The Instant Ramen Upgrade For More Flavorful Broth

For budget-conscious students, tired workers, and anyone craving umami-rich food in under five minutes, instant ramen is the go-to meal. Not only is the convenience of its quick preparation unmatched, it's also quite versatile; you can add various ingredients to it to enrich its flavor. For instance, adding the Japanese spice furikake to a bowl of instant ramen will enhance its texture and flavor. However, if you want to upgrade the broth in terms of depth and richness, consider adding coconut milk. This concoction can transform the dish's base from thin and watery to something creamy, silky, and intensely satisfying.

In Southeast Asian cuisines, coconut milk is a staple in soup-based dishes like laksa and curry. With its creamy, slightly sweet profile, coconut milk brings a rich mouthfeel that balances out sodium-heavy ingredients. Coconut milk is why Thai and Malaysian noodle soups often have a rich, smooth character. Certain compounds in coconut milk act as an emulsifier which helps the flavorful oils in the seasoning packet blend well with the watery broth. As such, when you add coconut milk to instant ramen, it'll make your bowl taste like it came from a trendy fusion bistro or an authentic Asian restaurant.

To upgrade instant ramen with coconut milk, start by cooking the noodles like normal based on the packaging instructions. Typical instant noodles require 500 milliliters or 2 cups of water. Once the noodles are almost done, stir in ½ cup of coconut milk. Use full-fat canned coconut milk if a freshly made concoction is out of reach. If you're using leftover coconut milk from a previous meal, be sure to check how long coconut milk is good for after opening. After adding the coconut milk, simmer for an additional minute and let the bubbling broth mix everything and thicken. Once done, pour the ramen into a bowl and enjoy.

To boost this hack even further, you can try other ways to upgrade your instant ramen by adding ingredients like bacon, cheese, or kimchi. Tossing in a handful of fresh spinach or bok choy can add a pop of green and boost the nutritional value of the meal. If you want more protein, you can go for either soft-boiled eggs, cubed tofu, or leftover rotisserie chicken. For the broth, enhance its flavor even further by adding a teaspoon of red curry paste. Garnish with cilantro or Thai basil for a more aromatic experience.