Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

This post may include affiliate links that earn us a small commission from your purchases at no extra cost to you.

These easy Ramen Cups might just be the most delicious way to dress up a package of ramen noodles! Toss out the little powder packet that comes with the noodles, though. This recipe uses Better than Bouillon and soy sauce to make the broth pretty perfect! You’ll love the way it tastes with each bite of noodles and veggies.

Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

Instant Ramen Noodles

Ramen noodles are the staple struggle meal for everyone in their 20s. I think we can all fondly remember those nights when instant ramen was all we could afford, and maybe all you even knew how to make! Well, now you can enjoy the classic flavors of that nostalgic fave, but elevated in the best way.

One of the best things about a styrofoam cup of instant noodles is how convenient it is. You just have to pour the hot water in, wait a few minutes, and dig in! This recipe is essentially the same thing, except we’re trading freeze-dried veggies for frozen ones and the packet of powder broth for an even better concoction.

Why You’ll Love this Instant Ramen Recipe:

  • Convenient: Toss it all in a jar, add hot water, and enjoy!
  • Nostalgic: If you grew up loving instant ramen noodles or have fond memories from your early 20s of it, you’ll love how similar (but so much better) this easy recipe is.
  • Fun: Serving these Ramen Cups for dinner to family or friends is always a fun idea! You can also bring it with you to work to make everyone jealous.

Frozen veggies, a quick and easy broth, and instant ramen noodles combine in a jar to make the best pantry staple recipe!

Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (3)

Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (4)

Email This Recipe

Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Cookie Rookie.

Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (5)

How to Make Ramen Cups

You can jump to the recipe card for full ingredients & instructions!

  1. Add the Better than Bouillon, soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic powder to a jar. Combine.
  2. Add the frozen veggies to the jar. Don’t mix.
  3. Place the uncooked ramen on top of the veggies.
  4. Sprinkle on the green onions.
  5. Pour boiling water into the jar and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Recipe Notes

  • Better Than Bouillon: The secret to getting lots of flavor into a small noodle cup! I’m using the chicken flavor, but you could use vegetarian, mushroom, or beef if you prefer.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds a salty umami flavor to the noodles.
  • Parsley: Adds a bit of freshness and color to the noodles.
  • Ginger: Adds an earthy spiciness to the ramen.
  • Garlic Powder: I love adding a little more garlic powder (even though it is in the bouillon) just to make sure the ramen is super flavorful.
  • Frozen Vegetables: A great shortcut for this recipe. I’m using a mix of carrots and peas, but you could really use any small chopped vegetable. Finely minced fresh carrot, corn, thinly sliced mushrooms – anything that will cook in the heat of the water will work.
  • Noodles: I’m using ramen noodles, but you could switch up the noodles for udon, rice noodles, vermicelli, etc. Oceans Halo ramen noodles are my favorite!
  • Green Onion: Adds a bit of fresh onion flavor to the ramen and is one of my favorite garnishes!
Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (6)

Why should I make my own ramen cups?

Commercially prepared ramen cups are notorious for being extremely high in sodium and low in nutritional value. Making your own cups allows you to control the sodium content and add vegetables and proteins to increase the overall nutrition.

What types of vegetables work best in ramen cups?

I like to use frozen vegetables because they will defrost in the heat of the water, but they are less likely to go mushy than fresh vegetables. You can really use any vegetables you like, though!

How can I add protein to homemade ramen cups?

I recommend cooking and storing your protein separately from the noodle cups, then adding it after the soup has been prepared. Some great additions would be shredded chicken, diced bacon, a soft-boiled egg, or diced tofu!

Are homemade ramen cups gluten-free?

No, these ramen cups are not gluten-free. To make them gluten-free, you will need to use a gluten-free bouillon, tamari or coconut aminos in place of the soy sauce, and gluten-free noodles in place of the ramen (such as rice noodles).

How can I make ramen cups spicy?

When preparing the cups, add a few shakes of chili flakes, or after cooking the ramen, add some chili oil or sriracha.

Whether you store it in the freezer or enjoy it right away, you’ll love digging into your homemade Ramen Cup!

Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (7)
Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (8)

Make Ahead Instructions

These homemade ramen cups are designed to be a make-ahead meal prep lunch or dinner. Simply prepare them as instructed and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Storage Instructions

Fully assembled ramen cups can be stored with the lids tightly on in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Pour 1¼ cups of boiling water over the noodles, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes before enjoying. Alternatively, add just enough water to cover the noodles, microwave for 2 minutes, cover for 2 minutes, and stir until the seasoning has fully dissolved. I do not recommend freezing ramen cups.

Variations

There are so many unique variations on this basic noodle cup recipe.

