Description
This Easy Creamy Ramen Recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any day. Featuring a creamy broth made with cream cheese and milk, sautéed aromatics, and your choice of protein like ground beef or tofu, it combines rich, savory flavors with the convenience of instant ramen noodles. Customizable with a variety of toppings such as soft-boiled eggs, scallions, and chili oil, this recipe offers a delicious twist on a classic favorite that’s simple to prepare in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 packets of instant ramen noodles
- 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk (or oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk)
- 4 oz cream cheese (full-fat or reduced-fat)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced beef, cooked shredded chicken, or firm tofu)
- 2 teaspoons freshly minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon white (shiro) miso paste (optional)
Toppings (Optional)
- Soft-boiled eggs (1 per serving)
- Thinly sliced scallions (green onions), about 1/4 cup
- Chili oil or chili crisp, to taste
- Fresh spinach or corn, about 1/2 cup
- Toasted sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare Your Aromatics and Beef: Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. If using ground beef, break it into small pieces; if using thinly sliced beef, have it ready for quick searing.
- Cook the Beef: In a medium pot or deep skillet, melt about half a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and thoroughly cooked, about 5-7 minutes. If using thinly sliced beef, sear it quickly for 1-2 minutes per side, then set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of butter, then toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Build the Creamy Broth: Pour in the water or chosen broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the cream cheese until melted and creamy. Stir in the milk, seasoning packets from the ramen, low-sodium soy sauce, and miso paste if using. Adjust the seasoning to taste, simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the instant ramen noodles directly to the simmering broth and cook according to package directions, usually 2-3 minutes, until tender but still slightly firm.
- Assemble and Serve: Divide the noodles and broth evenly into four serving bowls. Return the cooked thinly sliced beef to the bowls if that protein option was chosen.
- Add Your Favorite Toppings: Garnish the ramen with soft-boiled eggs, sliced scallions, fresh spinach or corn, chili oil, and toasted sesame seeds as desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the protein with cooked shredded chicken or firm tofu to make it vegetarian-friendly.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based cream cheese and milk alternatives and skip the meat and broth, using vegetable broth instead.
- Adjust the amount of cream cheese and milk for a thicker or lighter broth according to preference.
- Be careful not to overcook the noodles to maintain a pleasant texture.
- Soft-boiled eggs can be cooked by boiling for 6-7 minutes, then cooled in ice water before peeling.
