Instant Ramen Upgrades | Basics with Babish

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  • čas přidán 26. 08. 2022
  • This episode is sponsored by HelloFresh. For 16 free meals with HelloFresh across 7 boxes AND 3 free gifts, use code BABISH16 at bit.ly/3aTawrh!
    Today we're seeing just how much lemonade we can make with one of life's most ubiquitous lemons, mountains of instant ramen. A favorite of damn near everyone at some point in their life, ramen is capable of being the backdrop to many ingredients you may have around the pantry or fridge even as you're reading this. Which, if you are, thank you for reading this, you are going the extra mile.
    Babish Cookware on Amazon: bit.ly/babishstore
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    Link to recipe: basicswithbabish.co/basicsepisodes/ramen-hacks
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Komentáře • 1,1K

  • @cathe196
    @cathe196 Před rokem +7945

    I admire this man’s determination to both carbonara everything and flip off those Italian chefs at the same time.

    • @songohan3321
      @songohan3321 Před rokem +141

      Then they gonna make a 30 minute angry rant video.

    • @dansattah
      @dansattah Před rokem +47

      @@songohan3321 I haven't really been paying much attention to Babish's channel recently. Are there actual critiques like this?

    • @alverygrissom2544
      @alverygrissom2544 Před rokem +46

      i admire this man's courage, because he won't escape us for long

    • @Danirio96
      @Danirio96 Před rokem +112

      Hate those guys. Obviously he's probably not doing 100% true to original but even two towns from the birthplace of a dish they make it different how about a continent. Probably those italians won't replicate some traditional dish from the US or even France. At this point they are a sad meme

    • @Alex-vl1mk
      @Alex-vl1mk Před rokem +2

      @@dansattah they appear everywhere on any cooking video. Idk why Italians choose to be so obnoxious

  • @mpwarkk2601
    @mpwarkk2601 Před rokem +5404

    Babish swirling ramen like pasta was like my dad eating spaghetti with chopsticks

    • @darkmatter9643
      @darkmatter9643 Před rokem +66

      Your father… he’s a monster

    • @Ben-rz9cf
      @Ben-rz9cf Před rokem +124

      I'm a true man of culture so I eat Mexican food with chopsticks

    • @ZaxorVonSkyler
      @ZaxorVonSkyler Před rokem +61

      @はんじろ You haven't lived until You've eaten ice cream with chopsticks it is a game changer!

    • @Wanderer24
      @Wanderer24 Před rokem +16

      Reminds me of the time I decided to eat cheese balls with chopsticks

    • @carbonice8283
      @carbonice8283 Před rokem +24

      …I see this while I eat spaghetti with chopsticks, are you in my walls?

  • @michenerkruse
    @michenerkruse Před rokem +3461

    I really love the old school babish feel. I love the babish culinary universe, but sometimes I just want Andrew to walk us through a couple basic recipes in a simple kitchen setting.

    • @Izzy-bq1rc
      @Izzy-bq1rc Před rokem +71

      J Kenji Lopez Alt has a great channel, it’s largely unedited and varying in complexity. All his recipes that I’ve tried have been great

    • @Deathraze1
      @Deathraze1 Před rokem +5

      @@Izzy-bq1rc Kenji is the best

    • @Gojeto346
      @Gojeto346 Před rokem +61

      I hate the babish universe, it went from a relatable home chef to Bon Appetit Jr. i unsubbed the day I realized I had gone like a week without seeing Andrew himself upload.

    • @bichen-up-ur
      @bichen-up-ur Před rokem +6

      @@Gojeto346 i see an asian dish on the channel then see who’s cooking and find something else.

    • @XYZ8901000
      @XYZ8901000 Před rokem

      +

  • @VERsingthegamez
    @VERsingthegamez Před rokem +3340

    You should do more college budget kinds of recipe's to help people save money while also getting a great meal option.

  • @lisapop5219
    @lisapop5219 Před rokem +492

    Ramen moves up to a meal with the addition of almost any canned or leftover meat & veg. Our favorite is spicy Korean Ramen, fried hot & spicy spam chunks, onions, zucchini or squash, garlic & mushrooms with a little more broth to make it like a soup. It's so versatile that you don't even have to use the packets & create all kinds of concoctions.

    • @TheGreatDrake
      @TheGreatDrake Před rokem +4

      Yeah my go to ramen meal is to slice and heat up some leftover steak or roast either beef or pork doesn't mix into a couple packs of beef ramen and add a couple fried eggs.

    • @BewareTheLilyOfTheValley
      @BewareTheLilyOfTheValley Před rokem +4

      Though I hate most spicy foods, zucchini, squash, and mushrooms, that still sounds amazing 😂. But I'm going to take a look around my local Walmart to maybe find some other vegetables that I like and can pair with it. I sadly have never considered adding veggies to my ramen and I definitely don't eat enough of them, so thank you for the idea!

