How to Save Money Eating Ramen and Still Like the Taste

How to Save Money Eating Ramen and Still Like the Taste
  • Opening Intro -

    College students are always looking for free or cheap food to make their monthly budget.

    Instant ramen is a common solution to eat for cheap.

-------------------------------------

This has one problem, after a while instant ramen starts to taste dull and repetitive. But luckily college students can add a few ingredients to make it taste better.

Spices

One of the simplest things to add to instant ramen is spices. A teaspoon or two can increase the flavor. Plus the added benefit is that containers of spices are available at the the dollar store. Having a small collection of spices can make a large impact.

Nearly any spice that goes with chicken, beef, pork or shrimp will work with instant ramen but a few suggestions are:

  • Garlic powder or salt
  • Ginger
  • Basil
  • Cilantro
  • Cumin
  • Curry powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Red chili flakes
  • Taco seasoning

You can mix and match these as well without being a culinary student. The trick is to smell the spices together before using them. If the combined smell is good, their flavors should work together.

Sauces

Another way to add flavor to instant ramen is to add a little bit of another sauce. This opens up a whole range of possibilities and can still be inexpensive using generic brands and coupons. Try adding:

  • Siracha
  • Hot sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Worcestershire sauce

A little sauce can go a long way. A tablespoon or two will add plenty of flavor to a single serving of instant ramen.

Vegetables

Vegetables add flavor and texture to instant ramen. Some vegetables, such as leafy greens and smaller vegetables, can be put in after the instant ramen is done cooking. Other vegetables that are thicker, or that you want to soften more, have to be put in while the instant ramen is still boiling. This time will vary depending on how crunchy you want to make them, but a good rule of thumb is about one to two minutes before it is done.

Vegetables to add after cooking:

  • Baby spinach
  • Cabbage
  • Frozen peas
  • Green onions
  • Frozen corn
  • Sliced peppers, such a bell or chili
  • Vegetables to add while the instant ramen is still cooking:
  • Snap peas
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Bean sprouts

These options will not be as inexpensive as spices or sauces, but vegetables add nutrients. Since instant ramen is not the healthiest food option in the first place, the added nutritional value may be worth it.

Meats

You can add a lot of flavor by adding a little meat. For college students it may not be practical to buy raw meat and cook it, but there are still manageable options. Try:

  • Lunch meats such as ham or salami
  • Bacon bits
  • Hot dog pieces

Meat may not be the cheapest option to add to instant ramen, but there are ways around it. Consider adding pieces of leftover chicken, beef or pork from a previous meal or the to go bag from the restaurant you ate at.

This is by no means an all-inclusive list. For more recipes visit:http://www.nissinfoods.com/recipes/TopRamenhttp://www.maruchan.com/recipeshttp://www.seriouseats.com/2011/03/ramen-hacks-30-easy-ways-to-upgrade-your-instant-noodles-japanese-what-to-do-with-ramen.html

Eating on a tight budget does not mean that food has to be bland. If this article inspired you to make new instant ramen recipes or if you know someone who wants more flavor out of their money-saving meals, please share this on social media.

Home Remodeling reference:

FOR SPRING BREAK: travel guides

 
Bestseller No. 1
Maruchan Instant Lunch Chicken, 2.25 Oz., Pack of 12
473 Reviews
Maruchan Instant Lunch Chicken, 2.25 Oz., Pack of 12
  • Delicious ramen noodle
  • Instant Lunch products are great to enjoy anywhere-camping, hiking, at the office, on the beach or virtually anywhere you go
  • Great taste; Quick to prepare
Bestseller No. 2
Sistema 1109ZS Microwave Collection Noodle Bowl, 31.7 oz, Red
  • Noodle bowl designed to cook pasta, soup, stew, and more in the microwave
  • Steam release vent on lid allows for splatter free heating
  • Cool to the touch, easy lift tabs for easy opening of the bowl
Bestseller No. 3
Maruchan Bowl Taste of Asia Spicy Miso, 3.38 Oz, Pack of 6
  • MICROWAVABLE: Instant ramen noodle soup. Pop these bowls in the microwave for 3 minutes and serve as a hot snack or savory meal. Cooking times may...
  • PACKED WITH FLAVOR: Spicy miso chicken flavor. Japan's beloved soup with added punch. This flavor isn't just light, it's delightful. But watch out....
  • FAMILY FAVORITE: Maruchan ramen is one of the nation's favorite ramen soup brands. Maruchan Bowl products feature high quality noodles, vegetables and...

Last update on 2020-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

end of post idea

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Helpful article? Leave us a quick comment below.
And please share this article within your social networks.

facebook linkedin pinterest

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: SayCampusLife.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The commission earnings are used to defray our cost of operation.

View our FTC Disclosure for other affiliate information.

Categories: Fun News