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In the culinary world, ramen stands as a beloved icon, offering warmth, comfort, and an explosion of savory flavors in every slurp. While instant ramen often gets a bad rap for its perceived lack of nutritional value, it doesn’t have to be that way. Imagine transforming a humble packet of instant noodles into a wholesome, restaurant-quality meal brimming with flavor and a significant protein boost. This is precisely what our High Protein Ramen recipe achieves, turning a quick fix into a truly nourishing and utterly delicious experience, perfect for a cozy night in or a fast, fulfilling lunch.
This recipe isn’t just about adding a bit more protein; it’s about elevating every aspect of your instant ramen. When I first embarked on this culinary experiment, my goal was to mimic the depth and richness of authentic ramen house broths using readily available ingredients. What I discovered, much to my delight, was that with just a few strategic additions, I could create a bowl that not only tasted incredible but also packed a remarkable nutritional punch. Each serving of this High Protein Ramen boasts approximately 32 grams of protein, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to increase their protein intake without compromising on taste or convenience. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering a gourmet experience in minutes.
Crafting Your High Protein Ramen: The Essential Ingredients
The beauty of this High Protein Ramen lies in its simplicity. We start with instant ramen noodles as our foundation, then strategically enhance it with a handful of key ingredients that contribute not only to its elevated flavor profile but also its impressive nutritional value. Each component plays a vital role in transforming a basic dish into something truly extraordinary.
Bone Broth: The Flavor and Protein Powerhouse
Forget your standard chicken stock or vegetable broth. For this recipe, bone broth is non-negotiable. It forms the backbone of our ramen, imparting a rich, savory depth that canned broths simply cannot match. Beyond its incredible taste, bone broth is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, collagen, amino acids, and essential minerals. These nutrients are fantastic for gut health, joint support, and even skin radiance, making your ramen not just a meal, but a wellness boost. If you’re ambitious, making your own bone broth is incredibly rewarding and ensures the highest quality. However, for convenience, I highly recommend the Organic Chicken Sipping Bone Broth from Costco – it’s a fantastic store-bought option that delivers on both flavor and nutrition.
Rice Ramen: A Healthier Noodle Choice
To further enhance the nutritional profile of our High Protein Ramen, we opt for Lotus Foods Rice Ramen noodles. Unlike traditional instant ramen noodles, which are often fried and made from refined flours, rice ramen offers a healthier alternative. It’s typically gluten-free, less processed, and often boasts a higher protein content, contributing to that impressive 32 grams per serving. The texture is wonderfully springy and absorbs the rich broth beautifully, providing a satisfying chew without the guilt. Look for them at Costco, Amazon, or your local health food store.
Sesame Oil: Aromatic Depth
A little touch of sesame oil goes an incredibly long way in this recipe. Just a quarter teaspoon is enough to infuse the broth with its distinctive nutty, toasted aroma and flavor, adding a layer of complexity that elevates the entire dish. It’s a subtle but essential ingredient that contributes significantly to the ramen’s overall character, reminiscent of authentic Asian cuisine. Be careful not to overuse it, as its potent flavor can easily overpower other ingredients.
Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos: Umami Richness
To round out the savory notes of the broth, a splash of soy sauce or coconut aminos is essential. These ingredients provide a delightful salty, umami-rich flavor that deepens the broth’s complexity. If you’re looking for a gluten-free or soy-free alternative, coconut aminos are an excellent choice, offering a similar savory profile with a slightly sweeter undertone. Both options integrate seamlessly into the broth, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Organic Season Salt: The Secret Flavor Weapon
This ingredient is truly the heart and soul of our High Protein Ramen. Without it, the dish simply wouldn’t be as good. I wholeheartedly recommend Redmond’s Organic Season Salt. Its unique blend of spices and mineral-rich Real Salt creates an umami explosion that remarkably mimics and even surpasses the flavor profile of traditional instant ramen seasoning packets, but with wholesome, organic ingredients. It’s the magical element that brings all the flavors together, creating a truly addictive broth. Don’t skip this! You can use my code AMBERSKITCHEN for 15% off your Redmond Real Salt purchase.
Egg: The Ultimate Protein Topping
A perfectly soft-boiled egg is the quintessential ramen topping for a reason. Its creamy, custardy yolk and firm whites add a luxurious texture and a significant boost of extra protein. It’s not just a garnish; it’s an integral part of the meal, contributing to both the visual appeal and the nutritional density. Achieving that perfect soft-boiled consistency is key, as the runny yolk will gently meld with the hot broth, enriching its flavor even further.
Green Onions: Freshness and Garnish
Finally, fresh sliced green onions add a vibrant pop of color and a crisp, mildly pungent flavor that cuts through the richness of the broth. While optional, they provide a delightful aromatic garnish and a touch of freshness that elevates the overall presentation and taste experience. Their bright green hue also makes the bowl visually appealing, adding that finishing touch that restaurant ramen often has.