    • @Saito57G
      @Saito57G Před rokem +5

      Mmm Budae jjigae is no joke, it's amazing how you can utilize stuff like this

    • @Faetter-Blobs-Filmbiks
      @Faetter-Blobs-Filmbiks Před rokem +1

      Spam is dogfood

    • @rivkatadjer
      @rivkatadjer Před rokem +1

      My go-to is Spicy Korean Ramen with some Vegetables, either leftover ground beef or Hot Dogs, and two eggs. Absolutely hits different

  • @rkmugen
    @rkmugen Před rokem +1253

    The Ramen-ara's no joke. That kept me going when I was in college too! Btw, have you ever added some Cajun or Creole seasoning to your shrimp ramen? It's great too if you can add fried okra and garnish with sliced green/spring onions, and a dash of cayenne hot sauce.
    Edit: I made my own Cajun/Creole seasonings by scratch because I needed to watch my sodium intake.

    • @pothospathic
      @pothospathic Před rokem +16

      Can I score a recipe for your seasoning? I never turn down the opportunity to up my Creole seasoning game.

    • @JiMMyRoxks
      @JiMMyRoxks Před rokem +7

      Same!!!! I had to watch my sodium intake so I make my own seasonings as well!

    • @rkmugen
      @rkmugen Před rokem +43

      ​@@pothospathic I'm sorry, but I actually don't have a written recipe with instructions, since I based my blend off of the ingredient list from a discontinued bottle of "Cajun" seasoning from Archer Farms (ie. Target's private label), and also adjusted everything to suit my own personal taste. The date on the bottle I have says '2008', so they definitely don't make this specific blend anymore. Also, I'm fully aware that Cajun seasoning is really just salt, cayenne pepper, garlic, and black+white pepper, while Creole seasoning can begin with a Cajun seasoning base, PLUS some dry herbs (usually an Italian herb blend).
      The first ingredient listed on the bottle is _*sea salt*_, but I omitted that from my blend, since I wanted to be able to add the salt, separately from the spice blend. I also omitted sugar, since the sweetness from my particular dry basil is plenty sweet as-is. Please also note that I've changed the order in which the ingredients are listed, as they are in DECREASING order, in terms of ratios. For example, since onion is at the top of the list, my recipe has more onion than garlic, and more garlic, compared to cayenne pepper, and so on. All that being said, here is the ingredient list:
      +onion (ie. dry onion flakes, granulated onion, or onion powder)
      +garlic (granulated garlic, or garlic powder)
      +cayenne pepper
      +sweet paprika
      +black pepper (whole black peppercorns, or freshly-ground black pepper; OR 3-color peppercorn medley)
      +mustard seeds
      +dry oregano
      +dry thyme
      +dry sweet basil
      +crushed red pepper flakes
      +allspice
      --
      My own additions to the above list, but also in decreasing order/ratios:
      +celery seeds
      +chili powder
      +smoked paprika
      Add all of the above into an electric spice grinder and grind until everything is into a fine/medium-fine powder. At that point, you can add either an amount of rosemary powder and/or some coarsely-ground dry rosemary needles, depending on whether or not you want some texture contrast.

    • @robspiess
      @robspiess Před rokem +11

      Poor(er?) man's ramen-ara uses cut up hotdogs instead of bacon.

    • @pothospathic
      @pothospathic Před rokem +12

      @@rkmugen Hey thank you so much! I really like what you're slinging in your kitchen. I wrote this all down to stick in my spice recipe bo. Especially the additions sound great.That's a great kind thing you did, I appreciate you.

  • @camdencope6373
    @camdencope6373 Před rokem +251

    Can't believe no one does a really brothy ramen. Like a full on soup with the ramen that needs a fairly deep bowl

    • @bigdingus6052
      @bigdingus6052 Před rokem +59

      it's called ramen noodle SOUP!!! draining ramen is a cardinal sin

    • @ijustquitmyjob
      @ijustquitmyjob Před rokem +16

      for real!! & the wide shallow bowls just lose all the heat immediately too 🤦‍♀

    • @EraidFreefire
      @EraidFreefire Před rokem +34

      I was also wondering where the broth or all the liquid went to. It's like huh?!?! I came here for Ramen soup hacks not ramen pasta hacks.🤔

    • @ashleydaniels4091
      @ashleydaniels4091 Před rokem +9

      I grew up on very brothy Ramen noodles and would smother them in saltiness until all the liquid was gone lol never even considered just using less water and having noodles.

