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How To Level Up Your Cheap Ramen with These Ingredients

Cheap Ramen
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
15 min
Yields
2 servings

Looking to turn a cheap pack of ramen (instant noodles) into something that feels like a full-on comfort meal? These pantry staples will elevate ramen and take it to the next level. This dish is inspired by a traditional high-protein breakfast — Steak and eggs. But this elevated cheap ramen recipe has an umami-packed mushroom broth, seared marinated steak and a jammy poached egg.

It’s cozy, it’s satisfying, and it’s customizable. The rich broth is layered with flavour from gochujang and kimchi juice, the steak adds a hit of savoury indulgence, and the runny egg ties everything together. Perfect for a solo night in or an easy dinner for two that feels like a big deal without all the fuss.

Related: Carbonara Ramen

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ingredients

Steak Marinade

10
oz steak (sirloin, striploin, or ribeye work great)
½
cup soy sauce
½
cup oyster sauce
1
Tbsp fish sauce
2
Tbsp cane or palm sugar
1
Tbsp onion powder
tsp chicken or vegetable bouillon powder
2
Tbsp neutral oil

Broth (per serving, double for 2)

1
cup sautéed mushrooms (shitake or cremini)
1
tsp gochujang
2
tsp kimchi juice (optional but recommended)
cups water
½
bouillon cube
2
scallion ends (white part only)
Salt and pepper to taste

Other ingredients

1-2
eggs
1-2
packs instant noodles
Blanched bok choy or spinach
Kimchi
Fried shallots
Sliced green onion tops
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directions

Step 1

In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine all marinade ingredients. Add steak and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best flavour. Bring to room temperature before cooking.

Step 2

Remove steak from the marinade and pat dry. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until browned with a medium-rare center. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

Step 3

In a pot over medium heat, sauté mushrooms for 5 minutes, until they are golden brown. Then add gochujang, kimchi juice, water, bouillon cube, and scallion whites. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4

Bring broth to a boil and add instant noodles. Cook according to package directions. Use the seasoning packet if you like a more robust flavour or skip it to let the mushroom broth shine.

Step 5

3 minutes before serving, crack an egg into the simmering broth and poach gently, simmering until the white is set and the yolk is still runny. Remove the egg carefully and set aside.

Poached egg in ramen
Step 6

Divide noodles and broth between bowls. Top with sliced steak, poached egg, blanched greens, kimchi, fried shallots, and scallion greens.

Notes:

  • Add chili crisp or sriracha for extra heat.
  • Swap steak with tofu or soft-boiled eggs for a vegetarian option.
  • Use leftover meat or rotisserie chicken as a shortcut on busy nights.
  • Feel free to double the broth recipe and store it — it’s great for a quick noodle fix anytime.
  • Steak and eggs ramen

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