Description
This Easy Creamy Ramen recipe is the ultimate comfort meal that combines rich, creamy broth with tender beef and classic ramen noodles. Ready in just 45 minutes, it features a flavorful broth made creamy with cream cheese and milk, enhanced by garlic, ginger, miso paste, and soy sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it can be customized with your choice of protein and toppings like soft-boiled eggs, scallions, and chili oil.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 packets of instant ramen noodles
- 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk (or oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk)
- 4 oz cream cheese (full-fat or reduced-fat)
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 8 oz ground beef (or thinly sliced beef, cooked shredded chicken, or firm tofu)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon white (shiro) miso paste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Optional Toppings
- 4 soft-boiled eggs
- 2 thinly sliced scallions (green onions)
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach or corn
- 1 teaspoon chili oil or chili crisp
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Your Aromatics and Beef: Mince the garlic cloves and grate the fresh ginger. Break the ground beef into small pieces or have your alternative protein like thinly sliced beef, shredded chicken, or tofu ready.
- Cook the Beef: Heat half a tablespoon of butter in a medium pot or a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through. If using thinly sliced beef, sear it quickly on both sides until just cooked, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the pot. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Build the Creamy Broth: Pour in the water or broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the cream cheese until fully melted and smooth. Stir in the milk, the seasoning packets from the ramen, soy sauce, and white miso paste. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the instant ramen noodles directly into the simmering broth and cook according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes, until noodles are tender but still firm.
- Assemble and Serve: Divide the noodles and broth evenly into serving bowls. If you used thinly sliced beef, add it back into the bowls now.
- Add Your Favorite Toppings: Garnish each bowl with optional toppings like soft-boiled eggs, scallions, fresh spinach or corn, a drizzle of chili oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, comforting ramen at its best.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with thinly sliced beef, cooked shredded chicken, or firm tofu for a different protein option.
- Using broth instead of water will add more depth of flavor to the ramen broth.
- The cream cheese adds a luxurious creaminess, but for a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and plant-based milks.
- Soft-boiled eggs elevate the dish but are optional if you prefer a quicker, simpler meal.
- Adjust the chili oil quantity based on your spice preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days but noodles may become softer upon reheating.