    • @therussmort259
      @therussmort259 Před rokem +6

      Ya it was seriously disappointing there just make pasta at this point without the broth

  • @ianm1049
    @ianm1049 Před rokem +592

    Since some of these leave you with extra ramen flavoring packets, might i suggest adding them (or part of them if you want to be subtle) to your next omelette or scrambled eggs. Tastes amazing! 😋

    • @roxymanasquan9087
      @roxymanasquan9087 Před rokem +53

      I added a packet to my rice cooker the last time I made a small batch of rice. It was the best!!

    • @Talmorne
      @Talmorne Před rokem +32

      I quite often make fried rice with any leftover ramen seasoning i might have or even add it to sauces (like spaghetti sauce with some spicy Korean noodle seasoning to add a kick)

    • @narazdjgirl
      @narazdjgirl Před rokem +2

      @@roxymanasquan9087 I'm definitely trying this since I eat rice often

    • @MythicFox
      @MythicFox Před rokem +18

      Oooh, I've never thought of that. When I have extra packets of ramen seasoning, sometimes I use them to make chip dip. Mix one up with a cup of mayo and a cup of sour cream. Adjust seasoning to base proportions to taste, obviously.

    • @jbaby362
      @jbaby362 Před rokem +3

      @@MythicFox oh that sounds lovely!

  • @fattdamon5342
    @fattdamon5342 Před rokem +201

    I make one pretty regularly. Chicken ramen base, drain off most of the water. Add a glob of chunky peanut butter, soy sauce, chili garlic etc, really any Asian sauces play here. Throw in some chopped grilled chicken and greens as you see fit. Thai peanut ramen chicken ramen. Deliciousness in 10 mins.

    • @megxxns2657
      @megxxns2657 Před rokem +16

      lemon/lime juice is also great with this to cut a little richness from the peanut butter!

    • @jessicashisler105
      @jessicashisler105 Před rokem +14

      Came here to see if anyone else was on the peanut butter ramen train! I like seasoning packet, a little soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, the biggest dollop of peanut butter, little sesame oil and a bit of sugar. Once my sauce is heated up I add in the noodles and some broccoli florets. Top with kimchi. Boom. It's been my go to dinner this last week while I wait for our furniture/house stuff to be delivered to our new house haha

    • @BewareTheLilyOfTheValley
      @BewareTheLilyOfTheValley Před rokem +2

      I know different countries have different types of peanut butter. American peanut butter is sweet and salty, is the one you use the same? And does that make the ramen taste sweet?

    • @DaniJHollis
      @DaniJHollis Před rokem +4

      Josh Scherer calls it "White Trash Pad Thai"

    • @jessicashisler105
      @jessicashisler105 Před rokem +4

      @@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley it depends! If I get Jif or something similar I don’t need to add sugar. But there are lots of peanut butters that are just peanuts and salt - when I use something unsweetened I feel a little bit of sugar helps balance everything out.

  • @christopheralleman8373
    @christopheralleman8373 Před rokem +427

    Hey Babish, wondering if you could do a spices video sometime? I know it's a very general topic, but I'd love to learn about how each of the major spices are used in cooking.

    • @rebeccafoster-faith6647
      @rebeccafoster-faith6647 Před rokem +10

      ChefJonKung did a series on spices. look in the CZcams Shorts.

    • @Me547
      @Me547 Před rokem +4

      This would be amazing. I have a very full spice cabinet with a few go-to spices and a whole lot of nonsense I’ve only used once.
      It would be great to see Babish help people avoid my folly.

    • @ashleyshanks6821
      @ashleyshanks6821 Před 8 měsíci

      I'd like to see this, myself

    • @andriealinsangao613
      @andriealinsangao613 Před 8 měsíci

      Agreed!

  • @TreyMcDonaldAnimator
    @TreyMcDonaldAnimator Před rokem +296

    One of my favorite ramen hacks is this Miyazaki ramen - it's regularly made ramen with an egg beaten into the broth and topped with sautéed shitake mushrooms. I add green onion and a sprinkling of sesame seed oil to it and... man, if you want a satisfying late nite dish, that's one of them. Even with my slight egg allergy.

    • @a_headless_chicken
      @a_headless_chicken Před rokem +24

      Dang... having an egg allergy must be egghausting.

    • @TreyMcDonaldAnimator
      @TreyMcDonaldAnimator Před rokem +12

      @@a_headless_chicken --_______-- ... yeah.

    • @Guzioo
      @Guzioo Před 7 měsíci +1

      Appreciate people like you just giving out a nice food hack/recipe to try

  • @hakonsgaming535
    @hakonsgaming535 Před rokem +31

    my ramen upgrade has always been pretty simple, I almost always have cooked chicken around because I buy costco rotisserie chickens for sandwich meat. So I just throw some of that in some chicken ramen I hard boil an egg and toss a few slices in, add some soy sauce to the broth. and finally just throw in some cooked frozen carrot and sweet corn bits.

