Cheese Ramen is a gratifying combination of the rich and creamy goodness of cheese with the striking flavors of spicy ramen. This fusion recipe is a delightful twist to the classic ramen.
It has the comforting richness of cheese, striking and spicy flavors of Korean ramen, making it a whole new level of indulgence.
Join culinary forums and social media groups to connect with fellow food enthusiasts and exchange ideas, tips, and inspiration.
Table of contents
Savoring a spoonful of this delightful fusion dish is a phenomenal experience. With this easy cheese ramen recipe, you will get to enjoy the scrumptious homemade fusion dish ‘Korean Spicy Cheese Ramen’ in the comfort of your home.
On this page, you will get a step-by-step picture and video recipe on How to Make Cheese Ramen.
About Cheese Ramen
This Korean Sensation Cheese Ramen originated in South Korea, where delicious culinary innovations are born. Cheese ramen is also known as “cheese buldak ramen,” which means the fiery flavors of Korean spicy ramen blended with the luscious creaminess of cheese.
This eccentric combination of spicy ramen and cheese creates an extraordinary and irresistible taste. This ramen dish quickly gained popularity and is now a beloved dish in Korean cuisine.
Prepared using a handful of ingredients, this ramen gets done in just 8-10 minutes from start to finish.
Making this ramen dish is very simple. To make this noodle recipe, you just need to boil ramen noodles till al dente. Drain the noodles and let them cool a bit. Meanwhile, create the cheese base with butter, milk, sliced cheese, garlic, black pepper powder, Sriracha or chili sauce and ramen seasonings.
To spice it up, you can also add red chili flakes if you prefer hotter ramen. Boil it until it is creamy and thick, add the noodles. Toss them together until the noodles are well-coated with the creamy, cheesy goodness. Add spring onions and cook for a minute.
Your cheese ramen is ready, transfer the Korean Spicy Cheese Ramen to bowls. Simply top the hot ramen with more cheese, spring onion, chili flakes and enjoy the cheese-y and creamy ramen while they are hot.
Korean Spicy Cheese Ramen is a true culinary masterpiece, combining the best of both worlds: the comforting richness of cheese and the bold, spicy flavors of Korean ramen.
With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate the most delicious ramen in your own kitchen. So, grab your ramen noodles, cheese, and make this delectable dish.
This Cheese Ramen
✔︎ is loved by kids and adults alike
✔︎ is comforting and family-friendly
✔︎ needs minimal cleanup
✔︎ has a rich and creamy texture
✔︎ has a memorable taste
✔︎ can be customized
✔︎ can be made with added vegetables
✔︎ can be made with different types of cheese
✔︎ is easy and quick to make
✔︎ is a mouthwatering dish
Ingredients
- Instant Ramen Noodles: Ramen or instant noodles are the key ingredient of this dish. They absorb the flavors of the cheese and spicy seasoning and make a satisfying base for the ramen. For this recipe I have used 2 packets of Maggi Instant noodles (3 oz each).
You can use any of your favorite noodles.
-
Water: I have used 2 cups of regular tap water for boiling the ramen noodles. Ramen noodles are boiled until they are tender yet still firm. Here, you can also use vegetable broth or animal-based broths.
-
Whole Milk: Milk makes a rich, velvety and creamy base for this dish which coats the ramen noodles. The milk base complements beautifully with the sharp taste of cheddar cheese.
-
Salted Butter: I have used 1 teaspoon of salted butter. It is added for a luxurious rich taste and a smooth texture.
-
Garlic Powder: A hint of garlic powder is added to infuse the essential savory notes into the ramen dish. It elevates the overall taste of this ramen. You can also use chopped garlic and sauté it in butter.
-
Cheese: Cheddar cheese gives the classic cheesy goodness to this ramen and makes this dish so indulgent. I have used cheddar cheese slices for making the sauce. They melt beautifully into the sauce and create an irresistibly creamy base.
You can also use grated cheddar cheese.
-
Ground Black Pepper: A bit of ground black pepper is added for a mild heat and an extra flavor. It balances other spices and the richness of the cheesy sauce.
-
Sriracha Sauce: It is added for the heat and a hint of garlic to the ramen. You can adjust the amount of sauce to suit your personal spice tolerance.
Chopped Green Onions: These gorgeous green gems are added for a hit of mild onion-y flavor, freshness, and crunchy contrast.
Variations
Vegan Cheese Ramen
For making vegan cheese ramen, you need to swap dairy milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk and vegan cheese slices. Also, if you like using broth boiling noodles, then use vegetable broths. Also, you can add tofu or tempeh for a protein boost.
