Spicy Garlic Butter Ramen

$- 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup water - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 green onions, sliced - 1 cup baby bok choy, roughly chopped - 2 eggs (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste The heart of Spicy Garlic Butter Ramen lies in its simple yet bold ingredients. You start with instant ramen noodles, which make cooking quick and easy. Use unsalted butter for a rich flavor that blends well with the garlic. The minced garlic is key to a robust taste, while red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat. For the broth, vegetable broth and water create a light base. Adding soy sauce enhances the umami flavor, while sesame oil brings a nutty aroma. When it comes to garnishes, fresh green onions add a bright crunch. Baby bok choy gives a pop of color and freshness. If you want extra creaminess, consider adding soft-boiled eggs. Don't forget to season your dish with salt and pepper for that perfect finishing touch! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is bubbling, add the instant ramen noodles. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to be tender but not mushy. After cooking, drain the noodles and set them aside. Let them rest while you prepare the next steps. In the same pot, lower the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep stirring to avoid burning it. You should smell a rich, savory aroma filling your kitchen. Pour in both the vegetable broth and water. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir well to mix all the flavors. Next, add the chopped baby bok choy. Cook this for about 2 minutes until the greens are bright and wilted. Then, return the drained ramen noodles to the pot. Toss everything together, making sure the noodles are well coated in the garlic butter sauce. Let it cook for an extra 1 to 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Taste your ramen and season it with salt and pepper as needed. If you want, you can prepare the eggs now. Boil or poach them until they're just right. Soft-boiled eggs add a lovely creaminess. Serve your ramen in colorful bowls, topped with sliced green onions and the eggs if you used them. Enjoy your delicious meal! To get your spicy garlic butter ramen just right, adjust the spice levels to fit your taste. Start with one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you like it hotter, add more! You can also mix in some chili oil for extra heat. When sautéing garlic, keep a close eye on it. Garlic cooks fast and can burn easily. Use medium heat and stir constantly. Once it turns golden and fragrant, it’s ready. If you want your ramen creamier, try adding more butter or a splash of heavy cream. You can also whisk in a little miso paste for depth. Using different types of broth can also make a big difference. Chicken broth adds richness. If you want a lighter taste, go for vegetable broth. Garnish your ramen with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This adds color and a nice crunch. Choose vibrant bowls that catch the eye. Serving with chopsticks makes it feel special. If you have large spoons, they work well too for slurping! Pro Tips Use High-Quality Noodles: For an even better texture and flavor, consider using fresh ramen noodles instead of instant ones. They can elevate the dish significantly. Adjust Spice Level: If you love heat, try adding sriracha or chili oil to the dish right before serving for an extra kick! Add Protein: For a more filling meal, you can add tofu, chicken, or shrimp to the dish. Cook the protein separately and mix it in before serving. Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added color and nutrition. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in your ramen for more flavor. Chicken is a great choice. Use cooked, shredded chicken for a warm touch. Tofu is perfect for a vegetarian meal. Just cube it and sauté until golden. Shrimp also works well; just cook them until pink. If you want a vegetarian meal, skip meat and add extra veggies. Switch up the greens to brighten your dish. You can use spinach, kale, or even snap peas. Seasonal vegetables like asparagus or zucchini add a fresh twist. Carrots or bell peppers can give your ramen a crunch. Don’t be shy; add your favorites to make it yours! The broth sets the tone for your ramen. Chicken broth gives a rich flavor, while beef broth adds depth. If you want a lighter taste, stick to vegetable broth. You can also use flavored broth cubes or concentrates for quick options. They can save time and still pack a punch! To store leftover ramen, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the noodles fresh and safe to eat later. For reheating, add a splash of water to the ramen. This helps to revive the noodles. Heat it in a pot or microwave. Stir it often to warm it evenly. You can freeze the ramen, but it's best to freeze the noodles and broth separately. This way, the texture stays better. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw the broth in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a pot. Add the noodles once the broth is hot. This keeps your meal tasty and fresh. To make ramen noodles from scratch, you need flour, water, and salt. Mix 2 cups of flour with a pinch of salt. Slowly add 1/2 cup of water while mixing. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth. Wrap it and let it rest for 30 minutes. Roll it out thin and cut it into strips. Cook these noodles in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Fresh noodles will give you a great texture. Yes, you can easily make spicy garlic butter ramen vegetarian. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add tofu or mushrooms for protein. Make sure to use soy sauce that is labeled vegetarian. This way, you keep all the flavors while making it suitable for vegetarians. If you need a substitute for garlic, try using shallots or garlic powder. Shallots have a milder taste and can add a nice flavor. If you use garlic powder, start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also use chives for a fresh flavor. To make your ramen spicier, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use chili oil or hot sauce for extra heat. Sriracha is a great choice! Start with a little and taste as you go to find the right spice level for you. Ramen pairs well with many side dishes. You can serve it with edamame, gyoza, or a fresh salad. Pickled vegetables also make a nice side. They add a crunchy texture and balance the meal nicely. Enjoy your ramen with any of these tasty sides! In this post, we explored how to make delicious garlic butter ramen. First, we covered the key ingredients, from instant noodles to flavorful broth. Next, I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and combining everything. We also discussed tips for perfecting flavor and enhancing presentation. Finally, I highlighted variations and storage tips. Enjoy making this easy recipe. You can customize it to your taste and liking. Get creative with your toppings and ingredients! Happy cooking!$

A delicious and spicy ramen dish 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

Ingredients

2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 green onions sliced for garnish
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 cup baby bok choy, roughly chopped
2 eggs optional
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a large pot, combine the vegetable broth and water. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add the instant ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are just tender, usually about 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt gently, coating the bottom of the pot.
Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn't burn.
Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to combine until everything is well-blended and the kitchen is filled with a delicious aroma.
Add the chopped baby bok choy to the pot and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are wilted but still vibrant in color.
Return the drained ramen noodles to the pot. Toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the savory spicy garlic butter sauce. Let it cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
If you choose to include eggs, prepare them in a separate pan by boiling or poaching them until they reach your desired doneness (soft-boiled is highly recommended for a creamy yolk).
Taste the ramen and season with salt and pepper to your liking before serving.
Serve the ramen in vibrant bowls, topped generously with sliced green onions and the prepared eggs if you're using them.

Notes

Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch and serve with chopsticks for an authentic experience!

Keyword butter, garlic, ramen, spicy