Description
This Easy Creamy Ramen recipe is a comforting, rich twist on traditional instant ramen. Featuring a luscious broth made with cream cheese and milk, infused with garlic, ginger, and savory beef, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any day. Customize with your favorite toppings like soft-boiled eggs, scallions, spinach, or chili oil for an indulgent and delicious bowl of ramen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 packets of instant ramen noodles
- Water or low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (about 4 cups)
- 1 cup whole milk (or oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk)
- 4 oz cream cheese (full-fat or reduced-fat)
- 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 8 oz ground beef (or thinly sliced beef, cooked shredded chicken, or firm tofu)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon white (shiro) miso paste (optional)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Toppings (Optional)
- 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved
- 2 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon chili oil or chili crisp
- 1 cup fresh spinach or corn
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Your Aromatics and Beef: Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. If using ground beef, break it into small pieces. If using thinly sliced beef, have it ready for cooking.
- Cook the Beef: Melt half a tablespoon of butter in a medium pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, cooking and breaking it up with a spoon until browned and fully cooked. If using thinly sliced beef, quickly sear until just cooked, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining half tablespoon butter if needed. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Build the Creamy Broth: Pour in the water or broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated, then stir in the milk. Add the ramen seasoning packets and soy sauce. If using, whisk in the miso paste. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the ramen noodles to the simmering broth, ensuring they are submerged. Cook according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes, or slightly longer for fresh noodles.
- Assemble and Serve: Divide noodles and broth into bowls. If you set aside thinly sliced beef, add it back to each bowl now.
- Add Your Favorite Toppings: Arrange toppings such as soft-boiled eggs, scallions, chili oil, spinach, corn, and toasted sesame seeds over the ramen. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce to control salt content.
- Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Add fresh vegetables like spinach or corn for added nutrition and color.
- Customize protein by using tofu, shredded chicken, or different cuts of beef.
- Soft-boiled eggs add richness and extra protein but are optional.
- Adjust thickness of broth by varying the amount of milk and cream cheese.
- For a spicier kick, drizzle with chili oil or chili crisp before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