Protein Cheese Ramen
Love added protein in noodles? Then you can jazz up the protein content by adding shredded chicken, shrimp, or sliced beef to this ramen dish. For added protein, you can consider using egg noodles or udon noodles for a heartier base.
Vegetable Ramen
If you like adding colorful vegetables to your ramen noodles, then you can load your noodles with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, corn, carrots, broccoli, and zucchini for a hearty and nutritional touch.
Extra Spicy Ramen
If you like spicy noodles, then you can make it hot by adding a splash of hot sauce of your choice, or gochutgaru (Korean red pepper flakes).
Bacon Cheese Ramen
Love the crispy bacon in noodles? Then make bacon cheese ramen by adding crispy bacon to these noodles, or crumble crispy bacon over your cheesy ramen for a savory and smoky crunch and flavor.
Soupy Ramen
Love a soupy version, then add more sauce to these noodles, or add the noodles to the sauce without draining.
Seafood Cheese Ramen
Seafood and ramen make a delightful combination. To make this version, you can add ingredients like crab meat, scallops, or mussels. Also, for this recipe, use seafood-based broth or some fish sauce.
Gluten-Free Cheese Ramen
If you are gluten intolerant, then make sure that you swap traditional wheat-based ramen noodles with gluten-free alternatives such as gluten-free ramen noodles or rice noodles.
Kimchi Cheese Ramen
For this version, add kimchi to the sauce along with boiled noodles. The tangy and spicy flavors of kimchi go amazingly well with the creamy cheese sauce.
Fusion Flavors Cheese Ramen
Feel free to explore different cheese varieties for making this ramen recipe. The other types of cheese that taste great in this recipe are smoked gouda, pepper jack, or blue cheese.
You can also try adding coriander (cilantro), and lime of Mexican flavors. Or add some roasted crushed peanuts and basil to make Thai basil inspired noodles.
Keto Cheese Ramen
To make a low-carb, keto-friendly version of this ramen recipe, replace ramen noodles with shirataki noodles, carrot noodles, or spiralized zucchini (zoodles).
Storage suggestions
Cheese ramen tastes best when served hot straight from the pan. However, if you have leftovers then store them in a refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating
Stovetop pan: You can reheat the ramen in a stove top pan. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to the noodles and reheat them until heated through.
Microwave: Alternatively, you can reheat the ramen in a microwave. To microwave, place the ramen in a microwave-safe container and cover it and heat for 30-seconds to 1 minute. Stir in intervals until it reaches the desired temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Cheese ramen tastes great as it is. But if you like it cheesier like me, then right before serving, add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the hot cheese ramen and let it melt. This cheese topping gives a cheesy and gooey texture.
If you want to beautify this ramen dish, garnish it with spring onion greens and a pinch of red chili flakes. Or top it with crunchy sesame seeds, or crushed garlic.
You can also accompany it with side dishes such as fresh salad, hot n sour soup, momos, or some chilli cheese toast for a balanced meal.
Drinks that go well with this ramen dish are refreshing mango iced tea, iced green tea, or a Korean strawberry milk, or iced rose latte.
Pro tips and tricks to make Cheese Ramen
-
Ingredients: Make sure to use high quality melting cheese and noodles to make this ramen noodles.
-
Spices: Feel free to balance the spiciness of this ramen recipe. If you want spicier ramen, then increase the amount of sriracha or add Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru). But make sure that you add the spices gradually to avoid making it too spicy.
-
Milk: Whole or full fat milk tastes the best. Always use the room temperature or warm milk for making this sauce. It will help the cheese melt smoothly. Do not use cold milk, or it will cause the cheese to clump.
-
Stir Continuously: After adding cheese, remember to stir constantly. This step will help to prevent the cheese from sticking to the pan.
-
Noodles: Feel free to try different varieties of noodles for a different flavor profile. Other flavors you can use are udon, soba, or rice noodles.
-
Cooking: Make sure to cook the noodles until they are al dente. Don’t overcook noodles, or else overcooking will result in mushy noodles.
-
Preheat Serving Bowls: To keep your ramen hot while serving, you need to use preheated bowls. To preheat bowls, you need to fill the bowls with hot water and let them sit for a few minutes before serving noodles.
-
Serving: This Spicy Ramen tastes great when relished hot and fresh as its creamy, cheesy goodness at its peak. So, make sure to serve it immediately right after making it.
-
Toppings: For added texture and flavor, you can top your noodles with different toppings like roasted salted peanuts, boiled eggs, sesame seeds, crispy crackers, crispy fried onions, or even croutons.
FAQ
What is Cheese Ramen?