  • @violetopal6264
    @violetopal6264 Před rokem +42

    Something I've done recently was save leftover gravy. Stirfry some veggies, add the gravy with some ground ginger, garlic, and a cup of water. Bring to a boil.
    Take off the heat. Add a packet of ramen (not seasoning, just noodles) and some soy sauce. Let sit three minutes

  • @annewoods1048
    @annewoods1048 Před rokem +35

    When in doubt: soy, ginger, garlic, green onion, and soft boiled egg. Beef ramen is superior, and I'm amazed it didn't make it into this video. Add veggies or meat as you see fit (my favs are thin-sliced fried spam, broccoli, or roast chicken bits).

  • @TexasNationalist1836
    @TexasNationalist1836 Před rokem +400

    I miss these just babish episodes and I hope we have more like this

    • @MarvinConman
      @MarvinConman Před rokem +31

      Yeah who tf cares about Alvin or Soy Boys, I came here to watch Babish!

    • @ivyadie7570
      @ivyadie7570 Před rokem +21

      @@MarvinConman it’s kind of a bummer that there’s less of him these days :(

    • @joshwertheim
      @joshwertheim Před rokem +37

      @@MarvinConman nothing wrong with Alvin's stuff, most of those videos have been great. But Babish definitely needs to get back to the kind of content he used to do more often.

    • @andriealinsangao613
      @andriealinsangao613 Před rokem +1

      @@MarvinConman YESSSS!!!!!

    • @pennyforyourthots
      @pennyforyourthots Před rokem +6

      @@MarvinConman honestly, I kinda like Alvin more lol. At least when it comes to the TV food recreation stuff. Babish is obviously better for the basics series (which is where I hope he begins to dedicate most of his time).

  • @matthewrempel6646
    @matthewrempel6646 Před rokem +321

    The way Babish just casually had THE most overly complicated “normal” method of making package ramen I’ve ever seen is a perfect representation of what I feel the main content of this channel has become.

    • @slylover123
      @slylover123 Před rokem +19

      He ruined them fr

    • @CrazyPenguin712
      @CrazyPenguin712 Před rokem +10

      Why are you hating lol

    • @totallynotdelinquent5933
      @totallynotdelinquent5933 Před rokem

      its just not for you then. dont hate, just go away and shut up if you dont have anything nice to say.

    • @notahotshot
      @notahotshot Před rokem +28

      @@CrazyPenguin712, expressing criticism is not hate. Or maybe it is.
      Why are you hating?

    • @m_uz1244
      @m_uz1244 Před rokem +24

      Nah tbh it doesn't take that long nor does it use that many dishes, it just has a lot of steps. Plus, Babish isn't the guy who normally goes for minimal effort and most focus on the audience's situation, for that I'd say just watch Adam Ragusea videos

  • @shrekfrog
    @shrekfrog Před rokem +8

    my most recent ramen hack is using a portion of the seasoning packet as a base for dipping sauce. then, i add the dried veggie pack, peanut butter, and lemon. i dont have specific measurements, its all just to taste. to make sure the noodles dont dry out too much, i keep them in some of the noodle soup base

  • @carlyemcgregor7958
    @carlyemcgregor7958 Před rokem +27

    We were going to make ramen tonight already and I took to CZcams to find some simple ways to upgrade instant ramen. Found this video a mere hour after posting, and decided to try the quick tonkatsu. IT IS THE BEST RAMEN I’VE EVER MADE. Thank you for the tips!!

  • @flamebloom4659
    @flamebloom4659 Před rokem +78

    Just as I finished my instant ramen dinner! Saving me on a late night shift yet again.

  • @boomgoesthedynamite4323
    @boomgoesthedynamite4323 Před rokem +7

    I just mashed bits of each of these recipes together, and it's the best thing I've ever made. This continues to be my favourite cooking channel

  • @VanNessy97
    @VanNessy97 Před rokem +7

    My ramen upgrades involve dried seaweed, boiling shrimp tails with leftover shrimp juices, toasted sesame oil, bonito flakes, thinly sliced green onions (I don't have any scallions) and half a hard boiled egg in each bowl of noodles. I may add in some slices of narutomaki if I ever get my hands on any.

  • @Knoxsinn
    @Knoxsinn Před rokem +11

    You can also use ramen for a stir fry. Great way to use up leftovers and produce.

  • @neonshadow5005
    @neonshadow5005 Před rokem +102

    I was hoping for some straight, "true" as you put it, ramen upgrades but these are still some interesting ideas.

