15 Clever Ways To Use A Ramen Seasoning Packet
Instant ramen has been known for decades as being a convenient and inexpensive way to enjoy a hot cup of noodles. The origins of instant ramen date back to 1958 when Momofuku Ando invented the dish after extensive experimentation on the best ways to dry and flavor noodles. Now, his company, Nissin, sells Top Ramen and Cup Noodles in local grocery stores worldwide.
Instant ramen is sold in a variety of flavors, concentrated in a seasoning packet included in every package of dried noodles. The powdered contents of ramen seasoning packets are a combination of salt, sugar, dehydrated vegetables, meat flavorings, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). MSG is a flavor enhancer that gives instant ramen its familiar umami taste, but its use has been debated over the years. Some have reported MSG symptoms, but researchers have not found evidence of these symptoms being linked to MSG in food. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recognized MSG as a safe ingredient. MSG is what gives ramen its distinct umami flavor that makes our mouths water.
Just like any other spice in your pantry, ramen seasoning can be used for so much more than just to season noodles. Keep a few of your favorite flavors on hand and test out these clever ways to use ramen seasoning packets around your kitchen.
Season homemade salad dressing
While reaching for a bottle of salad dressing may be a convenient way to toss a salad, a homemade batch of dressing is a fast and flavorful way to take your leafy greens to the next level. Scratch-made salad dressing — particularly vinaigrette — is very customizable and easy to make.
At its most basic form, vinaigrette is an emulsification of oil, vinegar, and seasonings. Mixing a ramen seasoning packet into your homemade vinaigrette is a simple trick to make flavorful salad dressing from scratch. The spices and dehydrated herbs can give salad dressing a delicious flavor boost. Simply mix the contents of a ramen seasoning packet with a 3:1 ratio of olive oil and vinegar. Sprinkle in a little sugar or stir in a tablespoon of honey to add a little sweetness. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ramen seasoning varieties to find the perfect flavor profile for your salad. Consider the ingredients of your salad and choose ramen seasoning with complimentary flavors to incorporate into the dressing. Dressings made with the classic chicken or beef ramen seasoning flavors pair deliciously with grilled chicken or steak salads, while seasoning packets like chili lime shrimp add deeper layers of flavor to compliment salad topped with seafood.
Sprinkle on popcorn
Popcorn is a blank canvas; it sets a foundation for a variety of flavors and seasonings. Salty, sweet, savory, and spicy flavors are all delicious when paired with popcorn. Ramen seasoning makes a delicious topping for popcorn and is a convenient way to use up the leftover ramen packets in your pantry. The umami notes of ramen flavored popcorn are a great way to punch up this popped snack.
Ramen seasoning is high in sodium, so it is recommended to mix ramen seasoning with unflavored popcorn kernels to keep the salt levels in check. While your popcorn is popping, melt some unsalted butter over medium heat. Season the butter with a small portion of the seasoning packet to start and taste test as you go to find the perfect ratio of seasoning to butter. Toss the seasoned butter with a bowl of freshly popped popcorn for a tasty snack you will be craving for your next movie night.
Stir into soups and stocks
Since the seasoning packets included in instant ramen packages were designed for ramen soup and noodle dishes, they combine seamlessly into broths, stews, stocks, and chowders. There are many nutrients in soup and health benefits of bone broth like improved joint and gut health, supplying electrolytes, and providing protein. Soup is also very hydrating since water is a main component, and added meat and vegetables provide healthy protein and fiber.
Using ramen seasoning to make a flavorful soup is a useful kitchen hack to add to your repertoire. The powdered ingredients in ramen seasoning react similarly to powdered bouillon when added to liquid-based dishes, infusing amplified flavors with food during the cooking process. Similarly with bouillon, the key to a delicious soup is coordinating seasoning packet flavors with the protein you are cooking with. Chicken, beef, and vegetable seasoning flavors are all versatile options that can help enhance the dish's flavor. Boil water and a couple of ramen seasoning packets to create a fast, easy, and flavorful stock. Make the stock ahead of time and refrigerate in an airtight container or freeze for easy meal prep later.
Mix into a barbecue spice rub
One of the best grilling tips for your next cookout is to make a flavorful barbecue rub. A good rub incorporates a variety of seasonings and spices with sugar; sugar creates a nice crust and satisfying brown coloration during the cooking process. Seasonings can be tailored to any flavor profile, and ramen seasoning packets can incorporate savory, meaty flavors into barbecue rubs. Many of the spices in ramen seasoning are used regularly in pre-packaged barbecue rubs, including garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder, while the mushroom extracts and dried seaweed contribute to umami flavors that enhance the meaty flavors of proteins.
Ramen seasoning also makes a flavorful addition to ground meats like beef, chicken, turkey, and pork. To make flavorful burgers, add a few pinches of ramen seasoning into the ground meat of your choice before mixing together, shaping into patties, and grilling. Be sure to measure ramen seasoning in small amounts in order to avoid over-salting the burgers. If you're looking to take things to the next level, serve the burgers on ramen buns for a ramen-infused burst of flavor at first bite.
