Elevate Your Beef Ramen: 12 Delicious Add-Ins For Flavorful Noodles

Ramen noodles are an inexpensive pantry staple enjoyed by college students and noodle lovers alike. While the packaged seasoning gives basic chicken or beef ramen some flavor, the possibilities are endless when it comes to remixing instant ramen and turning it into a heartier, more nutritious meal.

Beef ramen in particular provides a savory base that pairs well with many mix-in ingredients. Below are 12 delicious ideas for ingredients to add to beef ramen that will take your noodles from boring to gourmet in minutes.

Vegetables

Chopped or shredded vegetables are an easy way to bulk up instant ramen and add nutrition. Try:

• Bean sprouts – Add crunch and volume. Use 1-2 cups per package of ramen.

• Carrots – Shredded or julienned carrots add color, sweetness, and vitamin A.

• Onions – Diced white, yellow, or green onions pack a punch of flavor.

• Spinach – Handfuls of fresh baby spinach wilt down and turn noodles green.

• Mushrooms – Sliced mushrooms add hearty texture and earthiness.

• Bok choy – Chop baby bok choy leaves and stems for a boost of vitamins.

• Zucchini – Julienned or spiralized raw zucchini noodles provide extra body.

Proteins

While instant ramen contains some protein from the dried noodles, adding extra protein makes it much more satisfying. Consider:

• Eggs – A soft boiled egg or stirred egg breaks up nicely into the broth.

• Tofu – Cubed silken or firm tofu provides plant-based protein.

• Beef – Thinly sliced steak, ground beef, or meatballs make it heartier.

• Chicken – Shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chicken breast works great.

• Shrimp – Defrosted cooked shrimp or imitation crab meat.

• Pork – Slices of roasted pork loin, pork belly, or bacon crumbles.

Sauces and Seasonings

Use sauces and spices to put an flavorful spin on basic beef noodles. Ideas include:

• Soy Sauce – A dash of soy sauce adds salty umami flavor.

• Chili Oil – A drizzle of chili oil brings on spicy heat.

• Sesame Oil – A teaspoon of sesame oil lends nuttiness.

• Sriracha – Squirts of rooster sauce provide a kick.

• Gochujang – For a Korean vibe, stir in some spicy gochujang paste.

• Curry Paste – Try red or green Thai curry paste for creaminess.

• 5-Spice Powder – A pinch of Chinese 5-spice powder adds intrigue.

• Lime Juice – Fresh lime juice brightens up the broth.

Toppings

No need to stop the additions once the ramen is in the bowl. Garnish with any of these fun toppings:

• Pepper – Fresh cracked black pepper

• Scallions – Chopped green onions

• Sesame Seeds – Toasted white or black sesame seeds

• Nori – Snipped sheets of roasted seaweed

• Bean Sprouts – More crispy sprouts for crunch

• Lime Wedges – Squeezed fresh lime juice

• Fresh Herbs – Cilantro, basil, mint

• Chili Flakes – Crushed red pepper for heat

• Fried Shallots – Store-bought crispy fried shallots

Recipe Ideas

Here are some full beef ramen recipes to try that incorporate a variety of mix-ins:

• Beef Ramen Noodle Bowl – This recipe tops beef ramen with stir-fried sirloin steak strips, shredded carrots, baby spinach, scallions, and sesame seeds.

• Ramen Carbonara – This creative remix adds crispy bacon, Parmesan, eggs, peas, and black pepper.

• Spicy Beef Ramen – Sirloin steak is paired with bok choy, chili oil, and chili garlic sauce for heat.

• Cheesesteak Ramen – With sliced steak, melty cheese, peppers, and onions, it’s Philly-inspired.

• Japanese Curry Ramen – Japanese curry paste and simmered potatoes make it hearty.

Take Ramen to the Next Level

Instant ramen offers a speedy starting point, while fresh ingredients you have on hand easily turn packaged noodles into a flavor-packed meal. Get creative with vegetables, proteins, sauces, spices, and toppings to invent your own signature beef ramen recipes.