Imagine a steaming bowl of vibrant gold and red, its surface dotted with emerald green scallions and flecks of fresh cilantro.
The creamy texture of melted cheddar melds seamlessly with the silky strands of ramen, enveloping you in a comforting embrace.
A hint of chili ignites your senses, and the aromatic blend of garlic and ginger dances in the air, inviting you to indulge. This Cheesy Spicy Ramen Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely Sunday suppers.
I remember a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick yet satisfying for my family. This dish, with its rich flavors and quick preparation, saved the day.
It’s comfort food at its best, offering nourishment and solace in every spoonful. Ready? Let’s cook this simple yet soul-warming dish together!
Why You’ll Love It
- Delivers bold flavor with a perfect balance of cheese and spice.
- Uses pantry staples like instant ramen and soy sauce for convenience.
- Cooks quickly in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Offers customizable spiciness to match your personal taste preference.
- Enhances nutrition with fresh green onions and cilantro.
Ingredients
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles — choose your favorite brand.
- 4 cups chicken broth — opt for low-sodium if preferred.
- 1 cup water — filtered is best.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce — use low-sodium for less salt.
- 1 teaspoon chili paste — adjust quantity for desired spiciness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese — sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor.
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions — fresh and crisp.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro — add for freshness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil — for a nutty aroma.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic is ideal.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated — fresh ginger for a zingy kick.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil — neutral oil like canola works well.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper — freshly ground for best taste.
Step-by-Step Method
Heat the Oil
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking, as you’ll be adding aromatics shortly.
This step is essential to develop the foundational flavors of your soup. The oil should shimmer slightly, indicating it’s ready for the next ingredients.
Sauté Aromatics
Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the heated oil. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the ginger releases its aromatic oils.
Stir continuously to prevent burning, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the soup.
Boil the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld together.
The broth should be bubbling vigorously before proceeding to the next step. This guarantees that the noodles will cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the broth.
Season the Soup
Stir in soy sauce, chili paste, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to guarantee the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the broth.
Adjust the chili paste based on your preferred level of spiciness. This step adds depth and enhances the savory profile of the soup.
Cook the Noodles
Add the ramen noodles to the boiling broth. Cook for about 3 minutes until the noodles are tender.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The noodles should be fully submerged in the broth to cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
Melt the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the soup.
The cheese should create a creamy texture and enhance the richness of the broth. Make sure that the cheese is fully incorporated for a smooth consistency.
Let It Rest
Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes.
This resting time allows the flavors to further develop and the temperature to slightly decrease, making it ideal for immediate serving. Cover the pot to retain warmth during this period.
Add Final Touches
Stir in sesame oil, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.
These ingredients add freshness and a burst of flavor to the soup. Make sure they’re well mixed to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the broth. The sesame oil provides a nutty aroma, complementing the cheesy, spicy soup.
Serve Hot
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately.
The soup should be hot, with the cheese perfectly melted and the noodles fully cooked. Consider topping with a boiled egg or additional protein for extra sustenance. Enjoy the comforting combination of cheese, spice, and savory broth.
Ingredient Swaps
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use tofu instead of any meat-based toppings.
- To make it gluten-free, opt for gluten-free ramen noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- If cheddar cheese isn’t available, use another melting cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- For a milder soup, reduce the chili paste or replace it with a small amount of paprika.
- To save on budget, homemade broth or water with bouillon cubes can replace store-bought chicken broth.
You Must Know
- Adjust Spiciness: Tailor the level of heat by modifying the amount of chili paste to suit your taste preferences.
- Choose Quality Broth: Enhance the soup’s depth of flavor by opting for bone broth instead of standard chicken broth.
- Let Cheese Melt: Confirm the shredded cheddar cheese is fully melted by stirring it in over low heat for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Add Protein: Make the soup more filling by topping it with a boiled egg or adding cooked protein such as shredded chicken or tofu.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld and intensify before serving.
Serving Tips
- Serve with a side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a complete meal.
- Top with a soft-boiled egg and extra green onions for added richness.
- Pair with a light, crispy Asian salad to balance the soup’s spiciness.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat and texture.
- Serve in deep bowls to keep the soup hot and enhance the dining experience.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Cheesy Spicy Ramen Soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For make-ahead convenience, prepare the broth and store it separately from the noodles.
This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cheese and noodles, which may become mushy when thawed.
Reheating
To gently reheat Cheesy Spicy Ramen Soup, use the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals.
Or reheat in a preheated oven at low temperature.
Cultural Significance of Ramen
As we savor the comforting warmth of our Cheesy Spicy Ramen Soup, let’s explore the rich tapestry of cultural significance that ramen carries.
When I first tasted ramen in a bustling Tokyo alley, I felt an immediate connection to its deep-rooted history. Each slurp of noodle seemed to bridge the past with the present, echoing centuries of Japanese culinary artistry.
Ramen isn’t just a meal; it’s a symbol of innovation and resilience. Its journey from China to Japan, evolving through post-war scarcity into a global comfort food, is nothing short of remarkable.
I love how ramen brings people together, fostering community over a shared bowl. It’s a dish that’s more than sustenance—it’s a taste of tradition, reinvented with every recipe.
Final Thoughts
Why not give this Cheesy Spicy Ramen Soup a try and customize it to your liking?
Feel free to adjust the spiciness or add your favorite toppings for a meal that’s uniquely yours!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Vegan Cheese for a Dairy-Free Version?
Absolutely, you can use vegan cheese! I’ve tried it myself, and it melts beautifully. It gives the soup a creamy, cheesy flavor without any dairy. It’s perfect for those cozy nights when I want comfort without compromise.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
I’ve faced the gluten-free challenge myself and found swapping regular ramen for gluten-free noodles works wonders. Confirm your soy sauce is gluten-free too. It’s amazing how these simple changes can make the dish enjoyable for everyone!
What Are Some Suitable Noodle Alternatives?
I’d suggest using rice noodles or zucchini noodles. Once, I swapped in zucchini noodles, and their light, fresh taste paired beautifully with the spices. They really absorbed that cheesy, spicy goodness, transforming the dish into something truly exceptional!
How Do I Adjust the Recipe for a Single Serving?
To adjust for one serving, I halve the ingredients. Once, I even tried adding extra cheese for more creaminess—it was heavenly! Don’t be afraid to tweak the spice levels based on your taste buds too.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup for Later Use?
Absolutely, you can freeze leftover soup! I often do this myself. Just let it cool, then store it in airtight containers. When reheating, I find adding a splash of broth revives its delicious flavor beautifully.
Cheesy Spicy Ramen Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Ladle
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 pack instant ramen noodles
- 4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili paste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in the large pot over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, then bring to a boil.
- Stir in the soy sauce, chili paste, and black pepper.
- Add the ramen noodles to the pot and cook for 3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the sesame oil, green onions, and cilantro.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
Notes
