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Best 5-Ingredient Dorm Room Ramen Upgrade (Quick & Easy)

5-ingredient dorm room ramen upgrade - featured image

Transform a 27-cent package of instant ramen into a silky, rich bowl of comfort with just five simple ingredients. This quick and easy recipe comes together in under 10 minutes and is perfect for late-night cravings or budget-friendly meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature preferred)
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or Mexican blend)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and light green parts for cooking, dark green for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter or cream cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small pot over high heat. If using a microwave, combine water and noodles in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 3 to 4 minutes until noodles are tender.
  2. Add the ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet) and cook for 2 minutes, separating noodles with a fork or chopsticks, until tender but still al dente.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low so the broth is gently simmering. Stir in the peanut butter or cream cheese until completely melted and incorporated, about 30 seconds.
  4. Crack the egg into a small bowl, then gently slide it into the simmering broth. Do not stir; let it cook undisturbed for 1 minute for a runny yolk or 2 minutes for a more set yolk.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese into the hot broth around the egg. Let it melt for about 30 seconds without stirring, then add the white and light green parts of the green onions. Gently stir, being careful not to break the yolk.
  6. Pour everything into a serving bowl. Top with the dark green parts of the green onions and any optional add-ons like sriracha, sesame oil, or red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

Notes

The broth will continue to thicken as it sits, so eat immediately for the best texture. If the egg breaks while adding it to the pot, it will still taste great. For a microwave version, combine water and noodles in a microwave-safe bowl, cook on high for 3-4 minutes, then add peanut butter/cream cheese, crack egg on top, cover, and microwave for 30-45 seconds until egg white is set but yolk is runny. Optional add-ons: soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, sriracha, frozen peas or corn.

Nutrition

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