Packaged ramen might be considered food for college kids, but it's time to ditch the stereotype. They're an affordable ingredient used in ramen noodle recipes in restaurants and by home cooks for noodle bowls, coleslaws, and salads. Here you'll find some delicious ramen recipes for classic dishes and more unique dishes (think stuffed chicken breast or meat loaf). Grab a few packages and try one of these creative uses for ramen noodles.
Sesame Noodle Slaw
Here's a ramen noodle recipe for coleslaw you can serve at your next gathering. The seasoning packet from the instant ramen helps flavor the homemade dressing. The ramen noodles add an irresistible crunch to the fresh cabbage mixture. Put together this easy ramen noodle salad up to four hours before mealtime to let the flavors meld.
Ramen Gnocchi Carbonara
That's right, we made gnocchi (usually made with potato) from crushed ramen noodles! Tossed with peas, bacon, Parmesan, and a sour-cream-and-butter sauce, this might be your new favorite ramen noodle recipe. Top with extra Parm and some parsley to achieve a truly restaurant-worthy dish.
Ramen-Wrapped Cod with Chopped Salad
This ramen noodle recipe is one of our most creative takes on the instant meal packets. Weird as it may sound, wrapping Cajun-seasoned cod in cooked ramen noodles and crisping them on the stovetop makes a delicious weeknight meal the whole family will love. The simple ranch salad serves as a nice cooling contrast to the crunchy, flaky seafood dinner.
Teriyaki Chicken Noodle Soup
Skip the styrofoam cups of noodles and opt for this homemade ramen noodle recipe. Pack Mason jars with a hearty beef stock base, veggies, chicken, and ramen noodles for the most delicious work lunch you've ever had. Rotisserie chicken makes an easy shortcut ingredient here.
Thai Chicken Pasta Salad
Here's a twist on pasta salad you'll make on repeat. A sauce of peanut butter, coconut milk, tangy lime juice, and a hint of cayenne perks up rotisserie chicken and fresh veggies for a flavor-packed ramen noodle recipe.
Confetti Chicken Big Bowl
This one-dish chicken recipe combines the cozy comfort of a bowl of soup with the light freshness of seasonal produce. It's the best of both worlds. Plus, it's a complete meal with veggies, ramen noodles, and chicken.
Peanutty Noodle Slaw
Bottled Asian salad dressing and peanut butter make a quick, flavorful dressing for this coleslaw twist. Broken ramen noodle pieces absorb the dressing, taking on the delicious flavors and getting softer the longer you chill before serving. Use pre-shredded cabbage or broccoli slaw mix to keep the prep time to a minimum.
Ramen-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Never stuffed chicken with noodles before? Now's your chance! We turned the concept of chicken Parmesan inside out by stuffing chicken with ramen noodles while keeping the classic ingredients of bread crumbs, cheese, and sauce. Give it a whirl at your next family dinner to impress everyone.
20-Minute Ramen Noodle Bowls
Talk about quick and easy dinners. This 20-minute ramen noodle recipe gives the instant packages a homemade feel by cooking in broth and peanut sauce rather than water. To keep things interesting, we've included eight (yes, eight!) tasty variations, such as sweet-and-sour and Thai curry.
Ramen Noodle Frittata
Ramen noodles in a frittata might seem like an odd combo but don't knock it until you try it. It contains flavorful ingredients such as coconut milk, green onions, rice vinegar, and ginger. From there, the ramen noodles are mixed with hearty eggs and a fresh cabbage topper. This frittata recipe turns a good morning into a great morning!
Ramen Meat Loaf
This creative ramen noodle recipe strays far from Grandma's traditional meat loaf recipe. The ground beef mixture is stuffed with ramen noodles and coated in a hoisin-base sauce that gets a kick from Asian chili paste. It challenges basic meat loaf in the most delicious of ways.
Coconut-Curry Noodle Bowl
With upgrades on instant ramen noodles like this, you won't even think about reaching for a takeout menu. This ramen noodle bowl is loaded with flavor from coconut milk, garlic, veggies, and curry powder. Top it with chopped peanuts for a bit of crunch.
Waka Waka Salad
Try this side-dish ramen salad at your next potluck (it makes enough to serve a crowd!). Broken, dried ramen noodles and chopped peanuts add a satisfying crunch to the fresh vegetable recipe. Napa cabbage is recommended here since it gets nice and tender, but regular green cabbage will also get the job done.
Inexpensive Recipes That Satisfy
Ramen noodles aren't the only cost-conscious ingredient you can use to make a satisfying meal. Substitute expensive veal or boneless chicken breasts with eggplant for a hearty parmesan dish. A few slices of deli ham and nutritious sweet potatoes are combined in these flatbreads that are easy on the wallet. Pasta is a satisfying and budget-friendly base for these stuffed shells made with frozen veggies. Anytime you can make a casserole, you'll save a few dollars on side dishes—just make a Caesar salad, and dinner is served.