    • @milknhoneyhoney
      @milknhoneyhoney Před rokem +17

      Me too, these are all great but definitely not something a broke and tired person like myself would have the money or energy to do.

    • @CrispySkinwalker
      @CrispySkinwalker Před rokem +15

      Any kind of meat or veggies thrown in will make a ramen better. I personally keep a bunch of green onion to cut up and put on top of my bowl, it's simple but it makes it visually more appealing, adds some freshness and some light crunch

  • @Kelaiah01
    @Kelaiah01 Před rokem +9

    Whenever I want to 'upgrade' my ramen, I just add in butter, shrimp, bits of imitation crab and a boiled egg. One time I added in some corn, too.

  • @ovanicus1808
    @ovanicus1808 Před rokem +29

    Literally eating instant Ramen right now in my first week of college so could not be better timing 😭

    • @zolo49noname45
      @zolo49noname45 Před rokem +3

      When you get sick of instant ramen (and you will), get a rice cooker if you haven't already and fixings of your choice (soy sauce, nori, kimchi, spam, etc) to go along with it. Rice is super cheap and the cooker is perfect for dorm rooms.

  • @superspider64
    @superspider64 Před rokem +37

    what I've seen on a post online a few times, one of the easiest ways to upgrade a ramen packet is to just add in some of the meat that the ramen is trying to imitate, so for beef ramen add in beef chunks, chicken bites for chicken ramen, pork for pork ramen and so on

  • @snow2460
    @snow2460 Před rokem +56

    And by the way, as someone who's eaten a lot of ramen in his life, here's a tip: leave a few noodles uncooked and then sprinkle them on top afterwards like a garnish. Gives you an extra little fun bonus crunch.

    • @wmchu
      @wmchu Před rokem +10

      Especially with picante beef?

    • @marichica3565
      @marichica3565 Před rokem

      @@wmchu I was hoping someone commented this

  • @Geny444
    @Geny444 Před rokem +4

    Another tasty one is using curry powder and coconut milk. I then add shredded cooked chicken(rotiserie is great), cilantro, as well as cooked carrots, onions, bell peppers. It's delicious

  • @chrisstraley2002
    @chrisstraley2002 Před rokem +9

    Oh, don't worry Babbish; college students ALWAYS have "Herbs" around lol.

    • @notAshildr
      @notAshildr Před rokem +1

      "herb" ramen does sound interesting.

  • @clippedwings225
    @clippedwings225 Před rokem +52

    I liked this! Feels almost like a return to older Basics style.

    • @DeathBatBabe97
      @DeathBatBabe97 Před rokem +3

      I miss that style.

    • @clippedwings225
      @clippedwings225 Před rokem +1

      I do too-- but things change I suppose! It's not like the new style is worse, just different.

  • @fluffycritter
    @fluffycritter Před rokem +2

    My favorite in grad school was to throw out the seasoning packet, and sautee some minute steaks in soy sauce, chili, garlic, and ginger, and use those to top the plain noodles along with some sliced green onion and maybe a boiled egg.

  • @nanaasmah938
    @nanaasmah938 Před rokem +1

    as I prep to go back to college, this is the perfect video for me. I already have a Costco sized box of ramen, now I just need to prep some upgrades!

  • @TheBrianJ
    @TheBrianJ Před rokem +86

    My favorite part of this is the soft-boiled egg that you definitely put on it!

  • @mylesfoxx1383
    @mylesfoxx1383 Před rokem +4

    A way I reuse bacon grease is by making eggs and potatoes (you use leftover baked potatoes, brown them, then add egg. I personally put like, onion and garlic powder on them but I’m thinking about experimenting with real onion and garlic soon)

  • @Pixie_beans
    @Pixie_beans Před rokem +6

    Made the high school babish version today! It’s 6am and I was hungry and it’s the only food I had, absolutely satisfying and filling!! Did chicken and shrimp

  • @VictorMTaveras
    @VictorMTaveras Před rokem +8

    Wow, I've got a few boxes of ramen sitting around since the start of pandemic that I gotta use up lol I'm gonna have to try a few of these. Thanks

  • @madameghostly
    @madameghostly Před rokem +46

    That quonkatsu looks amazing! And the soft-boiled egg you added is perfectly cooked!

  • @lemar5944
    @lemar5944 Před rokem +13

    miss the old times when we were tossing salad and scrambling eggs

  • @KuldarJ
    @KuldarJ Před rokem +3

    BRO WHERE IS THE BROTH, IT'S LITERALLY THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE TRUE RAMEN EXPERIENCE!

