Description
This Easy Creamy Ramen recipe is a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together in about 45 minutes. Featuring a rich, creamy broth made with cream cheese and milk, tender beef or tofu, and aromatic garlic and ginger, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner. Customize with your favorite toppings like soft-boiled eggs, scallions, and chili oil for a deliciously satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Ramen Base
- 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)
- Low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons
- White (shiro) miso paste, 1 tablespoon (optional)
Aromatics and Protein
- 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 8 oz ground beef (or thinly sliced beef, cooked shredded chicken, or firm tofu)
- Unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon
Toppings (Optional)
- 2 soft-boiled eggs
- Thinly sliced scallions (green onions), 2 tablespoons
- Chili oil or chili crisp, 1 teaspoon
- Fresh spinach or corn, ½ cup
- Toasted sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare Your Aromatics and Beef: Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. If using ground beef, break it into small pieces; 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, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If using thinly sliced beef, sear it quickly until just cooked, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining butter, then toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Build the Creamy Broth: Pour in your chosen liquid base (water or broth) and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the cream cheese until fully melted and smooth. Stir in the milk, ramen seasoning packets from the noodle packages, and soy sauce. If using miso paste, whisk it in now. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the ramen noodles directly to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, usually 2-3 minutes, until tender but still springy.
- Assemble and Serve: Divide the noodles and creamy broth evenly among serving bowls. If you prepared thinly sliced beef, add it back to the bowls now.
- Add Your Favorite Toppings: Garnish with soft-boiled eggs, thinly sliced scallions, fresh corn or spinach, a drizzle of chili oil or crispy chili, and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with shredded chicken, tofu, or thinly sliced beef for different protein options.
- Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce to control salt levels.
- Adjust cream cheese amount for desired creaminess; full-fat gives richer flavor and texture.
- Soft-boiled eggs add extra protein and richness, but are optional.
- Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, or carrots for more nutrition.
- Chili oil or chili crisp adds a spicy kick, adjust amount to taste.
