Ramen has always been a symbol of comfort, but adding cheese to the mix becomes something else. Cheesy ramen noodles take the humble bowl of ramen to new heights, combining creamy textures with bold, savory flavors that satisfy nothing else. At Negi & Nori, we’re passionate about introducing unique and delicious takes on Japanese-inspired cuisine, and this dish perfectly captures our philosophy.
Whether you’re a foodie who wants to try something new or in dire need of a warm, soul-healing meal, the choice should always be cheesy cheese ramen noodles. Let us now guide you through the art of preparing this indulgent turning simple ingredients into an instantly loved dish.
What are Cheesy Ramen Noodles?
Cheesy ramen is a delicious fusion of food that captures the hearts of food lovers worldwide. Combining symbolic umami ramen flavors with the most indulged creaminess of cheese can change the magic of simplicity into a sufficient meal. With rich cheesy sauce, each nibble exudes an intensely indulging feel. Whether it is adding vegetables, proteins, or even sprinkling spice, ramen noodles with cheese satisfy a wide modernization to the traditional dish.
How To Make Cheesy Ramen Noodles
Make cheesy ramen from scratch in a few easy steps. With smooth, melted cheese mingling with noodles, it is an irresistible meal that is comforting.
What You Need to Make Cheesy Ramen
Ingredients for Cheese Ramen
Ramen/Noodles: Thicker noodles, like those from Korean brands such as Shin Ramyun, give a more elastic texture. These types of noodles remain firm even when mixed with rich, creamy ingredients.
Cheese: Cheddar is the default choice, as it provides a sharp, creamy flavour. You can also mix in mozzarella for extra stretchiness or try different cheeses like gouda, parmesan, or cream cheese for unique textures and flavors.
- Cheese Ramen Toppings
- Furikake: Adds a touch of saltiness and an umami boost.
- Fried Egg: Makes the dish heartier and more satisfying.
- Green Onions: Freshly minced green onions cut through the richness and add brightness.
- Seaweed: Crushed roasted seaweed flakes provide a salty, crispy element.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Contribute a nutty, aromatic flavor.
- Miso Butter: A simple mix of miso and butter adds a buttery, salty depth.
- Sriracha Hot Sauce: Infuses a spicy kick with a hint of garlic.
- Garlic Oil: Extra flavor and richness from a drizzle.
Step-by-Step Process to Make Cheesy Ramen Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add your ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions. For thicker noodles, aim for a chewy texture by slightly undercooking them.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
Drain the noodles, leaving about 1 cup of the cooking water in the pot. Alternatively, replace the water with chicken broth for added flavour. Reduce the heat to low.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Stir in your chosen cheese-cheddar for the classic flavor, mozzarella for that stretch, or a mix for complexity. Let it melt to a creamy sauce.
Step 4: Give it an Enhancement Boost
For creaminess, add a dash of milk, heavy cream, or a pat of butter. Use salt, pepper, and optional chilli flakes to create heat.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Transfer the cheesy ramen to a bowl. Add ramen toppings like a fried egg, green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and crushed seaweed for additional layers of flavor and texture.
Step 6: Customise
For a spicy ramen variation, drizzle with sriracha or chilli oil. Add fried garlic bits for crunch, or sprinkle crushed potato chips for a fun twist.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Serve straight from the oven when the cheese is hot and bubbly. Serve with your favorite side dishes or as a filling meal by itself.
Is it Possible to Make Cheesy Ramen Noodles Spicy?
Of course, you can make a spicy cheese ramen recipe. This fusion of creamy richness and bold heat will create an unforgettable, comforting bowl. Here’s how you could do it:
Ingredients you Need
- Ramen noodles, any brand you prefer
- Cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix to provide the creamy texture
- Sriracha sauce, for spiciness
- Garlic, minced, for added flavour
- Butter, optional for richness
- Soy sauce for umami flavour
- Coconut milk for a creamy base,
- Chilli flakes
- Onions for garnish
- Soft-boiled egg
Instructions:
- Begin with cooking your ramen noodles according to the instructions on the package. Set aside some of the cooking water after draining.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add a splash of soy sauce, a tablespoon of sriracha, and coconut milk or milk. Stir to combine.
- When the sauce is hot, gradually add the cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix for that gooey texture.
- Stir the noodles into the spicy cheese sauce, gently tossing them to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved noodle water to get it to the desired consistency.
- Sprinkle with chilli flakes, green onions, and a soft-boiled egg for added richness.
Recipe Tips for Cheesy Ramen Noodle
- Don’t Overcook the Ramen Noodles
Cooking noodles dente ensures that they retain some kind of chewiness, otherwise, overcooking renders them mushy, ruining the quality of your dish.
- Save Pasta Water
Save a cup of the noodle-cooking water to help blend the cheesy sauce until smooth. It’s the secret to silky, well-coated noodles.
- Choose Freshly Shredded Cheese
Shred cheese is fresh at home for better melting, as pre-shredded cheese usually has added anti-caking agents that affect texture.
- Turn Off the Heat
Add cheese after turning off the heat. The residual heat of the noodles and sauce will melt the cheese without clumping or burning.
- Use Butter for Enhanced Flavor
Add a pat of butter to the cooked noodles for richness and silkiness before adding the cheese.
- Reheat Gently
When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.
- Store and Freeze
You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days if you store them properly. Freeze portions for up to 2 months for quick future meals.
Is Cheesy Ramen Healthy?
Cheesy ramen, though comforting and delicious, isn’t often considered a health food due to its high calorie, refined carb, and sodium content. However, by carefully selecting ingredients, it can be made healthier. The nutritional value of this food is as follows:
Calories & Fat Content
Cheesy ramen can be calorie-dense, mainly from full-fat cheese and noodles. A typical serving may exceed 500-600 calories, but using lighter cheeses can reduce both calories and fat without compromising flavour.
