How Long to Cook Ramen Noodles in Microwave?

Is it possible to cook ramen noodles in a microwave? This question may seem strange but you’d be surprised at how true it is. Not everyone enjoys the effort the stovetop requires to prepare ramen noodles, and in some cases, we won’t always be around one. It’s why the microwave offers an excellent alternative, provided you know how to time the recipe to get the perfect result.

Ramen Noodles Nutrition Facts

Steps for Microwave Ramen Noodles

You can cook ramen noodles in the microwave using different steps, and each decides how long the recipe takes to be ready. To make things easier, you can follow these two easy procedures;

Prepping the Ramen

Ramen is traditionally cooked without breaking, but some prefer to crush the block into smaller pieces before proceeding. Whichever you select is up to you, but note that it’s easier to crush the noodles while it’s still in the packet and before opening,

Measuring the Water

Most times, you’ll only need one to two cups of water for ramen, but note that the amount used determines how much broth your ramen sits. But it helps to never exceed two cups for every packet of ramen prepared in the microwave.

Once these steps have been resolved, you can move to cook the noodles.

Cooking Method One

Take the ramen noodles out of the package and put them in a microwave-safe bowl, then cover it with water. Place a loose lid or plastic film over the bowl, and set it in the microwave. Then, cook the ramen noodles for three to five minutes, stirring them halfway through the cooking time. After the timer stops, take them out using oven mitts, and season as desired.

Cooking Method Two

Pour some water into a microwave-safe bowl, and boil in the microwave for two to three minutes, stirring halfway through. Then, take the bowl out using oven mitts, and pour it over the noodles in another bowl. You can season before or after you’ve added the water. Next, cover the bowl with a plate, lid, or paper towels and set the noodles in the broth for three to five minutes. Then, stir and serve.

More Tips

• Always use oven mitts to carry the container out of the microwave.
• Never stir ramen noodles in the microwave with a metal fork; use a plastic or wooden one instead.
• Breaking the ramen into smaller sizes lets them cook faster in the microwave.
• Only cook ramen in the microwave with microwavable ceramic or glass bowls, as plastic and styrofoam containers are considered harmful for such processes.
• You can add the noodles’ seasoning before or after the ramen is cooked.

Flavoring Suggestions

Ramen noodles come with their unique flavoring packet but it doesn’t mean you have to stop there. You can infuse the taste of your experience by getting creative with its flavors. As such, consider these options;

Add a Fat: You can add grease from bacon or any fried meat or fish into the ramen as it cooks. You can also consider any oil or a few drops of melted butter.

Use Broth: Broth will contribute a more robust flavor to the ramen than water, so consider using it as the liquid base instead.

DIY Seasoning: Try combining pinches of onion powder, cayenne pepper, sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and soy sauce.

Use Condiments: Consider adding flavorful condiments after the ramen is fully cooked. Options include hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, hot sauce, peanut butter, Worcestershire sauce, spicy bean paste, fish sauce, and citrus juice. You can use one or a combination of these ingredients.

Use Vegetables: Add some chopped onions, garlic, carrots, celery, frozen peas, or any pre-cooked veggies before cooking the ramen. And after cooking, you can sprinkle chopped herbs like cilantro, basil, green onions, green scallions, parsley, and rosemary.

Other Suggestions: Make your ramen noodles more traditional with fried eggs, boiled egg slices, bacon, steamed sardines, ham, beef pieces, turkey or chicken, tofu, broccoli, chopped cauliflower, and other additional ingredients.

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