The noodles soup, also called ramen, is a typical dish of the oriental tradition. Its instant version is widespread all over the world because it is good, cheap and can be prepared in a very short time. To prepare a plate of steaming noodles, in the case of the glass version, simply open the package and add boiling water; once cooked, just mix them and they will be ready to be eaten. If, on the other hand, you bought those in bags, you need to use a saucepan and stove. Once cooked, remove them from the heat to serve immediately. If you want, you can improve the recipe by adding a few ingredients of your choice, such as peanut butter, curry paste, vegetables or cheese.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Cook the Instant Noodles in the Glass
Step 1. Boil some water
Pour about 500-750ml of water into a kettle or saucepan. Bring it to a boil using medium-high heat. It will take about 5-10 minutes for the water to boil briskly.
- You will know that the water is boiling when large air bubbles rise from the bottom of the pot to the surface. A lively boil requires that the bubbles are large and numerous.
- Some kettles have a sound indicator that emits a "whistle" noise. When the kettle whistles, it means the water is boiling.
- If necessary, you can also boil the water in the microwave. Be very careful, though, as it could overheat and violently escape from the container, which could cause you to be severely burned.
Step 2. Make the noodle soup
First, pull the tab covering the glass and only open it halfway. If there are any sachets that contain spices, take them out, then open them and pour the contents into the glass. If you are concerned about lumps in the dressing, shake the glass to distribute the powder better.
Among the spices to be added as a condiment there may be some particularly spicy ones. Read the directions on the package carefully; if you don't like very strong flavors, you can avoid using them
Step 3. Add the boiling water
After preparing the noodles in the glass, wait for the water to boil, then pour it into the package. You only need to pour in enough quantity to reach the indicated line inside the container.
Most instant noodle packages have a clear dividing line inside the glass. If not, fill it up to about 2.5cm from the top edge
Step 4. Let the noodles rest and cook
After adding the boiling water, you need to close the package with the lid. Generally, you will have to wait about three minutes without touching it. As some products may require a different waiting period, it is always best to read the package directions carefully.
To close the lid properly, press the aluminum tab around the edge of the cup. If that's not enough, place a small plate on top of the glass to hold it in place
Step 5. Stir and enjoy the noodle soup
After three minutes, completely remove the tab from the package. Now, you need to mix the contents using a fork or a pair of chopsticks. If there's a lot of steam coming out, wait a minute or two before eating. During this time, the noodles should cool down enough to be enjoyed without problems.
- You can eat them with chopsticks, but also with a fork.
- If you wish, you can add spices and ingredients to taste, starting with salt and pepper.
Method 2 of 3: Make the Instant Noodles in Bag
Step 1. Boil some water in a saucepan
Choose a medium sized one (2-3 liters of capacity). Pour 600ml of water into the pot, then bring it to a boil using medium-high heat.
The pot will need to be large enough to comfortably hold the water, but at the same time small enough in diameter to allow the noodles to be completely submerged
Step 2. Add the seasoning
Open the package carefully to remove the sachet with the spices intact. Pour the contents of the sachet into the boiling water, then stir with a spoon or wand to distribute it evenly.
Be careful not to splash yourself with the boiling water as you stir
Step 3. Add the instant noodles
Pour them into the water carefully so as not to burn yourself. Once in the pot, you will need to occasionally push them into the water to promote even cooking; some noodles may in fact remain uncovered.
- If you want the noodles to keep their length, it is best to block them in the pot.
- If you prefer medium lengths, you can divide the mass into two or three parts before submerging it in boiling water.
- To make hundreds of small noodles, break the noodles while they are still inside the package.
Step 4. Cook them
Let them boil for three to four minutes. Once they have softened, you can start mixing them slowly using a large spoon or chopstick. As they begin to separate, you can look for signs that they are cooked:
- Once ready, the noodles change color from a dull, whitish hue to a semi-transparent yellow.
- When cooked, they easily separate from each other and are evenly distributed in the pot.
- By lifting a noodle out of the water, you'll know it's ready if it's stretchy and curled.
Step 5. Serve them
When you are sure they are cooked, you can turn off the flame. Carefully pour the noodles and broth into a large bowl. If they produce a lot of steam, wait a minute or two before eating them.
You can enjoy them with chopsticks, but also with a fork
Method 3 of 3: Add Ingredients to Your Taste
Step 1. Add an egg to the noodle soup
In order to add an egg it is necessary to cook the ramen in a pot. When almost cooked, break an egg and pour it into the center of the pot.
- You can choose to break the egg and mix it with the soup by stirring with a spoon. The egg will separate into many small pieces that will cook very quickly.
- If you prefer to keep it whole, don't mix. All you need to do is cover the pot with a lid and let the egg cook for about 30-60 seconds.
Step 2. Add flavor to the soup with a seasoning of your choice
There are a number of toppings suitable for further enhancing the taste of instant noodles. You can add them before or after cooking, in combination or in place of those already present in the package. For instance:
- Add a spoonful of miso paste if you love savory and strong flavors.
- To make an Asian-inspired spicy noodle soup, add a teaspoon of Korean red pepper paste, a teaspoon of soy sauce, a teaspoon of rice vinegar, half a teaspoon of sesame oil and half a teaspoon of honey.
- If you love the flavors of Thai cuisine, you can add half a teaspoon of peanut butter.
Step 3. Make a healthy choice by adding vegetables
There are many varieties of vegetables that you can add to the noodle soup. Those that cook faster can be incorporated just before the end of cooking, while the others must first be blanched.
- Fast cooking vegetables include spinach, finely sliced kale leaves, and smaller Chinese kale.
- Slow-cooking vegetables include broccoli, carrots, and peas instead.
- If you intend to add frozen vegetables, you must let them defrost in advance.
Step 4. Add a slice of spinning cheese
When the noodles are ready to serve, you can place a slice of cheese on the top. Choose a cheese that melts and spins easily so that it melts in the broth creating a soft, creamy sauce. Adjust the thickness of the cheese slice according to your sweet tooth.
Once the cheese has melted, stir to incorporate it into the broth
Step 5. Replace the spices in the package with broth
Generally, the sachets found inside instant noodles are a combination of nut powder, sodium and dehydrated herbs. If you are on a low-sodium diet or if you prefer the taste of homemade things, you can substitute the sauce with meat or vegetable broth.
- Instead of boiling the water, use the same amount of broth (about half a liter), then cook the noodles.
- You can make the vegetable, beef or chicken broth yourself, or you can buy it ready-made at the supermarket.
