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Instant ramen is a staple in most kitchens. It’s inexpensive and super tasty. But let’s be honest, there are so many better ways to enjoy these noodles without the spice packet that it comes with. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform those noodles into something bold, flavorful, and better than takeout.
This quick and easy sauce I developed is made with toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar, giving your noodles a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. It takes just minutes to make and is the perfect way to upgrade your instant ramen without any complicated steps.
This recipe was originally posted in August 2019 and has been updated with new photos and additional information to help you easily recreate it in your own kitchen.
Why These Noodles Are Better
Instant ramen is known for being cheap and convenient, but with a few small tweaks, you can turn it into something truly delicious. Here’s why this version is a game-changer:
- Toasted sesame oil adds deep flavor – A little goes a long way, giving the noodles a rich, nutty taste.
- Garlic and ginger bring the aromatics – Cooking them briefly in the oil makes a huge difference.
- Soy sauce and fish sauce add umami – This combo creates a restaurant-quality depth of flavor.
- A hint of brown sugar balances everything – It rounds out the saltiness and enhances the other ingredients.
How to Make Instant Ramen Without the Spice Packet
This recipe comes together in minutes, making it the perfect go-to for a quick meal or side. Always refer to the recipe card below, but here’s the basic process.
1. Cook the noodles – Boil the ramen according to the package instructions, but discard the seasoning packet. Drain and set them aside.
2. Make the sauce – Heat the toasted sesame oil in a pan and cook the garlic and ginger for a couple of minutes until fragrant. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame seeds, brown sugar, and chili paste.
3. Toss with the noodles – Mix everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce.
4. Serve and enjoy – Serve these ramen noodles alongside Teriyaki Chicken, General Tso’s Chicken, or Beef Stir-Fry and you will have one delicious dinner!
Learn From Me: Tips for the Best Ramen Upgrade
I grew up on Ramen packets and Cup of Noodles. They probably made up half of my dinners throughout my college years. Ever since I started tossing out the spice packet and cooking them in my own sauce, I’ve discovered a few tips and tricks that make all the difference:
- Don’t overcook the noodles – Instant ramen cooks fast. Drain it as soon as it’s tender to keep the texture perfect.
- Use better ramen if you can – The cheap packs work great, but fresh or high-quality dried ramen found at Asian grocery stores takes it up a notch.
- Adjust the spice level – Want more heat? Add extra chili paste. Prefer mild? Leave it out or use just a pinch. I sometimes like to add a spoonful of crunchy chili oil for added spice and texture.
Ways to Customize This Recipe
This base recipe is delicious on its own, but you can also switch it up based on what you have in your kitchen.
- Add protein – Toss in cooked shrimp, teriyaki meatballs, shredded chicken, or a soft-boiled egg for extra heartiness.
- Make it crunchy – Sprinkle in chopped peanuts, crispy shallots, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Boost the veggies – Stir in sautéed mushrooms, baby bok choy, or shredded carrots to make it more like a Shrimp Chow Mein.
More Than Just a Side Dish
This upgraded ramen works as a quick meal on its own, but it’s also great paired with other dishes.
Serve it alongside Baked Teriyaki Salmon or Cashew Chicken with a side of Asian Roasted Broccoli or Spicy Peanut Asian Slaw for a complete meal that comes together fast.
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Pin ItInstant Ramen Noodles Without the Spice Packet
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Instant Ramen Noodles Seasoning Packets Discarded
- 2 Teaspoons Toasted Sesame Oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili paste
Instructions
- Boil the 8 ounces Instant Ramen Noodles in water (without the seasoning packet) as directed on package. Mine took about 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the 2 Teaspoons Toasted Sesame Oil in a small skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook the minced 2 cloves garlic and 1 teaspoon ginger, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon chili paste until combined.
- Toss the noodles with the sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and additional sesame seeds, if desired.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This looks delicious and your photos are gorgeous. I can’t wait to try this recipe soon!
My best meal for a quick and easy and delicious option. My family loves it too.
I do enjoy a bowl of ramen once and a while and it’s a perfect fix for busy weeknights. This homemade version sounds wonderful and a much better alternative to store-bought!
What a fun and delicious idea! Loving all the flavors here! I live off of soy sauce and fish sauce. And I’ve always got a package of ramen noodles in my pantry!
Love how easy this was, yet packed with flavor! Adding to my dinner line up to enjoy again later in the week!