15 Instant Ramen Toppings You Must Try

I’ve got a stat for you: did you know that instant ramen is one of the most popular late-night snacks in the world? It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying.

But let’s be honest, sometimes it can get a little boring. That’s where these 15 incredible ramen toppings come in. From chili oil to soft-boiled eggs, seaweed to kimchi, these additions will take your bowl of instant ramen to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on these must-try toppings.

Chili Oil

Chili oil adds a spicy kick to your instant ramen. It’s my go-to topping when I want to take my ramen to the next level.

The vibrant red color and the intense heat of the oil instantly awaken my taste buds. I love how it infuses the broth with a fiery flavor that lingers on my tongue. Just a few drops are enough to transform a plain bowl of ramen into a bold and exciting culinary experience.

The combination of the rich broth and the heat from the chili oil creates a perfect balance that keeps me coming back for more. If you’re a fan of spicy food, adding chili oil to your instant ramen is a must-try.

Soft-Boiled Egg

For a velvety and creamy addition to your bowl, don’t forget to top your instant ramen with a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg.

The soft-boiled egg adds a rich and indulgent element to the dish, elevating it from a simple meal to a satisfying and comforting experience.

As I crack open the egg, the runny yolk oozes out, blending with the broth and creating a luscious texture that coats every strand of noodles.

The combination of the creamy yolk, savory broth, and chewy noodles is pure bliss.

Not only does the soft-boiled egg enhance the taste, but it also adds a pop of vibrant color to the bowl.

It’s the perfect finishing touch that takes my instant ramen to the next level.

Seaweed

Adding a sprinkle of seaweed to your bowl of instant ramen enhances the flavor and adds a touch of oceanic umami. I love how the seaweed brings a subtle, briny taste to the noodles, elevating the overall experience. The seaweed also adds a nice textural contrast, with its slightly chewy and crispy nature. It’s like a little surprise in every bite.

Plus, seaweed is packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for a topping. I find that the seaweed complements the savory broth and other ingredients in the ramen perfectly. It’s a simple addition that takes the taste of instant ramen to a whole new level.

Green Onions

When it comes to enhancing the taste of your bowl, don’t underestimate the power of green onions. These little green stalks pack a punch of flavor that can transform a plain bowl of instant ramen into something truly delicious.

I always make sure to have a bunch of green onions on hand whenever I’m making ramen. The sharp, slightly spicy taste of the onions adds a fresh and vibrant element to the dish. I love how they add both crunch and a hint of sweetness to each bite.

Whether I chop them up finely and sprinkle them on top or garnish my bowl with long, thin slices, green onions never fail to take my ramen to the next level. Trust me, you won’t regret giving them a try!

Kimchi

Make sure to grab a jar of kimchi from the store, as its spicy and tangy flavors will perfectly complement your bowl of ramen. I love adding kimchi to my instant ramen because it adds a burst of flavor and a hint of heat that takes the dish to a whole new level.

The crisp and crunchy texture of the fermented cabbage adds a delightful contrast to the soft noodles. As I take a bite, the tanginess of the kimchi cuts through the richness of the broth, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

The combination of the savory ramen and the zesty kimchi creates a truly satisfying and delicious meal. So next time you’re making instant ramen, don’t forget to add some kimchi for an extra kick!

Corn

Don’t forget to grab a can of corn from the pantry, as its sweet and crunchy texture will provide a delightful contrast to your bowl of ramen.

Adding corn to my ramen has become one of my favorite ways to elevate the flavor and texture of this simple dish. The burst of sweetness from the corn kernels perfectly complements the savory broth and chewy noodles. The slight crunch adds an enjoyable element of surprise with every bite.

Whether you prefer the canned variety or fresh corn cut off the cob, this humble vegetable brings a burst of freshness to any bowl of ramen.

So next time you’re making instant ramen, don’t forget to add some corn to take your meal to the next level.

Sesame Seeds

To enhance the flavor of your bowl, sprinkle some sesame seeds over your ramen. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

The nutty and slightly sweet taste of sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and depth to your instant ramen. I love how they complement the rich broth and noodles, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Plus, sesame seeds are packed with essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium. They not only make your ramen taste better but also provide some added health benefits.

Fried Tofu

After discovering the delightful crunch of sesame seeds, my taste buds were eager for another adventure in the world of instant ramen toppings. That’s when I stumbled upon the perfect addition: fried tofu.

As a vegetarian, finding flavorful and protein-packed toppings can be a challenge, but fried tofu ticks all the boxes. I love how it adds a satisfying chewiness to the noodles, creating a more substantial and filling meal. The crispy exterior and soft interior of the tofu create a delightful contrast of textures that elevates the overall eating experience.

