Spicy Garlic Butter Ramen

$To make Spicy Garlic Butter Ramen, you need simple yet tasty ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on spice preference) - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup water - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 green onions, sliced - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 cup baby bok choy, roughly chopped - 2 eggs (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste These items create a rich and flavorful dish. The butter and garlic mix well to bring out deep flavors. You can add some ingredients for extra taste. Consider these options: - Toasted sesame seeds for crunch - Nori (seaweed) strips for umami - Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for freshness - Chili oil for more heat These additions help you customize your ramen just how you like it. If you love spice, you can easily adjust it. Start with the red pepper flakes. Add more if you want it hotter. You can also use fresh chili peppers or chili paste for a different kick. For milder flavors, skip the red pepper flakes. You can also try sweet soy sauce or a little sugar to balance the heat. This dish is all about making it your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Bring this mix to a boil. Once it bubbles, add the instant ramen noodles. You can follow the package guide to cook them. You want them just tender. After cooking, drain the noodles and set them aside. This step is key for a great texture. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir and sauté for one to two minutes. This helps the garlic flavor shine. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter. After that, pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Mix well to blend the flavors. Now, add the chopped bok choy to the pot. Cook for about two minutes until it wilts. Then, toss the cooked ramen noodles back into the pot. Stir everything well to coat the noodles in the spicy garlic butter sauce. Let it all cook together for one to two minutes. This allows the noodles to soak in the great flavors. If you want, boil or poach eggs in a separate pan. Soft-boiled eggs work best for this dish. Finally, season the ramen with salt and pepper to taste. Serve in bowls, topped with green onions and eggs if you choose. Enjoy your delicious creation! To get the best ramen texture, cook the noodles just right. Follow the package time closely. You want them tender, but not mushy. Drain the noodles right away. This helps them stay firm. Rinse the noodles briefly under cold water to stop the cooking. This step keeps them from clumping together. Mixing them with the spicy garlic butter sauce will give them a lovely taste and texture. To boost the flavors in your ramen, use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and green onions add a strong taste. Adjust the red pepper flakes to match your spice level. More flakes mean more heat! Try adding other sauces like sriracha for extra flavor. If you want a tangy kick, add a splash of rice vinegar. These small changes can make a big difference in taste. A common mistake is overcooking the noodles. This can lead to a mushy texture. Always keep an eye on the cooking time. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Taste your ramen before serving. If it lacks flavor, add salt and pepper. This simple step can elevate your dish greatly. Also, don’t skip the garlic sautéing step. Cooking the garlic properly brings out its rich flavor. If you burn it, the taste will be bitter. Enjoy your cooking! Pro Tips Tip Title: Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh garlic and vegetables instead of pre-packaged options. Tip Title: Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Tip Title: Perfectly Cooked Eggs: For a soft-boiled egg, cook for about 6-7 minutes and then plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. Tip Title: Broth Variations: Experiment with different broth flavors, like mushroom or spicy vegetable, to give your ramen a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can add proteins to make your spicy garlic butter ramen even heartier. Here are great options: - Chicken: Grilled or shredded chicken adds nice flavor. It pairs well with garlic. - Shrimp: Sauté shrimp until pink and toss them in for a seafood twist. - Tofu: Firm tofu gives a great texture. Pan-fry it for a crispy touch. - Pork: Cooked pork belly or sliced ham adds a rich, savory note. Adding protein boosts the meal's nutrition and flavor. Choose what you love best! If you want a vegetarian or vegan version, you can easily swap some ingredients. Here are my tips: - Butter Replacement: Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of unsalted butter. - Eggs: Skip the eggs or use tofu scramble as an egg alternative. - Broth: Make sure your vegetable broth is vegan. Some brands add meat. - Add Beans: Chickpeas or edamame can add protein and flavor. These swaps keep the dish delicious while meeting dietary needs. Feel free to mix in different veggies to your ramen. Here are some tasty choices: - Spinach: Add fresh spinach for a vibrant color and nutrition boost. - Carrots: Julienned carrots add crunch and sweetness. - Bell Peppers: Sliced bell peppers provide a sweet, crisp texture. - Mushrooms: Shiitake or button mushrooms enhance the umami flavor. You can customize your spicy garlic butter ramen with any veggies you love. Have fun experimenting! I recommend you store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Let the ramen cool down to room temperature first. Then, seal the container tightly. Leftovers can last in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat your ramen, place it in a pot over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help it heat evenly. Stir often to avoid burning. Heat until it’s hot, but don’t boil it. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it loosely and heat for one minute. Stir and heat again if needed. If you want to freeze your ramen, skip adding the bok choy and eggs. These don’t freeze well. Store the noodles and sauce separately in freezer-safe bags. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your spicy garlic butter ramen even later! To adjust spiciness, change the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon. Taste, then add more if you like it hotter. You can also add chili oil for extra heat. Always remember, it’s easier to add than take away. Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free. Instead of butter, use vegan butter or olive oil. Both options will work well in the sauce. They will give you a nice flavor without the dairy. Instant ramen noodles are the best for this dish. They cook quickly and absorb the sauce nicely. You can also use fresh ramen for a chewier texture. Just adjust cooking time as needed. You now have all you need to make delicious spicy garlic butter ramen. The key ingredients and preparation steps set the foundation for bold flavors. Remember the tips to perfect the texture and avoid common mistakes. You can customize this dish with proteins, veggies, or spice levels to match your taste. Lastly, store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your new cooking skills!$

Spicy Garlic Butter Ramen

A flavorful 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

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

2 packs instant ramen noodles
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
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 cup baby bok choy, roughly chopped
2 eggs optional
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth and water to a boil. Add the instant ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the melted butter. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to combine the flavors.
Add the chopped bok choy to the pot and cook for about 2 minutes until wilted.
Toss the cooked ramen noodles back into the pot, stirring well to coat them in the spicy garlic butter sauce. Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
If desired, in a separate pan, lightly boil or poach the eggs to your preferred doneness (soft-boiled is recommended).
Season the ramen with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Serve the ramen in bowls, topped with sliced green onions and the prepared eggs if using.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.

Keyword butter, garlic, quick meal, ramen, spicy