We all know that instant ramen noodles are a college staple, and while they are easy to make and taste good, the packages tend to be lacking in nutrition and flavor variety. To help remedy this, we’ve compiled six different toppings you can add to your instant noodles.
1. Green onions/scallions
This is a classic instant ramen topping, and chances are you’ve already tried it before! Green onions add a fresh kick to your noodles and are easy to find in the produce aisle at your local grocery store.
2. Soft-boiled egg
Many are probably familiar with this topping as well, but how do you achieve the perfect soft-boiled egg, cooked on the outside but with a slightly soft yolk?
Bring a pot of water to a soft boil and put in eggs, let them cook for seven minutes. While they are boiling, make an ice bath for the eggs. After the seven minutes are up, put the eggs in the ice bath for three minutes. All that’s left is to peel the eggs.
3. Nori
Most people associate nori, flat sheets of dark seaweed, with sushi, but they also make a great topping for your noodle soup. You can find nori in most grocery stores in the Asian or international food aisle. Once you have one of the sheets cut it into half inch strips, place on top of your soup and you’re set.
4. Bok Choy
This is a great addition to help you get your daily greens while keeping the soup delicious. I personally suggest buying baby bok choy, as opposed to the full-sized version, which you can find in most produce sections. There are many ways you can prepare this vegetable; steamed, sauteed, boiled or even microwaved.
5. Kimchi
Kimchi is a type of pickled cabbage originating in Korea. It has a unique spicy flavor with crunchy vegetables, and the use of Korean pepper flakes adds a sweetness to the cabbage that balances out the vinegar nicely. You can find kimchi in most produce sections, usually near the tofu and bean sprouts. As kimchi gains popularity in the US, grocery stores are displaying more unique flavors of kimchi on their shelves, so you may get some creative freedom on this front.
6. Bean Sprouts
Bean sprouts are fresh and crunchy vegetables that go well with the softness of ramen noodles. Pair bean sprouts with green onions and sesame oil for a refreshing noodle soup that has a bit more flavor than just using the package alone. Bean sprouts can usually be found in the produce section or next to the tofu at a grocery store.