Why Not Make Waffles With Ramen Noodles?
Instant ramen noodles have always helped lift my spirits during difficult times. The savory flavor and comforting noodles in each packet seem to say, “Hey, you don’t have to spend much, you’ve got me.” Thank you, ramen. The best way to show your appreciation for these great noodles is to explore their versatility. So, instead of making soup today, why not bake ramen in waffles?
You may have heard of (or eaten) a ramen burger, made from ramen noodles pressed into a round bun and fried in a pan to accommodate a hamburger patty. These nice, dense ramen buns are crispy on the outside edge, yet soft and wavy (like noodles). While making ramen is not the same as shaping it into a hamburger bun, the most important quality of the noodle bricks comes through both ways: they retain a soft interior while producing a crispy brown exterior.
The only way to cook waffles properly is to use a waffle iron:
How to Make Spicy Ramen Waffles
Springy, soft and crunchy, this harmony of textures is the main goal of your first ramen waffle. Secondly, it adds flavor to the noodles. Luckily, there are several options to do this.
1. Boil the noodles
Prepare the noodles as you normally would: add a packet of powder, dried vegetables, and whatever else you add to the water. This will add flavor to the noodles; Any minced vegetable can become entangled within the noodles. If you usually make soup with broth, use less water.
I used about a cup and a half of water per pack of Shin Black and probably could have done with a little less. Let the noodles cook and soften in the broth over medium-low heat and continue cooking until most of the water has evaporated.
2. Prepare your waffle iron.
Preheat your waffle iron. Brush or spray a coat of neutral vegetable oil on both sides. (Be sure to use regular oil rather than aerosol cooking spray, as this may damage the nonstick surface.) Place the noodles on the bottom waffle plate and, using a heat-safe spatula, move them around until a dough forms. even layer.
A packet of noodles will fill about half of a Belgian waffle iron, making two four-inch square waffles. If you have a smaller four-inch waffle iron, you will have to cook the waffles in multiple batches. While waffling, close the iron and apply pressure to ensure good contact. Fry the noodles until they form a light brown but noticeable crust.
This is also a good opportunity to add some shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese if you’re looking for a crispy Frico crust. Browning will be about 10-12 minutes. Be patient. The crispy surface is worth the wait.
3. Cover the waffle and serve.
Turn off the waffle iron and carefully use a spatula or fork to loosen the edges and get underneath the waffle, then transfer the whole thing to a plate. The waffle crust will make the ramen stay together, but you have to be careful since it’s just a bunch of noodles after all. Top your waffle with chopped green onions, roasted garlic, avocado, a fried egg, or anything else that brings you joy.