There were only so many flavors available, and I worried I’d grow tired of them if I ate the same ones too frequently.
It didn’t help that I had fancy tastes on a tight budget.
While many people think ramen tastes like the culinary embodiment of college struggle, anyone can appreciate it if you learn how to transform it.
That’s right — don’t let your diploma limit your palate.
We all have college regrets, and the money I spent eating out is one of mine. I could have avoided a lot of costly meals with these simple recipes.
6 Fancy Ramen Recipes That Will Make You Miss Your College Days
Ramen is inexpensive, quick to prepare and convenient after a long day.
Sure, there are lots of healthy, budget-friendly meals you can whip up quickly, but sometimes you just want something comforting.
Ingredient costs will change depending on store and region, but each of these recipes should run you under $7 to make.
Dorm-Friendly Ramen Recipes
Being confined to campus doesn’t mean you’re stuck with bland ramen. Try these amped-up versions that you can make in a microwave.
Mason Jar Ramen
If mug meals are your thing, this one’s a must-try. Ingredients
- 1 cup precooked chicken: $4.43
- ½ cup red cabbage: $0.12
- ½ cup spinach: $1.11
- 1 tablespoon bouillon powder: $0.21
- 1 package ramen (any flavor): $0.24
Total: $6.11
Layer the precooked chicken, red cabbage and spinach at the base of a Mason jar. Add the bouillon powder and the ramen seasoning packet.
Break the raw ramen noodles into pieces small enough to fit in the jar, then place them on top. Cover and refrigerate for up to a week.
When you’re ready to eat, pour in 1 cup of hot water, seal the jar, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Give it a shake and enjoy!
This is an easy way to boost your ramen, but if you have a stove and want a more elaborate take, check out this version of the recipe.
Pesto Ramen Caprese Salad
Swap the rotini in this recipe for ramen, and you’ve got an affordable dorm-friendly dish.
Ingredients
- 1 package ramen (any flavor): $0.24
- 3 tablespoons pesto: $0.98
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: $0.10
- Pinch of salt and pepper: $0.04
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: $0.03
- ½ cup grape tomatoes: $1.60
- ½ cup mozzarella balls: $1.66
Total: $4.65
Cook the ramen according to package directions; set aside.
In a bowl, combine the pesto, olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Add the cooked ramen and toss to coat.
Halve the grape tomatoes and gently fold them into the ramen along with the mozzarella.
You’ll have a bistro-style pasta salad in minutes!
Ramen for Anyone Who Owns a Stove
When you’re living like a grown-up (you know, with appliances more powerful than an 800-watt microwave), try these stovetop ramen upgrades.
Ramen Cheeseburger
If you’re not crazy about bread, ramen buns add a unique taste and crunch to burgers. I’m a fan of frozen patties for convenience, but if you want to splurge a bit, try this burger recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 package ramen (any flavor): $0.24
- 1 egg: $0.13
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese: $0.63
- pinch of salt and pepper: $0.04
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: $0.04
- 1 frozen burger patty: $0.57
- 1 slice cheese: $0.22
Total: $1.87
Prepare the ramen according to package directions and let the noodles cool slightly.
Beat the egg with shredded cheese in a bowl; season with salt and pepper. Add the ramen and stir until the noodles are thoroughly coated.
Divide the ramen-egg mix into two burger-sized bowls or ramekins. Cover with plastic wrap and place another bowl on top to flatten the mixture (you can put a can on top for extra weight). Refrigerate about 20 minutes, or until firm.
Warm vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully remove the ramen buns from the bowls and pan-fry them, keeping their round shape, about 3–5 minutes per side.
Cook the frozen patty as directed. Assemble the burger and top with a slice of cheese.
Sesame Ramen Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 package ramen (any flavor): $0.24
- 1 cup fresh spinach: $2.22
- 3 white mushrooms: $0.33
- 1 egg: $0.13
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: $0.12
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds: $0.49
Total: $3.53
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small pot. While waiting, slice the spinach and mushrooms. Add the ramen and vegetables to the boiling water and cook for 5 minutes.
Stir in the ramen seasoning packet until dissolved.
In a separate pot, boil an egg. Cook 4–6 minutes for a soft yolk or 7–9 minutes for a hard yolk.
Transfer the ramen to a bowl. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle sesame seeds. Mix and top with the boiled egg.
These are just a few ways to elevate instant ramen, but ultimately it’s about combining flavors that you enjoy.
Quick and Easy Ramen Desserts
Before you close this tab in disbelief, hear me out. These unconventional ramen treats will satisfy a sweet craving.
I know it sounds odd, but I stand by both of these desserts.
Ramen Krispies Treats
These are just like Rice Krispies Treats with one small twist. If you want to make the classic sweet for less, one cup of ramen costs about $1.48 less than one cup of Rice Krispies cereal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter: $0.20
- 5-ounce package mini-marshmallows: $0.90
- 6 packages ramen, seasoning packets discarded: $1.44
Total: $2.54
Melt the butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until they melt completely.
If you don’t have a stove (#dormlife), melt butter and marshmallows in the microwave in 90-second intervals. Mix the ramen into the melted marshmallow until evenly coated.
Grease a rectangular pan with cooking spray. Press the mixture into the pan with a buttered spatula and allow it to cool.
Cut into squares and wrap individually in plastic for portable snacks.
No-Bake Ramen Fudge
Want a crunchy element in your fudge? Or a clever reason to use that lonely pack of ramen in your pantry? Try this recipe.
Ingredients
- 12-ounce package semisweet chocolate chips: $2.69
- 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk: $2.79
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened: $0.26
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: $0.62
- 1 package ramen, seasoning packet discarded: $0.24
- Pinch of sea salt: $0.03
Total: $6.63
Melt chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
Break the ramen into small pieces. Stir the condensed milk, butter, vanilla and ramen into the melted chocolate.
Line a pan with parchment paper. Spread the mixture evenly and sprinkle with sea salt. Chill for 1 hour.
Teyonna Edwards is an associate producer at Savinly. Her hobbies include reading, traveling and spending her workday hunting down delicious recipes.
