At 22 cents a serving, it’s hard to beat the cheap practicality of ramen noodles. Chicken, beef, shrimp, oriental and even cheese flavored packages line an aisle at the local Walmart. They’re everywhere.
But the soup can get monotonous if it’s eaten very frequently—which it definitely is if you are a college student. Never fear, though, because the internet provides many different ways to spice up your ramen feast.
During my Google search I came across one useful website. This site has 119 ramen recipes ranging from the typical Asian-inspired salads to something more out of the ordinary such as Fried Ice Cream Ramen.
I chose to try out two of the recipes: South of the Border Ramen and Chocolate Peanut Butter Ramen Krispies. Mexican food and dessert, what could be so bad?
The end results were actually quite tasty, at least that’s what the friends said.
I would definitely consider making both recipes again though next time I’ll remember to add the black beans to the South of the Border Ramen.
I also chose to wrap up the noodles in a tortilla with sour cream, which made it less like a weird Mexican-Italian fusion and a more budget-friendly alternative to ground beef tacos.
Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the ramen no-bakes, and you’ve got one delicious meal. Just don’t overload on the sodium.
RECIPES
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ramen Krispie Bars
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup corn syrup
3 packages ramen noodle any flavor
Line an 8″ square pan with foil. Remove ramen noodles from package and place in a bowl. Save seasoning for another use. Break noodles apart into cereal sized pieces. In another bowl, mix together the peanut butter, cocoa powder and corn syrup. Fold in ramen noodles and press into a foil lined bowl. Place in fridge until firm. Remove from pan by lifting the foil. Cut into desired size. For a tasty and pepped up alteration, add 1tsp of instant coffee to peanut butter mixture.
South of the Border Ramen
1-4 pkg. Ramen Noodles (any flavor is okay, but beef tastes best)
1 small onion
1-2 small tomatoes
1 small can whole kernel yellow corn
1 small can black beans (or any type of bean you prefer)
1 packet taco seasoning
Taco blend shredded cheese
(Additional spices optional, i.e.: cayenne pepper, green chilies)
Cook the ramen noodles according to package directions. Place cooked and drained noodles in a casserole pan. Sprinkle onion, tomato, corn, black beans, and taco seasoning over the noodles Sprinkle with cheese and place in oven for about 15-20 minutes or until cheese is good and melted. Remove from oven. This can be served by itself, in a bowl with salsa sour cream or guacamole, or you can get creative and put it in a warm tortilla with salsa, sour cream or guacamole.
(All recipes courtesy of www.budget101.com/frugal/ramen-noodle-recipes-1548/)