Ramen noodles are one of the most popular and convenient instant foods out there. With just a few minutes in the microwave, you can have a hot, delicious and filling meal ready to eat. But did you know that you can elevate basic ramen noodles to a whole new level by adding proteins like chicken?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook chicken ramen noodles quickly and easily in the microwave From choosing the right ingredients, tips and tricks for best results, to mistakes to avoid, we’ve got you covered on how to make this simple but tasty meal
Why Cook Ramen Noodles in the Microwave?
For starters, the microwave provides the fastest and most convenient cooking method for ramen noodles. Within just 3-5 minutes, you can have perfectly cooked noodles without dirtying pots and pans. The microwave evenly distributes heat to cook the noodles, boiling the water and softening the noodles at the same time.
Cooking ramen noodles in the microwave also allows you to customize and add ingredients like chicken breast, eggs, vegetables and more to create a complete and balanced meal The hot water from the noodles helps cook the added ingredients. Microwaving locks in flavor and nutrients better than stovetop cooking
So if you’re pressed for time or just craving ramen, the microwave is hands down the quickest route to satisfaction.
Tips for Microwaving Ramen Noodles
Follow these tips to ensure you cook ramen noodles correctly in the microwave
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Use a microwave-safe bowl – Ceramic, glass or silicone bowls are best. Avoid styrofoam or plastic containers as they can melt.
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Add the right amount of water – The water must fully submerge the noodles. Follow package directions but generally 1 1⁄2 to 2 cups per packet is needed.
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Leave room for boiling – Don’t fill bowl to the brim. Allow space for the water to boil without overflowing.
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Partially cover – Covering traps steam to cook noodles but leave small vent for releasing pressure.
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Cook in 1 minute increments – Microwave noodles in 1 minute bursts, stirring between each interval to prevent uneven cooking.
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Allow standing time – Let noodles stand 1-2 minutes after cooking to finish cooking and absorb remaining water.
How to Cook Chicken Ramen Noodles in the Microwave
Follow this simple step-by-step guide for foolproof chicken ramen every time:
Ingredients:
- 1 pack instant ramen noodles (any flavor)
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (4-6 oz)
- 1 1⁄2 – 2 cups water
- Seasoning packet from ramen
- Desired vegetables, eggs, etc.
Directions:
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Cut chicken into thin bite-size pieces. This ensures quick and even cooking.
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Add noodles and seasoning packet to a microwave-safe bowl. Break apart block of noodles so they lay flat.
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Pour in water to cover noodles. Follow package directions, usually 1 1⁄2 – 2 cups.
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Partially cover bowl with plate or paper towel. This allows steam to escape and prevents boiling over.
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Microwave on high for 1 minute. After 1 minute, carefully remove bowl using potholders. Bowl will be hot!
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Stir noodles and chicken. Redistribute noodles and mix in chicken to cook evenly.
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Microwave on high in 30 second intervals until noodles are tender, stirring between each interval. This usually takes 2-3 minutes total.
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Let stand 1-2 minutes. Stand time lets noodles fully cook and absorb remaining water.
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Add any desired extras. Stir in vegetables, green onions, eggs, hot sauce, etc. to customize your ramen.
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Enjoy immediately! Slurp up your tasty chicken ramen while hot. Feel free to add extra seasoning or hot sauce.
In less than 10 minutes, you have a filling microwaved chicken ramen meal ready to eat! The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizations too.
Ideas for Customizing Microwave Chicken Ramen:
- Mixed vegetables – carrots, broccoli, cabbage, bell pepper
- Fresh herbs – basil, cilantro, green onion
- Eggs – soft boiled, hard boiled or scrambled
- Protein – shrimp, beef or extra chicken
- Spice blends – chili oil, sesame oil, curry powder
- Sauces – soy sauce, hot sauce, teriyaki
- Cheese – shredded cheddar or parmesan
Get creative with mix-ins to make each bowl of microwaved chicken ramen unique!
Mistakes to Avoid When Microwaving Ramen Noodles
To prevent soggy, mushy noodles, here are common mistakes to avoid:
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Not enough water – The noodles need enough liquid to cook properly. Don’t skimp on the water.