  • @Klingonmastr
    @Klingonmastr Před rokem +5

    It also depends on what flavor of ramen noodles you are using. I got a 5 pack from the 99 Cent Store of Nongshim Ramen Noodles that are beef flavor with seaweed. Personally the seaweed thing doesn't really bother me. I just add some green onions and carrots to liven up the soup and make it slightly more healthy.

  • @paulwagner688
    @paulwagner688 Před rokem +15

    I have always done my instant the following: Boil, drain, but don't use a colander so there will be water left, add seasoning and butter off the heat and vigorously stir. I've been cooking like Babby for DECADES!

  • @LucasBenderChannel
    @LucasBenderChannel Před rokem +6

    You just know I immediately went down to the kitchen to make some Ramen. Late at night.

  • @jhilamadhikary5551
    @jhilamadhikary5551 Před rokem +2

    We need a Part 2 of this!

  • @erwin7427
    @erwin7427 Před rokem +1

    Definitely trying a couple of these. Love instant ramen!

  • @MrGrimsmith
    @MrGrimsmith Před rokem +3

    My go to is a lightly fried egg (faster than boiling, time is important!), chopped spring onion and grated cheese. Oh and chili flake. Fry egg while making ramen, add cheese and chili, break the egg yolk and stir the lot together before topping with the spring onion. Not pretty but quick and tasty so I'll take it :)

  • @paulkieffer4536
    @paulkieffer4536 Před rokem +6

    As someone who always has dozens of Ramen on hand...I love this. Thanks Andrew! Rochester pride brother!!

  • @thisgoestoeleven
    @thisgoestoeleven Před rokem +1

    my go-to ramen hack is just the noodles, and I add 1tbsp each tahini/sesame paste, soy sauce, black vinegar, and chili crisp to a bowl with a teaspoon or so of toasted sesame oil. Add the noodles and a few tablespoons of pasta water, top with scallions and toasted sesame seeds. I'll also add cooked veg or protein I've got handy. Save the chicken seasoning packets for adding to fried chicken breading.

  • @woahfi
    @woahfi Před rokem +2

    Love this. I always go shin ramen, poach the egg with the noodles, drain the water and mix in packets, sesame oil, and fresh green onions.

  • @crystofertenecela6946
    @crystofertenecela6946 Před rokem +47

    Can you make microwave wings from the regular show

  • @gateguardian44
    @gateguardian44 Před rokem +31

    Kimchi ramen with imitation crab sticks are one of my and my fiancée’s favourites when “elevating” instant ramen.
    My mother often makes pork and shrimp balls and freezes them. Also a great addition to instant ramen, especially since the balls absorb the broth incredibly well.

  • @SquareSquidStudios
    @SquareSquidStudios Před rokem +2

    This way of cooking ramen noodles works amazingly for every pasta I have tried.
    THANK YOU!
    I am never cooking pasta the old way again.

  • @ArchOfWinter
    @ArchOfWinter Před rokem +1

    My college go to ramen: Boil frozen vegies with the water, either add frozen meatball that matches the flavor of the soup packet or scramble eggs. Quick and no more clean up than plan ramen.
    If I feel a little fancy, I chop up some mushroom, a few leaves of random greens, and leftover meat from the night before. Adjust seasoning or soup base depending on how flavorful the leftover meat is.

  • @Blackplague17
    @Blackplague17 Před rokem +6

    Oh, have I got news for you, Babs! I’ve been making some excellent dressed up ramen lately after I had a bunch of inspiration. Gochujang, kimchi, sesame oil, pickled onions, chicken thighs, cilantro, dill, Indian curry, roasted garlic paste, ginger, cumin-these are just some of the ingredients I use with my cooking, there’s others I just can’t think of them off the top of my head at the moment. Bacon is great for “pork belly”-like flavors

    • @Blackplague17
      @Blackplague17 Před rokem +1

      I do have a full list of ingredients somewhere of ones I use and need to get to fill my pantry. Soy sauce is definitely already in the previous list, but fish sauce and hoisin are on the grocery list

    • @Blackplague17
      @Blackplague17 Před rokem +1

      Also crunchy chili garlic oil

    • @Blackplague17
      @Blackplague17 Před rokem

      I love watching cooking techniques, and yours are great!

  • @bobd2659
    @bobd2659 Před rokem +5

    I love instant ramen. Stuff like this, which I do a lot, makes it a meal. Otherwise, to me at least, it's just a snack pack! It's a great way to use up leftovers, or if you grow some plants/herbs of your own - to use up 'trimmings' if your plants are 'overambitious'. I do find that one flavour pack each is generally not enough, so I usually add a teaspoon of a generic matching or complimentary soup base like mushroom or seafood. Possibilities are endless if you think of instant ramen as a base ingredient instead of the meal...same goes for things like Mac and Cheese...

