There is a common misconception that professional chefs prepare elaborate meals at home. In truth, after spending a long day in the kitchen, most chefs prefer quick and easy meals rather than spending hours cooking for themselves. They often opt for simple and reliable dishes, such as instant ramen. However, even a basic meal like packaged noodles can be elevated in the hands of chefs. Here are seven ways that F&W Best New Chefs enhance their instant ramen:
1. Replace the water with stock:
2014 F&W Best New Chef Ari Taymor suggests using high-quality meat stock instead of water to enhance the flavor of the seasoning mix and noodles. He recommends topping the dish with fresh ingredients like scallions, bacon, and a soft-boiled egg.
2. Turn it into carbonara:
2024 F&W Best New Chef Leina Horii transforms instant ramen into a creamy carbonara by cooking the noodles in water or broth, adding the seasoning packet, and then stirring in an egg yolk to create a rich sauce. Top with Parmesan, pancetta, and chives for a classic carbonara twist.
3. Make it cheesy:
2021 F&W Best New Chef Thessa Diadem suggests adding Boursin cheese to make the ramen creamy. Pair with pan-seared pork belly, a soft-boiled egg, crispy shallots, chopped scallions, and nori for a delicious upgrade.
4. Have ramen for breakfast:
2024 F&W Best New Chef Camari Mick draws inspiration from chef Rasheeda Purdie and creates a bacon, egg, and cheese ramen for breakfast. Customize with bacon fat, sautéed scallions, a poached egg, American cheese, and bacon.
5. Ramen-ize it further:
2024 F&W Best New Chefs Nicole Mills and Mary Attea enhance instant ramen broth with hondashi, kombu, shiitake mushrooms, miso, and soy sauce for a rich and flavorful result.
6. Add some curry powder:
2021 F&W Best New Chef Gaby Maeda spices up her Itsuki-brand ramen with S&B Curry Powder, cracked black pepper, and La-Yu chile oil for a flavorful kick.
These creative hacks from top chefs can transform a simple bowl of instant ramen into a tasty and satisfying meal.
The combination of curry powder, turmeric, and cumin can transform a simple bowl of ramen into a flavorful and aromatic curry ramen dish in no time at all. This bold and savory twist on traditional ramen is a quick and easy way to elevate your meal with an exciting burst of exotic flavors.
When it comes to preparing instant ramen, most people follow the instructions on the package, which typically involve boiling the noodles in water and adding the seasoning packet. However, some chefs have discovered a different approach that yields even better results. Instead of cooking the noodles separately and then adding the seasonings, they recommend pouring hot water directly over the noodles, seasonings, and toppings all at once. This method allows the ingredients to cook together in the serving vessel, eliminating the need for an extra pot and simplifying the cooking process.
Renowned chef LT Smith, who was named the 2024 Food & Wine Best New Chef, swears by this alternative ramen preparation method. When he’s craving a quick and satisfying meal using instant ramen noodles and leftover turkey, Smith opts for the hot water pour-over technique. “I get hot water from my electric kettle, pour it over the noodles and other ingredients, and let it sit for a few minutes,” explains Smith. To enhance the dish, he adds some greens and a generous amount of hot sauce for an extra kick.
This unconventional approach to making ramen not only saves time but also allows for a more efficient and flavorful cooking process. By letting the hot water do the work of cooking the ingredients directly in the bowl, the flavors are able to meld together seamlessly, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious final product. Whether you’re a ramen enthusiast looking to switch up your usual routine or simply in need of a quick and satisfying meal, this pour-over method is a game-changer.
In conclusion, the art of making curry ramen using simple ingredients and innovative techniques can take your instant noodle experience to the next level. Embrace the bold flavors of curry powder, turmeric, and cumin, and experiment with different toppings and seasonings to create a personalized bowl of curry ramen that satisfies your craving for a warm and comforting meal. Next time you reach for that package of instant ramen, consider trying the pour-over method for a flavorful and convenient dining experience that’s sure to impress your taste buds.
