Description
This Easy Creamy Ramen recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal. Featuring a rich broth made with cream cheese, milk, and miso paste, it combines savory beef, aromatic garlic and ginger, and classic ramen noodles. Topped with soft-boiled eggs, scallions, and optional chili oil or veggies, this recipe is customizable and perfect for satisfying cravings on a busy day.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles & Broth Base
- 2 packets of instant ramen noodles
- Water or low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (about 4 cups)
- Whole milk (or oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk) – 1 cup
- Cream cheese (full-fat or reduced-fat) – 2 oz
- Ramen seasoning packets (from the noodle packages)
- Low-sodium soy sauce – 1 tbsp
- White (shiro) miso paste – 1 tbsp (optional)
Protein
- Ground beef – 8 oz (or thinly sliced beef, cooked shredded chicken, or firm tofu as alternatives)
Aromatics & Fats
- Freshly minced garlic – 2 cloves
- Grated ginger – 1 tsp
- Unsalted butter – 1 tbsp
Toppings (Optional)
- Soft-boiled eggs – 4
- Thinly sliced scallions (green onions) – 2 stalks
- Chili oil or chili crisp – to taste
- Fresh spinach or corn – 1/2 cup each
- Toasted sesame seeds – 1 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare Your Aromatics and Beef: Mince the garlic cloves and grate the ginger finely. If using ground beef, break it into small pieces. If using thinly sliced beef, have it ready to sear.
- Cook the Beef: Heat about half a tablespoon of unsalted butter in a medium pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and completely cooked through. If using thinly sliced beef, sear it quickly just until browned, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the pot. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, then sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Build the Creamy Broth: Pour in your choice of water or low-sodium broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the cream cheese until fully melted and smooth, then stir in the milk, seasoning packets from the ramen noodles, low-sodium soy sauce, and if using, white miso paste. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the instant ramen noodles to the simmering broth and cook according to package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes, until noodles are tender.
- Assemble and Serve: Divide the noodles and broth evenly into serving bowls. If using thinly sliced beef, add it back on top now.
- Add Your Favorite Toppings: Garnish each bowl with soft-boiled eggs, sliced scallions, fresh spinach or corn, a drizzle of chili oil or chili crisp, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with shredded chicken, thinly sliced beef, or firm tofu for different protein options.
- Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce to control the salt levels.
- For a vegan version, replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese, use plant-based milk, and tofu instead of meat.
- Soft-boiled eggs add richness but can be omitted for a lighter meal.
- Feel free to add fresh vegetables such as spinach or corn to increase nutrition and texture.