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Too much water – Excess water will make noodles bloated and watery. Measure carefully.
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Microwaving too long – Overcooked noodles will turn mushy. Stick to recommended cook times.
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Not stirring – Stirring ensures even cooking so noodles don’t clump.
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Covering bowl completely – Trapped steam will make noodles stick together. Leave vent for steam to escape.
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Skipping rest time – Standing time allows noodles to finish cooking and soak up water after microwaving.
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Adding oil – Oil causes foaming and boiling over. For best results, cook ramen without any oil.
Follow the tips in this guide to avoid rubbery, soggy ramen noodles when cooking in the microwave.
FAQs on Microwave Chicken Ramen
How do you put flavor in microwaved ramen noodles?
For extra flavor, try these easy ideas:
- Use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water
- Add a splash of soy sauce, sesame oil or hot chili oil
- Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, ginger or other spices
- Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds or lime juice
Can you put raw chicken in ramen noodles?
Yes, you can add raw chicken pieces to uncooked ramen noodles before microwaving. The hot broth will cook the chicken through. Make sure to cut chicken into thin, bite-size pieces for fast, even cooking.
How long does it take to cook ramen noodles with chicken in the microwave?
With chicken, ramen noodles take 4-6 minutes total in the microwave. Cook in 1 minute intervals, stirring between each to prevent uneven cooking. Let noodles stand 1-2 minutes after microwaving to finish cooking.
What is the best noodles for chicken ramen?
Thinner noodles like ramen or lo mein better absorb flavors from the chicken broth. Avoid using thick pasta noodles which take longer to cook. Rice noodles and egg noodles also pair well with chicken.
Can you put frozen vegetables in microwave ramen?
Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables are an easy way to add quick nutrition to ramen. Put them in the bowl before microwaving – the hot broth will thaw and cook them.
Enjoy Your Next Meal in Minutes with Microwave Chicken Ramen
Now that you know how to quickly cook ramen noodles elevated with chicken in the microwave, you have an easy meal solution anytime. Follow the tips in this guide for perfectly tender noodles and moist chicken every time.
Get creative with vegetables, herbs, spices, sauces and other favorite ingredients to customize each bowl to your liking. Next time you’re feeling hungry and hurried, let your microwave and some ramen noodles save the day!
Microwaving Ramen Noodles
Add 1 to 2 cups of water to a microwave-safe bowl depending on how soupy you like your ramen. Drop the dried ramen in the water. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes depending on the size and power of your microwave.
StepsMethod
- 1 Remove the noodles from the package. Some Ramen enthusiasts like to break up the noodles while the bag is still sealed, making shorter soup-like noodles that are easier to eat with a spoon, while others choose to leave the noodles in a block to slurp traditional-style. Its up to you how you want to eat them.
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2 Put the noodles into a microwave safe bowl and cover with water. Typically, youll need somewhere between 1 and 2 cups of water, depending on the size of the bowl youre using and the amount of broth you want in the soup.[1]
- To prevent splattering in the microwave, its 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 thats nothing to worry about. Theyll 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.
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- 3 Microwave your ramen for between three and five minutes. Place your noodles in the microwave, set the timer, and start cooking. The exact cooking time may vary, since microwaves all behave somewhat differently.[2]
- To help the noodles cook evenly, and check to make sure theyre 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.
- 4 Let the noodles sit for about three minutes after the microwave stops. Dont take them out right away! Many are the burned tongues of the over-anxious ramen eater. Just let it sit for three minutes in the closed microwave, and youll keep your fingers and your mouth safe, letting them finish in peace and cool down to a less-than-nuclear temperature.
- 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 waters nice and hot.
- 5 Mix in the flavor packet. Stir noodles with a spoon or fork until flavoring dissolves, then pour your cooked Ramen into another bowl, if you want, and commence the deliciousness.[3]
- Alternatively, some Ramen eaters like to add the flavoring before the noodles cook. This is usually easier if youre cooking them over the stove, though its still possible in the microwave. If you like the flavor to cook with the noodles some (its 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.
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