Instant ramen bowl noodles
A quick bowl of instant ramen topped with a softly poached egg, chopped scallions, lettuce and a little Sriracha. It turns a packet of noodles into a more varied five-minute meal.
Ingredients
- 1 bowlinstant ramen noodles
- 1poached egg
- to tasteSriracha sauce
- 2scallions, finely chopped
- to tasteshredded lettuce
- to tasteground black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the noodles
Follow the packet instructions for the bowl noodles. If using Top Ramen packets instead, cook the noodles in a saucepan first.
- 2
Poach the egg
Briefly poach the egg in simmering water.
- 3
Add the toppings
Top the noodles with the lettuce, scallions and poached egg. Add a squeeze of Sriracha and serve.
What is an instant ramen bowl?
Ramen is a Japanese noodle dish, and instant ramen offers a quick, convenient version at home. This bowl keeps the preparation simple and adds an egg, fresh greens and chilli sauce for contrast.
The noodles and seasoning provide a savoury base, while the toppings bring freshness and a little heat. It is a flexible meal built around whatever the packet instructions call for.
Nutrition and macros by portion
The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 390 calories, 12g protein, 56g carbs, 13g fat.
| Portion | Adjustment | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter | Use less seasoning | 273 kcal | 8g | 39g | 9g |
| This serving | As written | 390 kcal | 12g | 56g | 13g |
| Hungry | Add another egg | 585 kcal | 18g | 84g | 20g |
Most of the carbohydrates and sodium come from the instant noodles and their seasoning, while the egg contributes protein and some fat. Lettuce and scallions add a small amount of fibre and freshness; serve the bowl with extra vegetables if you want a more balanced plate.
Choosing the noodles
Bowl noodles: Use the instant ramen bowl specified in the recipe and prepare it according to its packet. Different brands and varieties can have different quantities of water and standing times.
Packet noodles: Top Ramen packets are another option, but cook them in a saucepan first as directed on the package.
Poaching the egg
Simmering water: Keep the water at a gentle simmer and poach the egg briefly. A rolling boil can make the white break apart or turn ragged.
Doneness: The recipe gives no exact poaching time, so use the egg’s appearance as your cue and cook it to your preferred texture.
Finishing the bowl
Fresh toppings: Add the chopped scallions and shredded lettuce after preparing the noodles so they retain their fresh character.
Chilli and pepper: Start with a small squeeze of Sriracha and season with black pepper to taste; you can add more at the table.
Timing and texture
The stated total time is 5 minutes, though the packet’s directions determine how long the noodles need. Have the toppings ready while the noodles cook to keep the final assembly quick.
Serve soon after adding the toppings. The noodles continue to soften as they sit, and the lettuce loses its crispness in hot broth.
What to serve with it
The egg adds a little protein, and the lettuce and scallions bring fresh crunch to the bowl. For a more substantial meal, serve it with an extra side of vegetables or another protein.
Keep any sides simple so they do not compete with the ramen’s savoury seasoning and Sriracha.
Recipe notes & tips
- Check the packet directions before starting, as cooking instructions vary by product.
- Chop the scallions and shred the lettuce while the noodles cook.
- Keep the poaching water at a gentle simmer rather than a hard boil.
- Add Sriracha gradually so you can adjust the heat to taste.
- Serve the bowl as soon as the toppings are added for the best lettuce texture.
Variations
- More greens: Add extra shredded lettuce for a fresher, crunchier bowl.
- Extra heat: Add more Sriracha a little at a time.
- Garlic note: Add a pinch of garlic powder to the prepared noodles.
- Sesame finish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished bowl.
- More protein: Add another poached egg to make the bowl more filling.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring the packet directions: Water amounts and cooking times vary, so follow the instructions for your noodle product.
- Boiling the egg water hard: A rolling boil can disrupt the egg; keep the water at a gentle simmer.
- Adding too much Sriracha at once: Start with a small squeeze and taste before adding more.
- Leaving the assembled bowl to stand: The noodles soften and the lettuce wilts, so serve promptly.
- Using a packet without cooking the noodles: Cook Top Ramen packet noodles in a saucepan first, following their instructions.
How to store
This bowl is best eaten straight away, as the noodles soften and the lettuce wilts in the broth. If needed, refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container and use within 1–2 days; reheat the noodles thoroughly, though the texture may be softer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use packet ramen instead of bowl noodles?
Yes. The recipe notes that Top Ramen packets work, but you need to cook them in a saucepan first and follow the packet instructions.
How long should I poach the egg?
The recipe does not specify an exact time; it says to poach the egg briefly in simmering water. Cook it to the texture you prefer.
Can I adjust how spicy the bowl is?
Yes. Add a small squeeze of Sriracha first, then taste and add more if you like.
When should I add the lettuce?
Add it with the other toppings after the noodles are prepared, just before serving, to keep it as fresh as possible.
Can I make the bowl ahead?
It is best assembled and eaten straight away because the noodles soften and the lettuce wilts. You can prepare the chopped toppings in advance and add them at serving time.
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from pickledplum.com. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
Open the recipe on pickledplum.com