Instant noodles hacks: How to upgrade your instant ramen with these 9 recipes

There’s more to instant noodles than just following the packet instructions

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Ah, instant noodles. The bedrock of convenience comfort food. We love them because they offer a quick convenient meal option, don’t expire quickly, and come in all sorts of exciting flavours like tom yam and mala. But we also know that they’re typically sodium — and MSG-laden and low in nutrients, so it’s not exactly something to be eaten every day. But if you’re looking to amp up your meal, here are some instant noodle recipes to try.

Spicy Peanut Butter Instant Noodles

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Here’s how you can rustle up a quick and tasty meal in under 15 minutes. While it’s not the latest innovation to put peanut butter in your instant noodles, additions of gochugaru and some pantry staples like garlic, onion, coriander and more will give your ramen the upgrade it needs from a minimal effort recipe to one of delicious comfort food.

Teriyaki Beef Noodles

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This 20-minute dish combines sweet and savoury teriyaki sauce, minced beef, green beans and snow peas tossed with instant noodles for a filling meal.

Noodle Pancakes with Hoisin Pork

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Craving okonomiyaki? Make your own version with this quick and easy noodle pancake recipe. You can follow the ingredients listed or swap for your preferred toppings.

Oriental Noodle Frittata

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Who says noodles can only be enjoyed in a bowl? Break the mould with an instant noodle omelette frittata that you can prep in less than 30 minutes – perfect for a quick office lunch or for the kids’ lunchbox.

Chicken Noodle Soup

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Simple and comforting chicken noodle soup is the perfect antidote if you’re feeling slightly under the weather, or if it’s pouring outside and you’re stuck at home with instant noodles and some basic ingredients.

Thai Drunken Mama Pad Kee Mao

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Turn up the spice with this Thai street food recipe also known as Drunken Noodles (although there’s no alcohol involved here). It typically consists of ingredients like stirfried chicken, chillis and, of course, Thai holy basil.

Korean Army Stew

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Any fan of army stew (otherwise known as budae jjigae) would know that instant noodles are an essential to the dish. And you don’t have to visit a Korean restaurant to enjoy it, neither. If you want to know how to do it the right way though (there’s a method to layering the ingredients!), check out recipe via the link below:

Curried Beef Noodles

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For a fuss-free, one-pot meal for parties and potlucks, consider this curried beef noodle dish that’s packed with flavour.

Cabbage Noodles

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Combine instant noodles with last night’s leftover cabbage or roast chicken for a simply, yummy and no-waste meal.











This article was originally published on Feb 12, 2020 and updated on May 29, 2023 in Singapore Women's Weekly.











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