Cheese Ramen is a fusion dish that is a combination of spicy Korean ramen flavors with the savory creaminess of cheese. This recipe typically uses instant ramen noodles. For a spicy touch either sriracha or Korean red pepper flakes are added to this ramen dish.
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
I have used cheddar cheese here. But you can absolutely use any melting cheese of your choice. You can also use mozzarella and pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
How can I adjust the spice level of ramen?
To control the spiciness, you can adjust the amount of sriracha sauce or Korean red pepper flakes to your preference. Start with a small amount and add more gradually as needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
It is a vegetarian recipe, and you can easily make it vegan. To make it vegan, swap milk with plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk) and replace the cheese with vegan cheese slices. Also, use vegan ramen noodles for a vegan version.
Can I make ramen gluten-free?
For a gluten-free ramen version, use rice noodles or any gluten-free noodles.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming lumpy?
To prevent the cheese from clamping, it is important to use warm milk.
Can I store leftovers of Ramen?
Yes, you can store leftover ramen. To store, let the ramen cool and then transfer it to an airtight container and then refrigerate for 2-3 days. When you want to serve, reheat it in the stovetop pan or in the microwave. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to the noodles before reheating.
Adding milk restores the creamy texture.
Can I make a non-spicy version of cheese ramen?
Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the sriracha sauce and reduce the amount of Korean red pepper flakes to make a non-spicy ramen.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, this ramen dish is suitable for kids as they love cheesy dishes and noodles. Just remember to make it less spicy when preparing for kids.
Cheese Ramen (Step-by-step photo instructions)
How to Make Cheese Ramen
- Start by boiling water in a pot. Once it's boiling, add the instant ramen noodles. Cook until they are al dente (tender), usually for about 2 minutes. You need to cook them until they are tender but still slightly firm. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the milk and give it a stir. Next, add the garlic powder, black pepper powder, and the seasonings from the ramen packets. Mix well to combine. After that, add the sriracha sauce and stir. Let it come to a boil while stirring continuously. Add the cheddar cheese slices to the pan and stir until the cheese is fully melted, and the sauce becomes creamy. This should take about 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked and drained ramen noodles back to the pot. Toss them gently in the milk and cheese mixture for a minute to absorb the flavors. Finally, add the chopped green onions to the ramen and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute to soften the green onions.
- To serve, ladle the cheesy ramen into a serving bowl. Top the bowl with an additional cheddar cheese slice and garnish with more chopped green onions and a pinch of chili flakes if you like some extra heat. Enjoy your delicious homemade cheese ramen while it's hot!
Recipe Card
Cheese Ramen [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 5 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| 9 mins | ||
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Serves ☺ |
| Main | Asian | 2 |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 460 calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
For Cheese Ramen
- 2 packets (3 oz) instant ramen noodles
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salted butter
- 2 cheddar cheese slices
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon chopped green onions
For serving:
- 1 cheddar cheese slice
- Chopped green onions, for garnishing (optional)
- Pinch of chili flakes, optional
INSTRUCTIONS:
How to Make Cheese Ramen
- Start by boiling water in a pot. Once it's boiling, add the instant ramen noodles. Cook until they are al dente (tender), usually for about 2 minutes. You need to cook them until they are tender but still slightly firm. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the milk and give it a stir. Next, add the garlic powder, black pepper powder, and the seasonings from the ramen packets. Mix well to combine. After that, add the sriracha sauce and stir. Let it come to a boil while stirring continuously. Add the cheddar cheese slices to the pan and stir until the cheese is fully melted, and the sauce becomes creamy. This should take about 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked and drained ramen noodles back to the pot. Toss them gently in the milk and cheese mixture for a minute to absorb the flavors. Finally, add the chopped green onions to the ramen and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute to soften the green onions.
- To serve, ladle the cheesy ramen into a serving bowl. Top the bowl with an additional cheddar cheese slice and garnish with more chopped green onions and a pinch of chili flakes if you like some extra heat. Enjoy your delicious homemade cheese ramen while it's hot!
WATCH RECIPE VIDEO: Click the play button and video will load ...
NOTES:
- Make sure to use high quality melting cheese and noodles to make this ramen noodles.
- Feel free to balance the spiciness of this ramen recipe. If you want spicier ramen, then increase the amount of sriracha or add Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru). But make sure that you add the spices gradually to avoid making it too spicy.
If this recipe helped you, then please spread the word by sharing and subscribing to us on YouTube to get more such Recipe Videos.
Your feedback is so helpful for me and other My Ginger Garlic Kitchen readers. So, for Facebook and Instagram, please mention @MyGingerGarlicKitchen or #mygingergarlickitchen. I would love to see your photos. :)
Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/cheese-ramen/