To prevent splattering in the microwave, it’s also a good idea to cover with a lid, or with a simple piece of paper towel to avoid making a mess. The noodles will sometimes float in the bowl, but that’s nothing to worry about. They’ll cook just fine. Make sure your bowl is safe to microwave for several minutes. Plastic containers and styrofoam are controversial to some consumers, because of concerns about BPA and other toxins being leeched into the food during microwaving. [3] X Research source
To help the noodles cook evenly, and check to make sure they’re not over-stewing (which can result in over-done noodles without any bite), stop the microwave about half-way through the cooking time and stir them with a fork. If you want the noodles to remain in a brick, just press on them a little, or flip the brick over to keep it whole.
If you must take the noodles out immediately use oven mitts or some other heat protection and be careful. Fortunately, this is a perfect time to add the flavor packet, while the water’s nice and hot.
Alternatively, some Ramen eaters like to add the flavoring before the noodles cook. This is usually easier if you’re cooking them over the stove, though it’s still possible in the microwave. If you like the flavor to cook with the noodles some (it’s a good way to get the noodles more tasty), put the noodles and the flavoring packet in the bowl first, then add the water on top to try to dissolve it some.
Depending on how much broth you want, anywhere between 1 and 1/3 cup and 2 cups is fine. Less will boil faster, but you want to make sure you have enough to make as much broth as you want.
When you’re confident the water is hot, pull it out carefully with gloves or an oven mit.
The instructions on the Cup ‘O Noodles or Instant Lunch are somewhat vague in regard to the microwave. While the jury’s somewhat silent on how dangerous it really is to microwave Styrofoam, it’s probably better to heat the water separately and add it to the cup afterward, rather than risking making melted plastic for lunch. Yuck.
miso paste Hoisin sauce rice vinegar lemon/lime juice Sriracha or red chili paste soy sauce honey green onions basil
Before you cook the noodles, consider adding celery, finely chopped carrot, garlic, or onions to the soup. Frozen peas work perfectly to add texture, as well as any other pre-cooked frozen vegetable you’ve got in the freezer. After you cook the noodles, add greens, or top with chopped herbs of any kind. Basil and cilantro are especially delicious, but why not toss in some rosemary and a tablespoon of half-and-half to chicken-flavored ramen? It’s a savory treat that smells like Thanksgiving and changes the dish completely.
If you want to crack an egg into the soup to add density and flavor, remove the noodles after cooking them and crack the egg in. Stir it vigorously with a fork or a chopstick, and return to the microwave for another minute or so. The hot water should temper the egg itself, but you can return it briefly to make sure.
In a bowl, mix 1 heaping tablespoon of salty peanut butter, preferably an all-natural variety. TO that, mix in a sprinkling of brown sugar, a teaspoon of soy sauce, and Sriracha or hot sauce to taste. If you’ve got any ginger, it’s also good to add in, or grate. When you take the noodles out of the microwave, pour off most of the hot water, leaving some to mix into the sauce. Pour the noodles into the bowl with the sauce and stir them around vigorously. Top with chopped cilantro and carrot. It’s delicious.