  • @nobhillrox
    @nobhillrox Před rokem

    I really appreciate the final hack. It's the purest and actually the healthiest. I'm going to try it for sure!

  • @emosaurus66
    @emosaurus66 Před rokem +1

    Currently stuck at home with covid. Definitely needed this.

  • @user-pt8xx8bp8u
    @user-pt8xx8bp8u Před rokem +5

    Thanks for giving me an appetite for ramen. It's all I really have to eat right now.

  • @praetorfenix69
    @praetorfenix69 Před rokem +43

    Protip: tonkotsu and tonkatsu are not the same thing, do not get them confused

  • @moipoi1
    @moipoi1 Před rokem

    love this video, thanks for making it. Definitely gonna try these out.

  • @LwaziSidinile
    @LwaziSidinile Před rokem +2

    I like the home kitchen feel in this video. Especially for this particular topic of budget meals

  • @aquadraco20
    @aquadraco20 Před rokem +3

    I love this! I'm looking forward to more if you make more "upgrade" videos!

  • @TheCardq
    @TheCardq Před rokem +6

    My take on Ramen upgrades is to make it with whole milk, and add enough of every spicy thing in my cabinet that the additions equal about half of the seasoning packet

  • @MolecularMachine
    @MolecularMachine Před rokem +2

    If you think I'm even touching a cutting board when it's ramen night, you've got another thing coming. Here's how you do l'assassina del rey. Heat plenty of olive oil in a pan, and add frozen pepper and onion mix before it gets to medium high. Add your dry block(s) of ramen. For every block, put one seasoning packet in a mug of water and microwave it until warm. Add the broth to the pan to halfway up the height of the ramen block and don't touch anything until you can hear it sizzle for a minute or so. Once the noodles look a little browned on the bottom, flip them and add broth again. Add smoked paprika, soy sauce, and mirin to taste, or whatever seasonings suit your fancy. Keep adding broth and frying until the noodles are soft and they and the vegetables gain a light char. Delicious, easy, truly one pan.

  • @killercaos123
    @killercaos123 Před rokem +2

    Surprisingly insightful and interesting video stemming from cheap ramen noodles. That last one looked devine. might try that one soon

  • @joshandallo2170
    @joshandallo2170 Před rokem +37

    Just a heads up, I think you might have meant "tonkotsu" when you said "tonkatsu." They sound similar, but they are very different pork products. ;)

  • @bourne8636
    @bourne8636 Před rokem +6

    I’ve mastered the art of cooking instant ramen. 🤣

  • @MainexManda
    @MainexManda Před rokem

    Keeping this as a reference for my next ramen cooking session!

  • @kristenp1606
    @kristenp1606 Před rokem +1

    Spicy Chili Crisp is the answer to almost every dish, I love the stuff! I always add it to instant ramen, but also to eggs, avocado toast, mix it with sour cream and serve with pierogies or quesadillas, you can not go wrong! I haven't met a savory dish that it doesn't improve.

  • @ashley-m
    @ashley-m Před rokem +3

    thank you for posting this just in time for me to make ramen for dinner :)

  • @dannym2359
    @dannym2359 Před rokem +3

    I used to be able to get Tonkatsu ramen bowls, but the grocery store I shop at stopped carrying it. It was the best instant ramen I've ever had, without adding anything extra

  • @femmefuntime
    @femmefuntime Před rokem

    Just made the tonkotsu one and he’s right about it being great for nursing a cold.

  • @padraigbrowning9746
    @padraigbrowning9746 Před 11 měsíci +1

    I just did the carbonara one with beef Ramen, and it was so delicious

  • @flamingoodness4923
    @flamingoodness4923 Před rokem +7

    Can you make that bacon Parmesan one without the bacon? I don’t eat pork but I love the thought of Parmesan cheese and egg mixing into an sauce so I’d love to know

  • @sirpeaches5086
    @sirpeaches5086 Před rokem +3

    23 years old and just finding out you can unfold the bricks.

  • @thewhitecarlos94
    @thewhitecarlos94 Před rokem

    This speaks to me. Definitely going to be trying all of these.

  • @jaspergoveas7163
    @jaspergoveas7163 Před rokem +2

    would love to see a full series of food upgrades

  • @rocknrollmanic
    @rocknrollmanic Před rokem +5

    I’ve been looking for ways to spice up instant ramen and make it less of a carb bomb. Thank you so much

  • @amberrhodes116
    @amberrhodes116 Před rokem +3

    JUST WHAT I NEEDED! I’m about to go make some ramen right now! I’ll try one of these recipes

  • @evelynpayne5995
    @evelynpayne5995 Před rokem +1

    wow these are all so advanced… when i’m feeling fancy i add walmart brand curry powder, black garlic , dried vegetables and an egg.