  • Switch up the bouillon for vegetable, onion, or beef bouillon; white, yellow, or red miso paste; or red curry paste
  • Add a protein, such as cubed tofu or tempeh; shredded cooked chicken, pork, or beef; crumbled bacon; or soft-boiled eggs
  • Try thin rice vermicelli noodles instead of ramen (most other types of noodles will need to be precooked)
  • Add the veggies of your choice, such as carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, peas, Napa cabbage, corn, edamame, or green beans
  • Add some garnishes, such as sriracha; sesame seeds; a drizzle of rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, or fish sauce; or fresh herbs, such as cilantro or mint leaves.

#1 Noodle Cup Tip

Do not add any raw meat to your noodle cups. The water will not get hot enough to cook it. Always use precooked meat, and add it to the noodle cups after heating.

More Quick Dinner Recipes We Love

  • BLT Sandwich
  • Chicken and Noodles
  • Buttered Noodles
  • Cacio e Pepe
  • Air Fryer Hamburgers
  • 15 Minute Beer Cheese Soup
Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (9)

Ramen Cups are budget-friendly, kid-friendly, and college-student friendly! They feature all of the flavors of instant ramen you love, but even better. This easy elevated recipe is a dinnertime must-make!

More Healthy Soup Recipes to Try:

  • Hearty Vegetable Soup
  • Stuffed Pepper Soup
  • Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
  • Broccoli Cheese Soup
  • Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Healthy Cabbage Soup

If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.

Recipe

Ramen Cups Recipe

4.67 from 3 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Cook: 5 minutes minutes

Total: 10 minutes minutes

Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (10)

Serves1 ramen cup

Print Rate

Save Shop our store

These easy Ramen Cups might just be the most delicious way to dress up a package of ramen noodles! Toss out the little powder packet that comes with the noodles, though. This recipe uses Better than Bouillon and soy sauce to make the broth pretty perfect! You'll love the way it tastes with each bite of noodles and veggies.

Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (11)

Email This Recipe

Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Cookie Rookie.

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon chicken or mushroom flavored
  • 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce (see note)
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup frozen mixed vegetables
  • 2 ounces dried ramen noodles
  • 1 green onion thinly sliced

Instructions

  • Add the Better Than Bouillon, soy sauce, dried parsley, ground ginger, and garlic powder to a 16-ounce wide-mouth mason jar. Mix to combine.

    2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon, 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce, ½ teaspoon dried parsley, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

    Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (12)

  • Next pour the frozen vegetables on top of the seasoning but do not mix.

    ½ cup frozen mixed vegetables

    Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (13)

  • Place the ramen on top of the vegetables (it will cook faster if you break it into small pieces). Next sprinkle the green onion over the ramen. Again, do not mix.

    2 ounces dried ramen noodles, 1 green onion

    Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (14)

  • Attach the lid and store the ramen cup in the fridge for up to 4 days.

  • To serve, pour 1¼ cups boiling water over the noodles and cover with the lid for 5 minutes, or until the ramen noodles are soft. Stir until the seasonings are fully dissolved and enjoy. Alternatively, add enough water to just cover the noodles and microwave for 2 minutes. Cover for 2 minutes and then stir until the seasonings are dissolved. Enjoy.

    Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (15)

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • Soy Sauce: Use an equal amount of tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
  • Switch up the bouillon for vegetable, onion, or beef bouillon; white, yellow, or red miso paste; or red curry paste.
  • Add a protein, such as cubed tofu or tempeh; shredded cooked chicken, pork, or beef; crumbled bacon; or soft-boiled eggs.
  • Do not add any raw meat to your noodle cups. The water will not get hot enough to cook it. Always use precooked meat, and add it to the noodle cups after heating.
  • Try thin rice vermicelli noodles instead of ramen (most other types of noodles will need to be precooked).
  • Add the veggies of your choice, such as carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, peas, Napa cabbage, corn, edamame, or green beans.
  • Add some garnishes, such as sriracha; sesame seeds; a drizzle of rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, or fish sauce; or fresh herbs, such as cilantro or mint leaves.

Storage:Store ramen cups tightly sealed in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1ramen cup Calories: 328kcal (16%) Carbohydrates: 51g (17%) Protein: 11g (22%) Fat: 10g (15%) Saturated Fat: 4g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 4g Cholesterol: 0.2mg Sodium: 2830mg (123%) Potassium: 386mg (11%) Fiber: 6g (25%) Sugar: 2g (2%) Vitamin A: 4749IU (95%) Vitamin C: 12mg (15%) Calcium: 54mg (5%) Iron: 4mg (22%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (16)

Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (17)

Upload A PhotoTag on
Insta
Leave A Rating

Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (18)

Claim your free ebook!