Carbs & Fiber
Ramen noodles, made from refined wheat flour, are high in carbs but low in fibre. For better nutrition, opt for whole-grain or vegetable-based noodles (like zucchini or sweet potato) for added fibre and sustained energy.
Protein
Cheesy ramen is typically low in protein, an essential nutrient for muscle repair and satiety. Boost protein levels by adding toppings such as eggs, tofu, or lean meats like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Sodium
High sodium content is a concern in traditional ramen, especially instant varieties. To control sodium, consider using low-sodium broth or reducing the seasoning packet, which can help lower the salt content significantly.
Vitamins & Minerals
While cheese provides calcium, cheesy ramen lacks significant vitamins and minerals. Enhance its nutritional value by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, which increase vitamin A, C, and K content.
How to make Cheesy Ramen Noodles More Healthier?
Make cheesy ramen healthier with just a few easy swaps. Lighten things up with reduced-fat cheese, add in some veggies, and keep the sodium down. Here’s how to enjoy a nutritious take on a comforting classic:
Using lower-fat cheese: Choose reduced-fat cheese or smaller amounts of cheese to reduce saturated fat.
Add more vegetables: Increase fibre and nutrient intake by incorporating vegetables into your dish such as spinach, broccoli, or kale.
Add more protein: Add eggs, tofu, or lean meats to make your ramen full and well-rounded.
Sodium control: Lower the sodium in the meal by making your broth from scratch, or using low-sodium ramen and low-sodium seasoning packets.
Swap noodles: Try using whole-grain noodles or vegetable-based noodles for added fibre and healthier carbs.
Which Cheese is Best for Cheesy Ramen Noodles?
When it comes to crafting the perfect bowl of cheesy ramen, the choice of cheese can elevate your dish from simple to sensational. Here are the best cheeses to make your cheesy ramen irresistibly creamy and flavorful:
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Rich and tangy, sharp cheddar offers a bold flavor with a smooth melt; it’s sure to satisfy any craving for cheese in one’s ramen.
Fresh Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella is all about stretchy texture and milky flavour. It melts lighter and creamier, balancing out the savoriness of ramen broth to perfection.
Cream Cheese
There is no better sauce than cream cheese for a super creamy, smooth texture. It works beautifully in the broth, forming a velvety, rich coating that just douses the noodles in pure indulgence.
American Cheese
Smooth, mild, and temptingly creamy, American cheese offers a melt-in-your-mouth texture, creating a dreamy, velvety cheese sauce that pairs perfectly with the ramen’s warm broth.
Smoked Gouda
Add a dash of sophistication with gouda’s deep, smoky flavor. Whether it is the rich creaminess of the regular variety or the smoky intensity of smoked gouda, this cheese adds a unique, savoury twist.
Variations of Cheesy Ramen Noodles Recipe
Ramen noodles with cheese are highly versatile, enabling one to experiment with tastes and textures. Following are a few creative cheesy ramen recipe variations that will take your cheesy ramen to the next level:
Spicy Cheese Noodles
Add sriracha, chilli oil, or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick. You can also use spicy instant noodles like Shin Ramyun for added heat.
Creamy Miso Cheese Ramen
You can add umami-rich flavours to the cheese sauce by stirring in a spoonful of miso paste. Mix with butter for an indulgent, savory twist.
Garlic Butter Cheese Ramen
Adding the noodles to a skillet with butter and minced garlic is a great way to make them taste even better. Mix this with your cheese sauce for a bold garlicky flavor.
Vegetarian Cheese Ramen
Use a vegetable broth base and toss in toppings like sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or roasted bell peppers.
Soupy Cheese Ramen
Omit the thickener of cornstarch and add more broth to make a thinner, brothy cheese ramen.
Cheese and Egg Ramen
Top it with a soft-boiled egg, a poached egg, or even scrambled eggs for creaminess and protein.
Korean-Style Cheese Ramen
Add gochujang, Korean chilli paste for a spicy and tangy version; top with kimchi.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy ramen noodles are a perfect case of how traditional Japanese flavors can merge with global influences. At Negi & Nori, our halal ramen options, among others such as Sushi, Poke, Sashimi, and Futomaki, ensure that everyone has something to enjoy. From comforting, creamy bowls to authentic simplicity in sashimi, our menu has a memorable dining experience waiting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put cheese in ramen noodles?
Yes, adding cheese to ramen noodles develops flavour and a creamy texture. Cheese goes well with the savoury broth, making the dish more indulgent and satisfying.
Does cheesy ramen taste good?
Of course, cheesy ramen marries umami from ramen with the richness of the cheese, creating a unique and mouthwatering flavour. It’s one of my favourite comfort foods because of its taste and texture.
Does cheese make ramen less spicy?
Yes, it does. Cheese adds a creamy, mild taste that helps to tone down the spiciness in ramen. It balances the heat and makes the dish pleasant for those who prefer not-so-spicy dishes.
Is cheese good in miso ramen?
Cheese and miso ramen go hand in hand, like yin and yang. Its creamy texture is what completes the rich flavour of the savoury and somewhat sour miso broth to a really rich, heavy, indulgent bowl full of depth.
Where did cheesy ramen originate from?
Cheesy ramen is a fusion dish that originally made its way into South Korean popularity. Koreans started combining cheese into spicy instant noodles to balance out the heat. It’s now one of the staple comfort foods that people around the world love.
Can I make cheesy ramen with instant ramen noodles?
Yes, instant noodles are perfect for making cheesy ramen. Just cook the noodles, stir in the shredded cheese or a cheese slice, and mix it until it’s melted. It’s quicker, delicious, and can be changed according to one’s tastes.
