7 Ways to Go From Basic to Elevated Ramen

Since the ramen boom became a mainstay in American food culture at the turn of the millennium, people have been noodling over ways to enhance its irresistible flavor. 

Ramen noodles are already the ultimate test of your chopstick skills and ability to slurp like a pro. Now all you need are a few ideas to go from basic to elevated ramen. It’s time to create a culinary masterpiece in your kitchen with ingredients probably already in your pantry. So, let’s embark on this flavor-filled journey together.

1. Pair With Golden Island Pork Jerky

You may not know it, but ramen and jerky form the perfect match. The smoky, slightly sweet flavor of the jerky beautifully complements the mild flavor of the noodles, taking your ramen to a whole new level.

Golden Island Pork Jerky adds a flavorful punch with its savory flavors, while ramen noodles provide an almost-blank canvas. Golden Island isn’t your everyday jerky—it adds tender pork bites bursting with sweet and savory flavors reminiscent of Korean BBQ.

The jerky also adds a layer of complexity to the dish. The addition transforms your ramen from a simple bowl of noodles to an elevated ramen experience. If you don’t want the full jerky strips, choose the smaller pork jerky snack bites, which are perfect for ramen bowls.

2. Stir in the Vegetables

Whether you’re looking for an addition or an alternative to jerky, another natural choice is vegetables. 

The beauty of ramen is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can add almost any vegetable to the mix. The options are endless, from corn and mushrooms to spinach and bell peppers.

Frozen veggies are excellent for busy nights when you want a quick meal without compromising nutrition. Fresh vegetables can add extra crunch and freshness to your ramen. Other ideas include:

• Sweet corn: Adding sweet corn can provide a sweet contrast to the savory broth, 
• Spinach: Add a mild bitterness that balances the overall flavors of the ramen. 
• Mushrooms: With their earthy flavor, mushrooms add a unique depth to your dish. 

Each vegetable brings a unique flavor profile, making your elevated ramen a delightful medley of tastes.

3. Cook Your Noodles in Broth or Stock

Another flavorful way to elevate your ramen is by cooking your noodles in broth or stock instead of plain water. This simple trick enhances the noodles’ flavors, making them incredibly tasty.

You can experiment with different kinds of broth or stock.

• Beef
• Pork bone
• Chicken
• Vegetable

Each type lends a distinct flavor to the noodles, giving you many options to suit your taste buds. Chicken broth gives ramen a hearty, comforting flavor, while beef broth can add a robust, meaty taste. Vegetable broth can make your ramen light, refreshing, and subtly flavored. 

4. Create Your Seasoning Blend

You don’t have to stick to the seasoning packet when cooking your ramen. Get creative and use spices and sauces you love to create a seasoning blend. Popular seasoning ingredients include:

• Garlic
• Ginger
• Brown sugar
• Parika

Mixing brown sugar with your spices can add a hint of sweetness and balance the heat of the spices. You could also experiment with other blends, like a spicy mix of red chili flakes and cayenne pepper for a hot and fiery ramen. Or, an herb blend of rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a Mediterranean twist.

The possibilities are endless when creating your seasoning blend for elevated ramen.

5. Experiment With Different Toppings

Top off your ramen with crunchy and flavorful toppings that bring out its flavor. Toppings add to your ramen’s visual appeal and enhance the experience with different textures and flavors.

Wonton chips, seaweed or nori, sesame seeds, and toasted nuts are just a few examples of what you can use as toppings. Wonton chips can add a delightful crunch, while seaweed can provide a unique sea flavor. Sesame seeds can add a subtle nutty taste, and toasted nuts can provide a rich, buttery flavor.

Toppings take your ramen from delicious to divine, making each bite a unique and delightful experience. So don’t hold back. Experiment with different toppings to create your personalized bowl of elevated ramen.

6. Sass it Up With Sauce

When it comes to elevating the flavor of your ramen noodles, sauces are the secret weapons that excite every slurp. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or prefer an umami-rich profile, the possibilities are endless: 

• Sambal brings a fiery kick, while chili garlic sauce adds a zesty punch. 
• Sriracha ignites your taste buds with its iconic heat, while oyster sauce adds a touch of sweetness and depth. 
• Hoisin sauce is rich and savory; fish sauce contributes a distinct umami note.
• Gochujang delivers a Korean twist or try the classic soy sauce for a well-balanced seasoning.

Unleash your saucy side and add a little kick to your ramen bowl.

7. Add a Little Egg-stra

Eggs are the perfect complement to a classic ramen bowl. When adding eggs to ramen, the possibilities are as plentiful as they are delicious. 

The classic option is the soft-boiled egg, which creates a velvety texture. For a twist, try a marinated egg, where the flavors of soy sauce, mirin, and other seasonings infuse the egg.

If you’re feeling adventurous, go for a poached egg, where the runny yolk cascades into the broth, adding richness and depth to the noodles. Whether you prefer silky, savory, or crispy eggs, adding eggs to your ramen creates a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that will leave you egg-static with every spoonful.

Mix Up Your Ramen With Golden Island Jerky

Make your next bowl of ramen something you’ll come back to time and again. Add Golden Island Pork Jerky and experience an elevated ramen meal bursting with flavor. Order your jerky online or find it at your local store.