Make seasoned flour for fried chicken
One of the best tips for making delicious fried chicken is in the batter. A perfect fried chicken batter is golden brown, crispy, and well-seasoned. Seasoning your flour is an important step that should never be skipped. Coating chicken in a seasoned flour dredge gives enhanced savory flavor to the crispy outer layer of fried chicken. Thankfully, a ramen spice blend packet makes seasoning flour quick and easy. Chicken-flavored ramen seasoning incorporates salty, garlicky, and herby elements into a flour dredge that perfectly compliments any cut of chicken you choose to prepare.
Mix a packet of chicken-flavored ramen seasoning into a bowl of flour. Pat your chicken dry, dip the pieces in egg wash, coat the chicken in the flour mixture, and fry until golden brown and the internal temperature reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The result: A crispy and perfectly seasoned batch of ramen-spiced fried chicken. This seasoning method also works with beef-flavored and pork-flavored seasoning packets for flavorful chicken fried steak and fried pork chops.
Season vegetable side dishes
If you are looking to give veggies a flavor boost, look no further than ramen seasoning packets. A sprinkling of ramen seasoning over a vegetable side dish gives delicious savory notes through the powdered garlic, onion, mushroom, and chives. There are many flavor varieties to test out and mix into vegetable sides that complement any main course.
No matter how you prepare them, it is easy to season fresh and frozen veggies with a ramen seasoning packet. Roasted vegetables are particularly delicious when cooked with these seasonings. The roasting temperature and the rich flavors in ramen seasoning bring out the natural sweetness in vegetables. For roasted vegetables, dice broccoli, potatoes, carrots, zucchini, or other vegetables and toss in olive oil. Sprinkle with the ramen seasoning flavor of your choice and roast in the oven at 400 F until brown and crispy. When it comes to steamed vegetables, boil diced veggies in water until fork tender. Drain and toss in a little ramen seasoning before serving for a tasty side dish that is quick to prepare.
Mix into a savory gravy
Ramen seasoning has unique savory elements that can make it a creative and delicious addition to your standby gravy recipe. The meaty umami notes elevate gravy into a flavorful, complex, and customizable sauce to accompany your cuisine. Simply whisk together the contents of a seasoning packet with flour, butter, and water until thickened and smooth. The water rehydrates the powdered ramen seasoning, similar to water's role when mixed with bouillon or a packet of instant gravy. The result is a luscious ramen seasoning gravy perfect for a place at your dinner table.
Experiment with different seasoning flavors to complement any protein you are serving. Gravy mixed with a beef-flavored seasoning packet and pot roast is a delicious combination, while chicken-flavored seasoning develops great layers of flavors in gravy for roasted chicken. This way of preparing gravy is also delicious poured over a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes or a plate of carved turkey for Thanksgiving.
Make ramen-spiced french fries
French fries may be one of the greatest food creations in history. They are perfect as a snack or side dish and are very versatile for pairing with different main courses or dipping into sauces. French fries are also a delicious outlet for a wide range of seasonings, including ramen seasoning. In Hong Kong in 2019, McDonalds launched a partnership with Cup Noodles to add ramen-inspired fries to the menu. The black garlic pork broth and sesame oil flavors were available for a limited time and brought the iconic french fries to the next level with delicious savory spices.
Whether you are looking to elevate frozen french fries from the freezer section of your grocery store or are learning how to make crispy french fries in your kitchen, you can jazz up your french fries with just a sprinkle of ramen seasoning. After the french fries finish cooking, toss with a little ramen seasoning for a kick of umami flavor. Since ramen seasoning is high in sodium, it is important to start with only a pinch of seasoning. Frozen fries, in particular, are typically seasoned with salt already, so taste as you go to ensure the french fries are not oversalted.
Mix into homemade dip
Deliciously creamy dip paired with crunchy, salty chips is a match made in heaven, and ramen seasoning can take a homemade dip up a notch. Mix a pinch of ramen seasoning into a bowl of sour cream. Taste as you go until the salty-tangy flavors are balanced, and enjoy with some tortilla or potato chips. For a lighter and healthier snack option, mix a little ramen seasoning into Greek yogurt and cut up some fresh cucumbers, carrots, celery, and tomatoes for dipping. Homemade ramen-spiced dip is a must-try for hors d'oeuvres at a family gathering or a nosh when you need a satisfyingly savory snack.
If you want to leave out the dairy-based dips, dip cucumber spears straight into a leftover ramen seasoning packet. Tear open a packet, pour the packet contents out on a plate, and dip cucumbers into ramen seasoning. Cucumbers work best for dipping because their moisture content helps the seasoning adhere to the vegetables' surface. The concentrated savory flavors in the seasoning pair perfectly with fresh, juicy cucumbers.
Elevate deviled eggs
You can count on deviled eggs being a crowd-pleaser at every party. Their rich flavor and creamy texture make for a tasty comfort food to snack on. Deviled eggs are very easy to prepare and flexible to customize with different flavor profiles. To take deviled eggs up a notch, add a more complex depth of flavor by adding a sprinkle of ramen seasoning. The spicier seasoning flavors add a little kick of heat that balances the rich flavors in the deviled egg filling. Make ramen-seasoned deviled eggs by mixing mashed hard-boiled egg yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, and a pinch of ramen seasoning together. Spoon the mixture into the empty egg white halves for a fresh take on the classic appetizer.