  • @scurvyjoe269
    @scurvyjoe269 Před rokem +1

    I made the Ramen Shrimp Scampi, and it is amazing! And it is really simple! Thank you Babish for the different ways to make ramen! I’ll give the others a try!

  • @ryoryo9936
    @ryoryo9936 Před rokem +17

    I was really confused when he kept saying tonkatsu, but didn’t bring out any pork cutlet or panko (and also because tonkatsu and ramen is a weird combination).

  • @pixelpastiche
    @pixelpastiche Před rokem +3

    Love seeing Babish on the Channel

  • @pokiou
    @pokiou Před rokem +1

    boil noodles, drains. butter in pan once melted added noodles and chicken noodle seasoning and toss and serve with fried egg ontop. My go to comfort food when the wife and kids are out for the day!.

  • @NinjaLifestyle
    @NinjaLifestyle Před rokem

    That last one looked awesome!!!!

  • @littlevickietee
    @littlevickietee Před rokem +3

    This is perfect for me! Just got into my first apartment in junior year of college :)

    • @joe_ferreira
      @joe_ferreira Před rokem

      Variety is the spice of life. Try many different ramen recipes it will get old quick. A cheap bunch of green onions and a dozen eggs adds a lot. Also adding protein is very important. I lost weight to an unhealthy level when I was younger eating too much ramen without anything added in it.

  • @Phillip_Anatra
    @Phillip_Anatra Před rokem +4

    I used to eat ramen after school. I wish I knew these recipes! Especially that last recipe, wow

  • @nathanparish7122
    @nathanparish7122 Před rokem

    Moved into college last week, this will be a big help!

  • @TheVelourFog
    @TheVelourFog Před měsícem +1

    Peanut butter, siracha, fried egg, chili crunch, green peppers, that's our go to.

  • @quize21
    @quize21 Před rokem +3

    After this ep, Andrew won't need any sodium for a month

  • @my_granny
    @my_granny Před rokem +3

    Usually, I make two packs of ramen in four cups water, then use just one of the seasoning packets, plus whatever spices I'm feeling at the time. I find using the recommended ratio of seasoning to water is far too salty for my taste, so I don't really see much appeal to anything more concentrated.
    Most of the time, my spice choices resemble taco seasoning (cumin, lemon pepper, garlic, cayenne, cilantro, etc), but sometimes I go with a lot chili powder and a couple big spoonfuls of peanut butter.

  • @similaritiesendhere
    @similaritiesendhere Před rokem +1

    Actual instant ramen upgrade: adding frozen vegetables and your choice of seasoning.

  • @alecarakilyan4665
    @alecarakilyan4665 Před rokem

    These all look so delicious!

  • @Knoxsinn
    @Knoxsinn Před rokem +6

    I just cooked the carbonara using microwave bacon. It's fantastic! Can't forget about the pepper flakes 🌶️
    (Eating and typing)

  • @lloydcollins
    @lloydcollins Před rokem +4

    Dude… I would love to see you try some of the soul food from any of the African-American films (like the movie Soulfood). you never try to make anything like this.

  • @catzzara
    @catzzara Před rokem

    Something that i do that’s not the healthiest but is cheap and as fast as ramen itself is chopped hot dogs and a couple sunny side eggs. Pop those into the bowl with the broth and noodles and it’s pretty filling and still pretty cheap. Personally i do it with the tonkotsu bowls from Costco but it works with top ramen too.
    Can really do any meat ive done chopped kielbasa and chopped leftover rotisserie Costco chicken too its just too add some oompf to it

  • @sabrinasmith4033
    @sabrinasmith4033 Před rokem

    I just attempted the ramen-ara and although ive never made carbonara before, it seemed easy enough. I think i added the eggs too soon because they did start to scramble slightly, and then the bacon wanted to only stick to the cheese, but really its quite tasty nonetheless!

  • @jammy008
    @jammy008 Před rokem +5

    I usually add tahini, toasted seeds & chorizo or some kind of precooked meat you can cut up easily. totally transformational 😍

    • @organizerbmo
      @organizerbmo Před rokem +1

      Chorizo is like bacon for me, just makes everything better but is kinda too overpowered lol

  • @professoreinstein6
    @professoreinstein6 Před rokem +3

    I literally just made a bechamel sauce and mixed it with my ramen. I mean it was a cheddar cheese sauce with the nutmeg and Dijon mustard but all the same it was great. Definitely salt your noodles before adding accompaniments if you're not using the seasoning packet

  • @NinthSettler
    @NinthSettler Před 2 měsíci

    The last one became a staple of my diet since this video was posted.

  • @KoryGrayson
    @KoryGrayson Před rokem

    Literally needed this.