in the microwave and cook for 2 to 3 minutes
- If you want to cook a large quantity of noodles, it is best to work with one or two packets at a time for best results
- After 3 minutes, use a towel to bring out the bowl of noodles and add the packet of flavor that came in the packet of noodles. Add any other ad-ins or condiments you wish to add to your noodles and leave to stand
- As it stands, the noodles will absorb the flavors of all the other ingredients you added
- Stir and serve
2. Cooking outside the microwave
- You can also cook ramen noodles outside the microwave if you fear that they will come out too soft. Here’s how to:
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water
- Leave the water to boil for a few minutes
- While you wait for the water to boil, loose the block of ramen noodles and flavor into another bowl
- Afterward, use a towel or oven mitts to take out the bowl of boiling water
- Pour the hot water over the noodles, cover it with a lid or paper towel, and leave it to sit for 3 to 5 minutes or until the noodles reach your desired texture
- Add whatever toppings you want and serve
How to modify ramen noodles
Create a different flavor
You can create a different flavor with seasoning other than the one that came in the packet of instant noodles.
Some excellent options are olive oil, butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, soy sauce, onion powder, sesame seeds, rice vinegar, bean sprouts, hot sauce, miso paste, and sriracha.
Include proteins
The typical bowl of ramen noodles includes eggs. But you can include more proteins like tofu, chicken, beef, or shrimp. If you’ll be using chicken or beef, cook them separately before adding them to the noodles in the microwave.
More veggies
Vegetables add color and make your meal more nutritious. Peas, corn, bell peppers, and carrots are very good choices to make your meal more visually appealing and delicious. You can add vegetables before or after cooking ramen noodles in the microwave.
Spice
Instant ramen noodles packets do not come with extra spice. Add an extra kick of spice with chili flakes or hot sauce. Extra spice is best added after cooking the noodles.
Go generous with toppings
Crumbled cheese, peanut butter or crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, seaweed, chopped green onions, or cilantro are perfect toppings for a comforting bowl of ramen noodles. They add extra flavor and texture to your noodles making them more appetizing and filling.
How to store cooked ramen noodles
- If you have any leftover ramen noodles you would like to keep for later, here’s to best way to go about it:
- When you are sure that the noodles have cooled, separate the solids from the broth
- Remove the protein and any other solid garnish and put them in one container
- Put the cooked noodles in another container and the broth in another container
- Place the containers in the refrigerator and store for 2 to 3 days
The importance of storing the solids separate from the broth is to prevent the noodles from absorbing the broth and ending up mushy or soggy. Also, garnishes like boiled egg, mint, and basil leaves and chicken can become slimy if you leave them in the broth.
Freezing can help keep your noodles longer, but it is not recommended because you could lose the texture of the noodles while reheating.
Can you microwave cup noodles?
Cup noodles are not meant for microwaving. The cups the noodles come in are not microwave-safe. These cups are usually made with styrofoam.
The heat in the microwave causes the styrofoam to release chemicals into the noodles, making them harmful to your health.
The best way to prepare cup noodles is to add hot water to the cup and leave it to sit for some minutes until the noodles are as soft as you want. The noodles cook with the heat from the boiling water that is trapped in the cup with the foil lid.
FAQs
Can you reheat ramen noodles in the microwave?
You can reheat ramen noodles in the microwave. But you must have refrigerated the noodles separately from the broth to avoid ending up with soggy noodles.
Begin with heating the broth on high power for a minute or two. Afterward, stir in the cold noodles and heat again on high for 1 to 2 minutes. Top with herbs, spices, or any garnishes of your choice.
Can you cook ramen noodles with chicken in the microwave?
It is not advisable to cook ramen noodles with chicken in the microwave because the cooking time may not be enough to cook the chicken to your desired level of doneness.
If you want to serve your ramen noodles with chicken, cook the chicken and noodles separately and serve them together.
How long will microwaved ramen noodles last?
Microwaved ramen noodles can last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator if you keep them in an airtight container. However, the noodles may not last so long if they contain cream or any dairy ingredient which can quickly trigger spoilage.
Conclusion
In the microwave, you can get ramen noodles ready in a matter of minutes. You can also include your favorite proteins and veggies for a hearty meal.
Do not make your bowl of noodles boring. Add a dash of soy sauce, a squeeze of citrus, your favorite herbs and spices, and protein.
Ready for a comforting bowl of noodles? Here, you have it. Skip the stage of boiling water and get your bowl of spicy ramen noodles ready in no time.
Are you gluten-sensitive? You should find out if ramen noodles should be on your gluten-free diet or not.
Thanks for reading.
