Instant noodles are great to have on hand as they have a lengthy shelf life. See how to transform an ordinary storecupboard essential into a filling meal that packs a punch.
Upgrade your meal with our ideas for adding protein (such as chicken, eggs and fish), vegetables, sauces, condiments and spices.
For more thrifty dishes, see our storecupboard recipes.
3 Budget ramen ideas
Instant noodle toppings
Protein
The easiest way to make instant noodles more filling is to add extra protein like meat and fish. This is also a great opportunity to use up shredded meat from a Sunday roast or takeaway leftovers.
- Chicken
- Roast beef
- Salmon
- Prawns
- Soft-boiled eggs
Vegetables
Use fresh or frozen vegetables to give your noodles a filling and nutritious makeover. Add your veggies and boil in the ramen broth until tender.
More like this
- Frozen peas
- Frozen sweetcorn
- Edamame
- Grated carrot
- Spinach
- Kale
- Beansprouts
- Spring onion
Sauces
Raid the storecupboard for other flavours you might like. Add some heat with a spicy condiment, or depth with a cooking sauce or oil.
- Sriracha
- Chilli sauce
- Hot sauce
- Tamarind sauce
- Soy sauce
- Fish sauce
- Sesame oil
Instant noodle recipes
Super-quick sesame ramen
Try upgrading instant noodles with our super-quick sesame ramen. Cook the noodles in boiling water and the sachet provided or vegetable stock. Add spring onions and pak choi to the broth for a couple minutes. Top with a soft boiled egg, sesame seeds and chilli sauce.
Chicken & sweetcorn ramen
For a more kid-friendly version, try this chicken & sweetcorn ramen. Cook a pack of noodles in chicken stock and add sweetcorn, peas or chopped beans. Add sliced leftover chicken breast and a soft boiled egg to make it extra filling.
More ideas
Full English – add crisp bacon, fried mushrooms and a soft boiled egg.
Thai ramen – cook the noodles in coconut milk and add Thai green curry paste and frozen veggies.
Easy pad Thai – add tamarind paste, fish sauce, beansprouts, lime and peanuts.
Satay noodles – mix satay sauce with the noodles then stir in some cooked chicken. Serve with spring onions and chopped peanuts.
See more noodle recipes with our ramen collection.
Enjoyed these recipes? See more inspiration...
Top 10 storecupboard recipes
Top 10 healthy storecupboard recipes
Storecupboard essentials for families
Top 10 kids' storecupboard recipes
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How will you upgrade instant noodles? Let us know in the comments below...
