Written by Sarah Hester MS, RDN

Edited by Vanessa Carrillo April 2023

A bowl of ramen just hits different. It’s pure nostalgia for me, anyone else? I still enjoy a hot bowl of ramen cooked straight from the packet but as I’ve gotten older I’ve learned to dress it up for a bit more balance.  

Use the noodles as a base for an epic stir fry with these tips to balance your beloved ramen. Cook your packet of ramen noodles until they are a little softened, but not al dente. You shouldn’t feel a crunch when you bite into the noodle, but they also shouldn’t be so soft that they fall apart. Once your noodles are cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Set them aside while you prep your other ingredients.

Pick A Protein

I love a good soft-boiled or jammy egg with my ramen. Simply bring a pot of water to boil and add in your eggs, cook for 6ish minutes and run under cool water until you can peel it. *chef’s kiss* One egg has 6 grams of high-quality protein and a ton of nutrients. Or choose an animal protein and sear shrimp, chicken, pork, or beef in a pan with oil and set aside. Try this Beef Ramen Noodle Bowl recipe from our friends at Beef Loving Texans. Serve with a side of steamed edamame for an extra boost of plant-based protein.  

 Pump Up The Veg

In the same pan used to cook your protein, stir fry any veggies you have on hand in oil and some garlic or ginger if you have it. Sauté veggies like onions, carrots, snow peas, mushrooms, cabbage and broccoli until they are semi-soft.

 Sauce It Up

Buy a stir fry sauce or make your own. Add the sauce to your pan of semi-soft veggies along with as much broth of your choice as you’d like. Be sure to get the crispy or caked on delicious brown bits of flavor that are left on your pan! Toss in your noodles and transfer it all to a big bowl. Top with your protein of choice and some green onions and voilà!

To sum up, ramen can be a quick and easy meal, but with a few simple tips, it can also be a balanced and nutritious option. By using the noodles as a base and adding in a protein like eggs or animal protein, pumping up the veggie content with a variety of colorful vegetables, and saucing it up with a stir fry sauce, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that is also low in calories. So, next time you're in the mood for ramen, try out these tips and elevate your bowl of noodles to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Cover Image: @Yippon_Ramen