Description
Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese is a quick and flavorful Korean-inspired fusion dish featuring tender instant ramen noodles tossed in a savory, spicy sauce with sautéed cabbage and melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting meal combines the heat of gochujang, the umami depth of soy sauce, and the richness of cheese, garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an irresistible bowl perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles and Broth
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green onion, sliced for garnish
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the instant ramen noodles. Cook for 2 minutes until they are slightly tender but still firm. Drain the noodles and set them aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté the Cabbage: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced green cabbage and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it starts to wilt and soften, which develops its natural sweetness and texture.
- Add Aromatics and Sauce Ingredients: Stir in minced garlic along with gochujang (or sriracha), soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. If desired, add red pepper flakes for extra heat. Mix everything well to combine and cook the mixture briefly until aromatic.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This helps meld all flavors together and forms a flavorful sauce.
- Toss in Noodles: Add the cooked ramen noodles back into the pan and toss them thoroughly to coat in the spicy sauce, allowing the noodles to absorb the flavors.
- Melt the Cheese: Lower the heat to low, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the noodles, and cover the pan. Let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts into a creamy topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the cover and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve the spicy cabbage ramen hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra protein, top your bowl with a fried egg or add cooked chicken strips.
- Substitute plain cabbage with kimchi to add a tangy and fermented depth of flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of gochujang or sriracha according to preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Noodles
- Method: Stovetop, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 1380 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
