Take your instant ramen to the next level with these super quick and easy curry ramen noodles. Customize it with your choice of veggies, protein, and garnishments.
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With a part-time job, blogging, and four kids (plus an extra five every other weekend), life can be pretty hectic. Typical days consist of work/school/homework, extracurricular activities, taking kids to and fro, chasing a one-year-old around, housework, and of course meals. I’m sure all of the mamas (and the dads) out there can relate to the madness that is parenting.
In a dream world, I could spend all the time I need/want to put together the most magnificent and nutritious meals for my family each and every day. In reality, by the time dinner rolls around I’m utterly exhausted and the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen cooking and cleaning up the mess.
One evening when I was particularly beat, the refrigerator and cupboards needed replenishing, and I was at a loss for what to make, I grabbed a couple of packs of instant ramen. If you know me (or have been following me), you may have noticed that I don’t do “simple” very well, especially when it comes to food. I couldn’t settle for just plain ole instant ramen.
Sooooooo I cooked it up, threw out the seasoning packet in favor of my own seasoning (like curry, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.), added a couple of dollops of sour cream, some chili garlic sauce, and lots of veggies. And you know what? It was darn good!! And so incredibly easy. I kid you not, I spent no more than 10 minutes preparing it.
Since then, kicked-up curry ramen has been one of my go-to weeknight meals. Aside from being quick and easy, I love that it can be customized for each member of my family. One person wants shrimp – OK! The next wants theirs` extra spicy – DONE! The possibilities are endless with this dish. So be creative!!
What you’ll love about this recipe
- Instant ramen: Any brand will do. You may choose to toss out the seasoning (if you’re not a fan of MSG, I suggest you do so) or you can opt to use it. If you choose to add the seasoning packet to your curry, I advise omitting the salt as it is chock full of sodium. Add salt to taste if desired. For gluten-free, choose instant rice noodles – I’ve included an Amazon link to be favorite brand below.
- Sour cream: For a creamy soup/sauce.
- Curry powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Coriander
- Cumin
- Kosher salt: If you decide to include the flavor packet, I recommend skipping the salt and just adding some to taste.
- Garlic chili sauce: This is optional, but highly recommend for additional flavor. Sambal Oelek would work as well.
- Your choice of veggies: For ease and speed, I recommend veggies that do not require pre-cooking. I typically use a combination of two or more of the following: bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, sliced baby corn, sliced jalapenos, diced bell pepper, sliced red onion, sliced avocado (although it’s a fruit actually), and spinach. You could certainly opt to use potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. You would need to pre-cook these options however.
- Your choice of protein: Normally, I skip the protein when I make this dish, however, the addition of a protein is perfectly acceptable and delicious. You could add cooked shrimp, chicken, tofu, or eggs.
- Your choice of garnishments: Cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, and sesame seeds are a few of my favorites.
How to make curry ramen noodles (+ tips)
In a small saucepan, heat two cups of water to a boil. Add the instant ramen and cook for three minutes. Remove from heat. **If you plan to add an egg, whisk it in a small bowl and then stir it into the ramen just prior to removing it from the heat. It will cook instantly. **
Stir in sour cream, curry powder, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, cumin, salt, and chili garlic sauce (optional). Add your choice of veggies and/or protein.
Garnish with sesame seeds, lime wedge, cilantro, and/or green onions.
Transfer to a bowl and serve warm. If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow to rest for several minutes until desired consistency has been reached. If you let it rest long enough the noodles will completely absorb the liquid resulting in a noodle dish rather than soup. In this case, the noodles will be a bit soggy.
Recommended Products
More curry recipes you may enjoy:
- Green Curry Ramen w/ Spring Vegetables: These bountiful green curry ramen bowls with soft-boiled eggs are brimming with all things green including spring vegetables like spinach, leeks, and asparagus as well as avocado. Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free adaptable.
- Curried Fried Cauliflower Tacos: If you love tacos and curry, you are going to adore these curried fried cauliflower tacos. They start with fried curry-spiced cauliflower and are topped with a curried yogurt sauce, a quick pickled red onion, and cilantro.
If you make these curry ramen noodles I’d love your feedback. Please leave a comment and/or a rating below as I greatly value your opinion. Or snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @taoofspiceblog. Love, light, and happy cooking ya’ll ♥
Curry Ramen
Take your instant ramen to the next level with this super easy and quick curry ramen. Highly customizable - your choice of veggies, protein, and garnishments.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 package instant ramen, seasoning packet discarded (optional) (see notes)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 3/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional)
- Your choice of veggies (see notes for suggestions)
- Your choice of protein (optional) (see notes)
- Garnishes - like sesame seeds, lime wedge, cilantro, and/or green onions
Instructions
- In a small sauce pan, heat water to a boil. Add ramen and cook for three minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream, curry powder, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, cumin, salt, and chili garlic sauce.
- Add your choice of veggies and/or protein.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, lime wedge, cilantro, and/or green onions.
- Transfer to a bowl and serve warm. If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to rest for several minutes until desired consistency has been reached.
Notes
- If you prefer to include the seasoning packet included in the instant ramen, go for it. I've tried it with the chicken, pork, shrimp, and chili flavors and all are good. If you do include the seasoning packet, omit the additional salt as the seasoning is all ready packed full of sodium. Add salt to taste.
- Add an assortment of whichever veggies you desire (or have on hand). Some great choices are bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, sliced baby corn, sliced jalapenos, diced bell pepper, sliced red onion, sliced avocado. None of these require cooking which makes it super easy and quick. You could also add veggies like potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. Be advised that these choices would require pre-cooking.
- If you wish, feel free to add a pre-cooked protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Or add an egg - in a small bowl, whisk and egg. Stir it into the ramen just before removing it from the heat. It will cook instantly. Note that adding a protein will increase the cook time for this recipe.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 822Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 3047mgCarbohydrates: 89gFiber: 18gSugar: 8gProtein: 45g
The nutritional information provided is computer generated. It is only an estimate and intended for informational purposes only. Nutrition details may vary depending on factors such as origin and freshness of ingredients.
