Gourmet Ramen Noodles, Is It Possible?

As a former chef and future restaurateur, I am about the last person that most people would expect to be into some Ramen Noodles, but I just about always keep some handy in the house. These not only bring back memories from college when I needed to conserve my money. They also allow me to develop new and interesting creations from such a simple base.

The majority of people simply boil the noodles and add the packet of seasoning and call it a day. While this is a great way to get a salty snack or an accompaniment to a meal, it leaves something to be desired in the form of a culinary delight. Okay, I am not advocating this as something that you might find on the menu for a four star restaurant, it is still something that you can enjoy on a night when you do not want to use seven pots and pans to make a quick dinner.

The best way that I have found to enjoy these in a quick manner is to make some Thai Style spicy peanut butter ramen noodles. The ingredients are simple. You will only need to have:

·         Chicken Ramen Noodles (1 package)

·         Creamy or Chunky peanut butter (1TBS)

·         Trader Joes Chili Pepper Sauce (1 tsp)

You can add other things like cabbage, boiled eggs, roasted peanuts, chicken or anything else you might want to have. I will sometimes add some slices of garlic just to make it REALLY offensive! The process is simple:

1.       Just boil the noodles with about one cup of water in a small pot just big enough for the noodles to fit in.

2.       Flip the noodles as soon as the water starts to boil.

3.       While the noodles are finishing, add into a bowl peanut butter and chili sauce.

4.       When noodles are tender, add in noodles and broth to bowl.

5.       Stir the broth carefully to fully incorporate the peanut butter and chili sauce.

6.       Add green onions, garlic or whatever else you might want or just eat them like this.

My wife used to laugh at me for making this until I got her to try just the broth. She is a staunch opponent to ramen noodles and she asked me to make her a bowl. If you don’t like it, I understand. All I am saying is that there are so many ways that you can something ordinary and make it worth your time.