Do you still wonder what to add to your buldak ramen to improve it? If so, I’ve got a list of things you can try the next time you make your favorite buldak.
I thought Shin Ramyon was the spiciest noodle I could ever try. However, when my friend introduced buldak ramen, I found my new Korean spicy noodles. The 2x Spicy Original Flavor was the spiciest item ever in my mouth.
Buldak ramen is painfully delicious but still delicious. And I plan to eat 3x Spicy Original Flavors and see if I can handle the spiciness.
Sometimes, I find an average cup or bowl of buldak ramen bland or less exciting. So, level it up by adding cheese, eggs, bacon, kimchi, corn, peas, mushrooms, sesame seeds, etc.,
What to Add to Buldak Ramen for an Instant Upgrade?
When something is spicy, I quickly get interested in it. So, it is impossible for me not to love buldak ramen. It is cheap, tastes fantastic, and above all, it is satisfyingly spicy.
Since I have already tried different buldak ramens, from the least spicy to 2X Spicy Original Flavor (maybe the 3X variety in the future), I am too familiar with their tastes. So, I experimented with upgrading my noodles.
If you are wondering what to add to buldak ramen, you can try the following:
1. Cheese
Besides being a spicy food lover, I am also a cheese monster. So, it is impossible for me not to add my favorite cheese to a bowl of buldak ramen.
With so many cheeses to choose from, pick the one that will complement the dish. For instance, if I want my noodles to have a savory flavor and a nice crunchy texture, I go for a hard cheese like brie or gouda.
However, if you want more flavor and moisture, add cheddar cheese to bring out the flour’s nutty aspects.
2. Egg
You can cook eggs in different ways, like poaching and boiling. However, I prefer scrambling them.
Scrambled eggs add texture and flavor to the noodles. I usually have leftover eggs, and making buldak ramen helps me use them.
Ensure not to overcook the eggs unless you want them to become rubbery and dry.
3. Corn
I love adding corn to different dishes and once tried it on my buldak ramen. I enjoyed the added flavor and sweetness to the noodles.
Ideally, you can add ¼ cup of corn to every 1 cup of noodles. Beware that corn can be mushy, so do not overcook it.
4. Bacon
Bacon is not only a perfect item for breakfast; you can also add them to buldak ramen. It efficiently complements noodles, and I enjoy its sweet and salty taste.
Besides adding a savory and rich flavor to the noodles, they also thicken the sauce.
5. Peas
Do you want to add flavor, color, and crunch to your noodles? Then, dropping some peas on your noodles is never a bad idea.
The amount of peas you should add depends on the type of peas you want to use. However, a general rule of thumb is ¼ cup of peas per pound of noodles.
Whenever I use frozen peas, I thaw them first. Then, add them to the pot.
6. Kimchi
Many Korean food lovers never miss adding kimchi to different Korean dishes, like fried rice, stews, soup, and noodles. Kimchi is best known for its umami flavor. If you add it to buldak ramen, expect an added flavor in every slurp.
Before adding kimchi to the noodles, I recommend mixing it with water for the best results.
7. Broccoli
Broccoli is not only healthy but also an excellent addition to noodles. This vegetable adds a little flavor to your meal.
Before adding it to the boiling water, you can sauté it in butter or oil. Alternatively, you can steam it along with the noodles.
Since broccoli can overpower the noodles if you use too much, add only a tiny amount.
8. Sesame Seeds
Adding sesame seeds to buldak ramen will not enhance its look and flavor but also improves its nutritional value with a healthy dose of minerals and protein.
Before serving, add 1-2 tablespoons of sesame seeds to this famous Korean spicy noodle. I suggest not overdoing it for a satisfying crunch. Too many of them can turn your noodles into a health hazard.
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9. Green Onions
Every time I crave a mild onion flavor in my buldak noodle, I add a few green onions. After a slice of green onions, I soak them in cold water for 15-20 minutes.
This method helps reduce the amount of bitterness and soften its flavor. When they are ready, drain them and add them to your ramen.
10. Mushrooms
Aside from soups and stews, mushrooms are a great add-on to spicy Korean noodles. They can make the noodles even more delicious.
When preparing, do not overcook the mushrooms to retain their texture and flavor. After washing them, trim off the tough stems and slice them thinly.
Sauté the mushrooms in a bit of butter or oil until they caramelize. They will add moisture and flavor. Add them to the water while cooking the noodles once it boils for a few minutes.
11. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is one of my favorite Asian condiments, as it adds flavor to the ramen. However, be sure to be cautious about how much you add.
If you add too much soy sauce, it can overpower the noodles’ delicate taste. You can start with 1-2 teaspoons and add more if necessary.
12. Honey
At first, I found adding honey to ramens strange. However, after trying it, honey helped liven up my noodles.
I typically mix 1-2 tablespoons of honey at the beginning of cooking. I adjust the amount needed depending on the sweetness I want to achieve. Please do not overdo it because it can overpower the other ingredients.
13. Sun-Dried Tomatoes
One of the best ways to add a flavor punch to buldak ramen is by using sun-dried tomatoes. These little fruits will add a touch of sweetness to your meal.
However, just like other ingredients, you should not overdo it. I often add tomatoes during the last few hours of cooking for the best results. Why? Their intense flavor begins to break down and mellow.
California Sun-Dried Tomatoes
14. Cilantro
With cilantro, I enjoy added flavor and brightness to my cooking. I also tried it with buldak ramen and was satisfied with the result.
After chopping it roughly, add it to the boiling water with noodles. Cook the cilantro until wilted, around 2-3 minutes. Remove it before serving to prevent it from overpowering the other ingredients.
15. Chicken, Pork, or Beef
Besides veggies, you can also add meat to your buldak ramen. You can go for beef, chicken, or pork. This adds an extra layer of flavor to the noodles. It also makes your meal rich in protein.
When adding beef, I toss it first in a bit of cornstarch before cooking. This helps thicken up the sauce and makes the extra meat tender.
Conclusion
Which one is your favorite add-on? Regardless of what item you to your buldak ramen, it is no secret that it can upgrade your experience. So, do not hesitate to experiment.