A common topping on Japanese ramen is a soft-boiled egg. These delicious eggs have jammy yolks and are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce and mirin. Take the flavor fusion of ramen-spiced deviled eggs to the next level by marinating ramen eggs. After hard boiling the eggs and cooling them in an ice bath, peel off the shells and place the eggs in an airtight container filled with soy sauce, mirin, a little sugar, and some water. Marinate the eggs for a few days in the refrigerator before slicing them open and making the deviled egg filling.
Sprinkle into scrambled eggs
Speaking of eggs, leftover ramen seasoning packets have a place at the breakfast table too. Whisk eggs together until the yolks and whites are combined and add a pinch of ramen seasoning. Experiment with different varieties to achieve the flavor you're looking for in your scrambled eggs. The salt and dehydrated herbs in ramen seasoning give scrambled eggs the perfect punch of seasoning, while the protein in the eggs makes a perfect start to the day.
Ramen seasoning is also delicious when cooked into omelets. This method works best with veggie omelets and omelets made with mild cheeses because of the high sodium levels in the seasoning. Making ramen-seasoned omelets with meats like ham, sausage, and bacon runs the risk of your breakfast being overly salty. Finish off your omelet with a little pepper and fresh herbs to give your food a gourmet flair. This cooking hack is sure to quickly become one of your secrets to making the best-scrambled eggs and omelets.
Infuse rice with umami flavor
Rice has so much flavor potential in a dish. Because of its neutral flavor profile, white rice is delicious with virtually any seasoning blend, but the nutty flavors of brown rice also work beautifully with a variety of spices. Adding a little ramen seasoning is one of the many great ways to give rice more flavor. Bring water, rice, and a little ramen seasoning to water to a boil. The ramen seasoning turns the water into a broth, bringing a delicious boost of flavor to the rice that shines through after the cooking process.
Stir fries and fried rice are especially tasty with a little ramen seasoning mixed in. Simply combine ramen seasoning into sauces and seasonings as you add them to the pan. Be wary of the sodium levels if you are using soy sauce or other high-sodium seasonings. Taste as you go until everything feels balanced on your palate. Garnish with sliced green onion for a pop of color and toasted sesame seeds for textural contrast.
Make flavorful marinades
Marinating steak, chicken, seafood, and other proteins can bring delectable flavor infusions into a dish. There are many benefits to using marinades. Other than bringing strong flavors and helping to season food, marinades can help tenderize meat by breaking down tough muscle fibers, making bites easier to chew through. Ramen seasoning brings tremendous flavor to marinades and can be combined with other ingredients as seamlessly as any other spice.
Similar to salad dressing, the key to a good marinade is a combination of oil, acid, and seasonings. Pairing ramen seasoning flavors with whichever protein you are cooking with helps create cohesive flavors in a meal. Mix the contents of a ramen seasoning packet with an oil of your choice and vinegar or citrus juice. Marinate your protein for up to 24 hours before cooking, or opt for a quick marinade for 15 to 30 minutes to make a flavorful meal in a flash.
Make a ramen-seasoned snack mix
Sometimes, an addictively salty, savory, crunchy snack is the perfect remedy to satisfy your midday hunger pangs. It is fast and easy to make a scrumptious snack at home, and leftover ramen seasoning sprinkled on a snack can transform it into a mouthwatering munchie. Season a cup of unsalted nuts or a drained can of chickpeas with oil and a little ramen seasoning, then roast in the oven until toasted for a tasty snack loaded with umami.
Making your own snack mix or homemade Chex Party Mix is simple with a leftover packet of ramen seasoning. Combine cereal, nuts, pretzels, and any other ingredients from the pantry you'd like to use into a bowl and mix with melted butter, a little Worcestershire sauce, and ramen seasoning. Remember to taste as you go so your snack mix does not become oversalted. Bake for an hour, and the result is a flavorful and crave-worthy snack that may be your next go-to when you have a hankering for something savory.
Keep a stock of seasoning
One of the fundamental principles behind instant ramen is its shelf stability. Instant ramen is packaged to maintain quality and freshness for long-term pantry storage. If you are looking to spruce up your pantry, there are plenty of ways to store those leftover ramen seasoning packets that are piling up. Instead of throwing away rogue packets, store them as essential pantry spices for regular recipes.
Empty spice jars like salt and pepper shakers are useful containers to store leftover ramen seasoning packets. Most spice jars have holes in the top for a controlled pour or shake when adding spices to a dish, making it easier to shake out small amounts of seasoning at a time into food than straight out of the packet. Repurpose your old spice jars by rinsing them out, drying them, and pouring the ramen seasoning in. If you have multiple seasoning flavors lying around, label the spice jars to help you remember which seasonings are inside. Upgrade your organizational skills by placing your new ramen seasoning jars in a spice rack for easy use while cooking.