Subscribe to have posts delivered straight to your inbox!! PLUS get our FREE ebook!

Sign Me Up

Ramen Cups (Instant Ramen Noodles) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

How to make ramen cups better? ›

Some tricks I use to improve instant cup noodles before I pour hot water and cover for 3–4 minutes:
  1. Add cheese, usually processed cheese like those for sandwiches which melts easily.
  2. Add a pat of real butter.
  3. add peanut butter.
  4. add precooked blanched or boiled french beans or peas still in the pod.
Nov 17, 2023

How do you make $1 ramen better? ›

Simple Add-Ins to Boost Your Ramen Experience
  1. Miso paste.
  2. Chili bean sauce.
  3. Thai curry paste.
  4. Japanese curry powder.
  5. Fish sauce.
  6. Harissa.
  7. Vinegar.
  8. Ponzu.

How to make Kylie Jenner top ramen? ›

You just cook your ramen like normally, then just beat up an egg, add it to your noodles with some garlic powder, the seasoning packet that came with your noodles, and a stick of butter. Give it a little stir for a minute. Little confession.

How do you hack instant ramen? ›

Quickly upgrade the flavor of any bowl of ramen by stirring in miso paste, chili bean sauce, Thai curry paste, Japanese curry powder, fish sauce, or vinegar. If it's a salty condiment, omit about half of the seasoning packet.

How to jazz up cup noodles? ›

Add Some Peanut Butter

For this method it's also really good to add some chili paste or chili sauce for a little kick, some lime juice to balance the acidity, honey for a touch of sweetness, and some soy sauce to add umami and saltiness. This makes for a sort of Thai-style ramen noodles with peanut flavors.

How to level up cup noodles? ›

9 cheap and easy ways to upgrade your instant noodles
  1. Peanut butter. Trust us, this works. ...
  2. Go soupless. It's simple. ...
  3. Cheese and kimchi. This works best with Korean instant noodles, but if you don't have any, don't fret, it will still taste amazing. ...
  4. Shrimps and coconut milk. ...
  5. Curry. ...
  6. Canned soup and bacon. ...
  7. Miso paste. ...
  8. Eggs.
Mar 2, 2022

How to make ramen 10x better? ›

Instead, whisk together sesame oil, peanut butter, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger and pour it over the hot noodles. Add chopped scallions and sesame seeds for even more flavor. Get the full recipe here.

Is ramen healthy? ›

While instant ramen is not bad for you, it isn't recommended as a single food daily or multiple times per day on its own due to its high-sodium flavoring packet or broth. Adding additional toppings, such as protein and vegetables, to the wheat noodle and broth base can increase its nutrition profile.

How to level up ramen? ›

Upgrading instant ramen is all about the add ins, and that begins with adding fresh aromatics to your broth to really give the flavor some oomph. I like to add fresh garlic, ginger, and green onion. I usually have all three of these on hand (I keep my ginger in the freezer), so it's a no-brainer.

How to make Shaq's ramen recipe? ›

How to Make Shaq's Instant Smack Ramen Chicken Alfredo. Start by whisking together both milks, butter, hot sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and two packs of ramen seasoning in a large pot over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, while stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula.

Can you just crack an egg into instant ramen? ›

If you want to add a poached egg to Ramen, start by boiling your Ramen in 2 cups of water for 90 seconds. Then, stir in your seasonings and crack a raw egg into the pot of water. Place a lid on the pot, turn off the heat, and let it sit for 2 minutes to cook the egg and finish the noodles.

What does egg do to instant ramen? ›

Improved Texture: The combination of velvety noodles and a perfectly cooked egg adds a pleasing contrast of textures. Increased Nutrition: Eggs are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making your instant ramen more nutritious.

Should I put cheese in my ramen? ›

There are really no bad choices when it comes to ramen and cheese combinations. Whether you're craving a miso and parmesan take on Italian wedding soup, a plate of Cheese Corn Ramen, or a simple bowl of Classic Cheese Ramen, there is really never a bad time for a cheese and ramen combo.

Why not to microwave ramen cups? ›

However, microwaving Styrofoam and other expanded polystyrene containers “accelerates [chemicals'] movement out of the plastic and into the food," which are then ingested, Rolf Halden, professor and director of the Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering at Arizona State University, told Insider.

Should you microwave ramen cups? ›

(So they weren't already?) Instant ramen noodles have long been a staple for students and others with tight budgets and little free time.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ray Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 5412

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ray Christiansen

Birthday: 1998-05-04

Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771

Phone: +337636892828

Job: Lead Hospitality Designer

Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching

Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.