Easy Creamy Ramen Recipe: Your New Go-To Comfort Meal Recipe
Introduction
This easy creamy ramen recipe is a comforting and flavorful meal you can whip up quickly any night. Combining rich broth, tender beef, and your favorite toppings, it’s perfect for ramen lovers craving something extra cozy.
Ingredients
- 2 packets of instant ramen noodles
- Water or low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- Whole milk (or oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk)
- Cream cheese (full-fat or reduced-fat)
- Freshly minced garlic
- Grated ginger
- Ground beef (or thinly sliced beef, cooked shredded chicken, or firm tofu)
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- White (shiro) miso paste
- Unsalted butter
- Soft-boiled eggs (optional)
- Thinly sliced scallions (green onions)
- Chili oil or chili crisp (optional)
- Fresh spinach or corn (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Prepare your chosen protein by breaking ground beef into small pieces or having thinly sliced beef ready.
- Step 2: In a medium pot or deep skillet, melt about half a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked. If using thinly sliced beef, sear it quickly, then set aside.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in your chosen liquid base (water or broth) and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the cream cheese until melted, then stir in the milk, ramen seasoning packets, and soy sauce. Whisk in the miso paste if using. Adjust taste as needed.
- Step 5: Add the ramen noodles to the simmering broth and cook according to package directions, usually 2–3 minutes.
- Step 6: Divide the noodles and creamy broth into serving bowls. If using thinly sliced beef, add it back to the bowls now.
- Step 7: Top with your favorite additions like soft-boiled eggs, sliced scallions, corn, spinach, chili oil, or toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- Swap cream cheese for coconut cream for a dairy-free version with a subtle tropical twist.
- Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bok choy to boost nutrition and flavor.
- Use firm tofu instead of meat for a vegetarian-friendly protein option.
- Try topping with a squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh contrast.
Storage
Store leftover ramen broth and noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat broth gently on the stove and add noodles to warm through before serving to prevent sogginess. Add toppings fresh after reheating for the best experience.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ramen noodles instead of instant?
Yes, fresh ramen noodles work beautifully and may require less cooking time. Adjust cooking times according to package instructions and your preferred noodle texture.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the creaminess?
Absolutely. You can substitute cream cheese with coconut cream or a plant-based cream cheese to keep the broth creamy and rich without dairy.
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Easy Creamy Ramen Recipe: Your New Go-To Comfort Meal Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Creamy Ramen recipe blends classic instant ramen noodles with a rich, comforting creamy broth made from cream cheese and milk, enhanced with savory aromatics and tender beef. It’s a quick, satisfying meal perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner, customizable with various proteins and fresh toppings for an extra flavor boost.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 packets of instant ramen noodles
- Water or low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (about 4 cups)
- Whole milk (or oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk) – 1 cup
- Cream cheese (full-fat or reduced-fat) – 4 ounces
- Freshly minced garlic – 2 cloves
- Grated ginger – 1 tablespoon
- Ground beef (or thinly sliced beef, cooked shredded chicken, or firm tofu) – 8 ounces
- Low-sodium soy sauce – 2 tablespoons
- White (shiro) miso paste – 1 tablespoon (optional)
- Unsalted butter – 1 tablespoon
Toppings (Optional)
- Soft-boiled eggs – 2
- Thinly sliced scallions (green onions) – 2 tablespoons
- Chili oil or chili crisp – 1 teaspoon
- Fresh spinach or corn – 1/2 cup
- Toasted sesame seeds – 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare Your Aromatics and Beef: Mince the garlic and grate the ginger carefully. If you’re using ground beef, break it into small pieces for even cooking; if using thinly sliced beef, have it ready to sear quickly.
- Cook the Beef: In a medium pot or deep skillet, melt about half a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until evenly browned and cooked through. For thinly sliced beef, quickly sear it in the melted butter and then set aside to preserve tenderness.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining butter, then toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté this fragrant mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until aromatic and slightly softened.
- Build the Creamy Broth: Pour in your choice of water or low-sodium broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the cream cheese until it melts smoothly, then stir in the milk along with the ramen seasoning packets and soy sauce. If you opted for miso paste, whisk it in now. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the ramen noodles directly into the simmering broth and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2 to 3 minutes, until tender but still springy.
- Assemble and Serve: Divide the cooked noodles and creamy broth into serving bowls. If you used thinly sliced beef, add it back into the bowls at this stage to warm through.
- Add Your Favorite Toppings: Arrange your preferred toppings over the ramen such as soft-boiled eggs, thinly sliced scallions, fresh corn or spinach, chili oil or chili crisp, and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the protein with cooked shredded chicken, tofu, or keep it vegetarian by omitting meat altogether.
- Use any milk alternative like oat, soy, or almond milk to keep this recipe dairy-free, though the cream cheese adds richness.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and miso paste to control the saltiness of your broth.
- Soft-boil the eggs in advance to save time; cook for 6-7 minutes for a jammy yolk.
- For extra spice, drizzle chili oil or add chili crisp just before serving.
- This recipe works well for meal prep, but add fresh toppings right before serving to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Keywords: Creamy ramen, instant ramen recipe, comfort food, quick ramen, beef ramen, easy ramen, creamy noodle soup