Understanding the Macros: Nutrition You Can Feel Good About
One of the most impressive aspects of this High Protein Ramen recipe is its exceptional macronutrient profile. It’s probably far better than you’d expect from a dish that’s so easy and quick to prepare. When calculating the macros, I’ve primarily focused on the bone broth, rice ramen noodles, and the egg, as the other ingredients contribute minimally to the overall count. The result? A single serving delivers a remarkable 32 grams of protein!
This high protein content is fantastic for satiety, helping you feel full and satisfied for longer, which can be beneficial for weight management. Protein is also crucial for muscle repair and growth, providing sustained energy throughout your day. Coupled with the nutrients from bone broth and the healthier carbohydrate source of rice ramen, this meal is a holistic approach to nourishing your body without sacrificing flavor or convenience. It’s comfort food that truly serves your health goals.
Ramen for One: A Perfectly Portioned Meal (or Easily Scaled)
This recipe is designed for a single serving, making it an ideal choice for those times when you crave a delicious, comforting meal without the fuss of cooking for a crowd. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying solo lunch or a cozy dinner. However, its versatility means you can easily multiply the ingredients to prepare multiple servings for your entire family or for meal prepping throughout the week. Whether you’re cooking for one or many, this High Protein Ramen adapts effortlessly, bringing gourmet flavor and wholesome nutrition to any table.
Customizing Your High Protein Ramen: Endless Possibilities
While the core recipe delivers a fantastic ramen experience, don’t hesitate to get creative with additional toppings and ingredients to further personalize your bowl. This is where you can truly make it your own and boost the nutrition even more.
- Extra Protein Power: Add cooked chicken, thinly sliced pork, shrimp, firm tofu cubes (pan-fried or baked), or edamame for an even higher protein count.
- Vibrant Vegetables: Wilted spinach, bok choy, sliced mushrooms, shredded carrots, or corn kernels are excellent additions that introduce more fiber and vitamins.
- Flavor Boosters: A dash of chili oil for heat, a slice of fresh ginger, minced garlic, or a squeeze of lime juice can add exciting new dimensions to the broth.
- Herbaceous Touches: Fresh cilantro or basil can provide an unexpected but delightful aromatic layer.
Experiment with different combinations to discover your favorite customized High Protein Ramen creation!
More Easy and Delicious Dinner Recipes
If you love the convenience and flavor of this High Protein Ramen, you’ll definitely appreciate these other easy dinner recipes from my kitchen:
- Cheater Lasagna: All the comforting layers of lasagna, made incredibly simple.
- Egg Roll in a Bowl: The savory flavors of an egg roll, deconstructed into a quick and healthy stir-fry.
- Chicken Teriyaki Noodle Stir Fry: A vibrant and satisfying stir-fry that comes together in minutes.
Happy Cooking! Share Your Creations!
I truly hope this High Protein Ramen recipe becomes a new favorite in your kitchen. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can transform an everyday meal into something extraordinary – both delicious and remarkably nutritious.
If you whip up a bowl of this ramen, I would absolutely love to see your creations! Please take a photo and tag me on Instagram @amberskitchen. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing you all enjoying my recipes in your own homes. Your shares and tags mean the world to me. Thanks in advance for your support, and happy cooking!
High Protein Ramen for One
Spruce up your instant ramen with just a few simple ingredients for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course | Cuisine: Asian | Keyword: ramen
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1
Ingredients
- 2 cups bone broth
- 1 rice ramen nest
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 1 teaspoon organic season salt
- 1 soft boiled egg (for optional garnish)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring the bone broth to a boil in a small saucepan.
- Add the rice ramen nest. Use a fork to gently separate the noodles as they soften and cook for 4 minutes.
- Stir in the sesame oil, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), and organic season salt.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Carefully transfer the ramen to a bowl. Add your desired garnishes, such as the soft-boiled egg and sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately and ENJOY!
Notes
- The Redmond’s Organic Season Salt honestly tastes almost identical to the traditional ramen seasoning packet, but better! Use code “Amberskitchen” for 15% off. You can find links to all Redmond products on my website, amberskitchencooks.com.
- I typically buy Lotus Foods Rice Ramen noodles at Costco, but they are also readily available on Amazon or in other well-stocked grocery stores.
- Be careful not to overcook the noodles; they really only need about 4 minutes to achieve the perfect al dente texture. Overcooked noodles can become mushy.
- While the sesame oil, soy sauce, green onions, and egg are listed as optional garnishes, they significantly enhance the flavor and nutritional value. However, the organic season salt is NOT optional – it is crucial for the delicious flavor profile of this ramen.
- If you don’t have access to rice ramen noodles, thin spaghetti noodles can work as a good substitute in a pinch.
- Remember, a little bit of sesame oil goes a long way. Just 1/4 teaspoon is all you need for that aromatic touch.
- Using a good quality bone broth or high-quality stock will significantly improve the overall taste of your ramen. Invest in a good broth, and you won’t regret it!