Top 16 Instant Pot Ramen Hacks

Instant ramen is a kitchen staple whether you’re on a budget or just don’t have time to cook an elaborate meal. After all, it’s cheap, easy to make, and tastes incredibly satisfying. Also, let’s face it: it probably makes you feel nostalgic for your days in the bedroom, very good?

However, we will admit that eating the same thing over and over again can be a bit boring. Fortunately, there are some moments ramen tricks that can take your basic noodle dish to the next level. Think: butter sauce, spicy kimchi, and garlic shrimp.

Without further ado, we’ve rounded up 16 of our favorite TikTok instant ramen hacks for inspiration. Get ready to sip and enjoy!

Related: 40 Slurp-Worthy Ramen Bowls To Eat On Repeat

Best instant ramen hacks

1. Create an easy, cheesy butter sauce

instant ramen encounter cacio and pepe in this ridiculously simple recipe. All you have to do is melt the butter in a pan and add the seasoning packet, a cup of milk, and black pepper to create the sauce. Add your cooked ramen noodles and top with chives, a slice of American cheese, and a runny egg.

2. Use Kewpie Mayonnaise

The ingredient you didn’t know was missing from your instant ramen? Kewpie mayonnaise! Create a sauce by mixing together an egg, a few generous drops of Kewpie mayonnaise, minced garlic, and a seasoning packet. Add your cooked noodles and a splash of hot water for a creamy, garlicky treat.

3. Load up on peanut butter

Peanut butter over ramen noodles? Bet! Combine soy sauce, chili oil, peanut butter, and a little hot water for a creamy, nutty sauce for your ramen. We think these noodles would also taste amazing cold. Leftovers, anyone?

Related: Deliciously Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

4. Spice things up with kimchi

Kimchi and ramen go together perfectly. Add cooked kimchi to your noodles for a spicy kick, that’s it. In fact. You can up the spice even further with a drizzle (or two!) of Sriracha.

5. Try Kylie Jenner’s Viral Ramen Recipe

When it comes to ramen, Kylie Jenner knows what is good. He recently shared an instant ramen hack that went viral: It involves adding two eggs, butter, a seasoning packet, and a large amount of garlic powder. Hmm!

6. Dip noodles in hot oil

Grab a pack of Shin Ramyun for this instant ramen hack. Combine the seasoning packet, sesame seeds, fresh ground pepper, and minced garlic, then add hot oil and enjoy the delicious aroma. Finally add your cooked noodles and toppings like scallions and a fried egg.

Related: Spicy Ramen Recipe with Pork Meatballs and Eggs

(swipe to continue reading)

7. Make a carbonara sauce

Bacon makes everything better, including instant ramen noodles. Chop and fry two pieces of bacon, add the cooked noodles and a little cooking liquid, then mix in the egg and Parmesan cheese. Finish with black pepper and marvel at your cooking skills.

8. Get your garlic shrimp

Creamy, spicy, garlicky… is there a more delicious flavor combination? This trick involves mixing minced garlic, hoisin sauce, gochujang, sriracha, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese into a sauce, then adding grilled shrimp marinated in a Korean barbecue mix on top of the noodles.

9. Crack an egg over your noodles

The easiest way to create restaurant-quality ramen at home, with minimal effort? Crack an egg over your ramen. Prepare instant ramen of your choice with soy sauce and seasonings. When ready, crack an egg and scramble until the egg is cooked through for an added dose of richness.

10. Enjoy breakfast in a bowl

We believe that breakfast is good at any time of the day. So, fry up pieces of Spam and add them to your ramen for an inspired morning treat. Don’t forget to top your bowl with a fried egg and sprinkle with the seasoning packet for an extra burst of umami.

11. Celebrate Taco Tuesday

Yes, you can combine Japanese and Mexican cuisines. Now Taco Tuesday will never be the same. Add leftover taco ground beef to your instant ramen, along with shredded lettuce, tomato, cheese, and tortilla chips for an original take on a burrito bowl.

Related: 65 Best Taco Recipes

12. Roll up your ramen

You don’t have to eat your noodles out of a bowl, you can roll them up in rice paper like a spring roll. Chop and add vegetables like cabbage, cucumber, and carrot for a satisfying crunch.

13. Ditch the condiment packet

We know, it sounds like blasphemy, but you can get a lot of flavor without using the season pack that comes with your instant ramen noodles. Start by cooking your noodles in chicken broth, then add butter, Parmesan cheese, and parsley for an elegant finish. You won’t know the seasoning packet is gone!

14. Add Pork Belly Slices

ICYMI: Trader Joe’s sells pre-sliced pork belly, which is just about the best ramen topping out there. Simply brown the meat and top your ramen noodles with pork, egg, corn, and scallions for a super quick and cheap noodle dish.