Description
This easy creamy ramen recipe is the perfect cozy meal for any day. Combining rich cream cheese and milk with savory broth and tender beef, it’s a delicious twist on classic instant ramen. Enhanced with fresh garlic, ginger, and optional flavorful toppings like soft-boiled eggs, scallions, and chili oil, this creamy, comforting bowl will quickly become your go-to comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 packets of instant ramen noodles
- Water or low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (about 4 cups)
- 1 cup whole milk (or oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk)
- 4 oz cream cheese (full-fat or reduced-fat)
- 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/2 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced beef, cooked shredded chicken, or firm tofu)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon white (shiro) miso paste (optional)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Toppings (optional)
- 2-4 soft-boiled eggs
- Thinly sliced scallions (green onions)
- Chili oil or chili crisp
- Fresh spinach or corn
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Your Aromatics and Beef: Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. If using ground beef, break it into small pieces for even cooking; if using thinly sliced beef, have it ready for quick searing.
- Cook the Beef: In a medium pot or deep skillet, melt about half a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. For thinly sliced beef, sear it quickly on both sides, then set it aside to avoid overcooking.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining half tablespoon of butter, then toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not burnt, which will build flavor for the broth.
- Build the Creamy Broth: Pour in your choice of water or low-sodium broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the cream cheese until it fully melts into the liquid. Stir in the milk followed by the ramen seasoning packets, soy sauce, and if using, the white miso paste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for balanced flavor.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the ramen noodles directly into the simmering broth and cook according to package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes, until noodles are tender but still springy.
- Assemble and Serve: Divide the noodles and creamy broth evenly into bowls. If you prepared thinly sliced beef, add it back on top for serving.
- Add Your Favorite Toppings: Finish each bowl with desired toppings like soft-boiled eggs, scallions, fresh spinach or corn, a drizzle of chili oil or chili crisp for heat, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Notes
- You can substitute the animal protein with firm tofu for a vegetarian/vegan option, just skip the cream cheese or use a vegan alternative.
- Using low-sodium broth and soy sauce helps control saltiness and make the broth more balanced.
- Adjust the amount of cream cheese to your preferred creaminess level.
- Soft-boiled eggs can be prepared by boiling eggs for about 6-7 minutes, then cooling in ice water before peeling.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or corn for added nutrition and texture.
- For a spicy kick, chili oil or chili crisp adds great flavor without overpowering the soup.
