Description
This Easy Creamy Ramen recipe offers a rich and comforting twist on classic instant ramen, featuring a velvety broth made with cream cheese, milk, and savory aromatics. With options to customize protein and toppings, it’s a perfect go-to meal for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 packets of instant ramen noodles
- Water or low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, about 4 cups
- 1 cup whole milk (or oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk)
- 4 oz cream cheese (full-fat or reduced-fat)
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 8 oz ground beef (or thinly sliced beef, cooked shredded chicken, or firm tofu)
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white (shiro) miso paste (optional)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Optional Toppings
- 2-4 soft-boiled eggs
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions (green onions)
- 1 teaspoon chili oil or chili crisp
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach or corn
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Your Aromatics and Beef: Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. If using ground beef, break it up into small pieces; if using thinly sliced beef, have it ready to cook.
- Cook the Beef: In a medium pot or deep skillet, melt half a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. For thinly sliced beef, sear quickly until just cooked, then remove from pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining half tablespoon of butter if needed. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Build the Creamy Broth: Pour in water or broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in cream cheese until fully melted, then stir in your choice of milk. Add the ramen seasoning packets and soy sauce. If using miso paste, whisk it in as well. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Cook the Noodles: Submerge the ramen noodles in the simmering broth, cooking according to package directions (usually 2-3 minutes) or slightly longer for fresh noodles.
- Assemble and Serve: Divide the noodles and broth evenly into bowls. If you set aside thinly sliced beef earlier, add it back to each bowl now.
- Add Your Favorite Toppings: Garnish ramen with soft-boiled eggs, scallions, chili oil, fresh spinach or corn, and toasted sesame seeds as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with shredded chicken, tofu, or thinly sliced beef as preferred.
- Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce to control the saltiness.
- Adding miso paste enhances umami but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Adjust cream cheese and milk quantities for desired broth creaminess and thickness.
- Soft-boiled eggs and fresh toppings add texture and flavor contrast.
- For a vegan version, omit meat and use plant-based milk and cream cheese alternatives.