Plus, tofu is a versatile ingredient that absorbs the flavors of the broth and seasonings, making each bite bursting with deliciousness. Fried tofu has definitely become a must-have topping in my instant ramen creations.

Bamboo Shoots

If you’re looking to add a new element of flavor to your bowl of instant ramen, bamboo shoots are a delicious and crunchy option to consider.

I personally love adding bamboo shoots to my ramen because they give it a satisfying texture and a subtle earthy taste.

The shoots are usually sliced thin and can be found in cans or jars at most grocery stores.

All you have to do is drain them and add them to your bowl of ramen during the last few minutes of cooking.

The bamboo shoots soak up the flavors of the broth and add a nice crunch to each bite.

Trust me, once you try adding bamboo shoots to your ramen, you won’t want to have it any other way.

Bean Sprouts

When making a stir-fry, don’t forget to add bean sprouts for a refreshing crunch and a burst of freshness.

Bean sprouts are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can elevate any dish. I love how they add a satisfying texture and a subtle sweetness to my stir-fries.

Not only do they provide a satisfying crunch, but they also bring a burst of freshness to the overall flavor profile. Bean sprouts are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any meal.

They are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. So next time you’re making a stir-fry, be sure to toss in some bean sprouts for that extra crunch and burst of freshness.

Sliced Pork

For a savory addition to your stir-fry, thinly slice some pork for a juicy and flavorful bite. I love adding sliced pork to my stir-fry because it adds a delicious meaty texture and taste.

The thin slices of pork cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the stir-fry sauce, making every bite incredibly satisfying. I usually marinate the pork in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before cooking it. This adds even more depth of flavor and helps to tenderize the meat.

Whether I’m making a classic vegetable stir-fry or a spicy Szechuan-style dish, sliced pork always elevates the dish to a new level. So next time you’re making stir-fry, don’t forget to add some thinly sliced pork for a mouthwatering experience.

Fish Cake

To enhance your bowl of ramen, be sure to add some delicious fish cake for added flavor and texture.

Fish cake, also known as kamaboko, is a popular topping in Japanese cuisine. It is made from pureed white fish that is shaped into a cake and then steamed or boiled. The result is a firm yet tender texture that adds a delightful chewiness to your ramen.

The fish cake also imparts a subtle seafood flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich broth. I love the way the fish cake absorbs the savory flavors of the broth and adds a satisfying bite to each spoonful.

Whether you choose a classic fish cake or one with colorful swirls, adding this topping will take your ramen experience to the next level.

Garlic

Make sure you crush a few cloves of garlic and sauté them in oil before adding them to your bowl of ramen. Trust me, this simple step will take your instant ramen to a whole new level of flavor.

The aroma of the garlic as it sizzles in the hot oil will instantly awaken your taste buds. Once they are golden brown and fragrant, toss them into your bowl of steaming noodles and broth.

The garlic will infuse its intense, savory taste into every bite, adding depth and complexity to the dish. It’s amazing how such a small addition can make such a big difference.

So don’t skip the garlic, it’s the secret ingredient that will elevate your instant ramen to restaurant-quality status.

Mushrooms

Now that I’ve shared my love for garlic as a topping for instant ramen, let’s move on to another fantastic option: mushrooms.

Mushrooms add a delightful earthy flavor and a satisfying meatiness to any bowl of ramen. I personally love using shiitake mushrooms, as they have a rich and robust taste that pairs perfectly with the noodles. Whether you use fresh or dried mushrooms, simply sauté them in a bit of oil until they become tender and slightly caramelized.

Then, add them to your ramen bowl along with the broth and other toppings. The mushrooms will soak up all the flavors, enhancing the overall taste of your ramen. Trust me, once you try mushrooms as a topping, you won’t be able to go back!

Nori (Dried Seaweed)

Grab a sheet of nori and crumble it over your ramen to add a hint of umami and a satisfying crunch. Nori, or dried seaweed, is a fantastic topping that enhances the flavor and texture of instant ramen.

As I sprinkle the crumbled nori on top of my steaming bowl of noodles, I can’t help but feel excited. The nori adds a unique salty and slightly sweet taste to the broth, giving it that extra depth of flavor.

The texture is also incredible, as the nori becomes slightly softened by the hot broth, creating a delightful contrast with the chewy noodles.

With just a simple addition, the nori transforms my ordinary instant ramen into a gourmet experience that I can enjoy right at home.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I’ve discovered a whole new world of flavor by experimenting with different toppings for my instant ramen.

From the fiery kick of chili oil to the creamy richness of a soft-boiled egg, each topping adds its own unique twist to the humble noodles.

The vibrant green onions and tangy kimchi create a symphony of flavors, while the delicate fish cake and earthy mushrooms transport me to a culinary paradise.

And who can resist the savory crunch of nori? By simply adding these toppings, I’ve transformed my plain ramen into a gourmet masterpiece.