Description
This Easy Creamy Ramen recipe is a comforting and versatile meal that combines tender noodles with a rich, creamy broth made from cream cheese and milk. Enhanced with garlic, ginger, and your choice of protein, it’s perfect for a cozy night in. Customize it with optional toppings like soft-boiled eggs, scallions, and chili oil for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Base 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 oz
Aromatics and Flavorings
- Freshly minced garlic – 2 cloves
- Grated ginger – 1 teaspoon
- Low-sodium soy sauce – 2 tablespoons
- White (shiro) miso paste (optional) – 1 tablespoon
- Unsalted butter – 1 tablespoon
- Contents of ramen seasoning packets (from the packets)
Protein Options
- Ground beef – 8 oz (or thinly sliced beef, cooked shredded chicken, or firm tofu)
Toppings (Optional)
- Soft-boiled eggs
- Thinly sliced scallions (green onions)
- Chili oil or chili crisp
- Fresh spinach or corn
- 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. For thinly sliced beef, make sure it’s ready to cook.
- Cook the Beef: In a medium pot or deep skillet, melt half a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon. If using thinly sliced beef, sear quickly until just cooked; remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining half tablespoon of butter if needed, add garlic and ginger, and sauté 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 melted and incorporated. Stir in milk, ramen seasoning packets, soy sauce, and miso paste if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Cook the Noodles: Add ramen noodles to the simmering broth, submerge them, and cook according to package directions (typically 2-3 minutes).
- Assemble and Serve: Divide noodles and broth evenly among bowls. If using thinly sliced beef, add it back now.
- Add Your Favorite Toppings: Arrange toppings like soft-boiled eggs, scallions, chili oil, spinach, corn, and toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or a similar creamy cheese for a different flavor.
- Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce to control salt levels.
- Experiment with different proteins such as shredded chicken or firm tofu for vegetarian options.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk, tofu, and omit cream cheese or use a vegan cream cheese alternative.
- Soft-boiled eggs add a rich, creamy texture to the dish, but they are optional.
- Adjust the amount of broth for a thicker or thinner broth consistency.
