Trust The Process And Make Instant Ramen The Star Of Your Next Burger

Ramen and burger in the same sentence might sound like a whimsical idea, but bear with us for a second. A noodle "bun" gives you crispy edges and a surface that catches the drip of your sauce without falling apart. Ramen burgers aren't necessarily about swapping out bread to be trendy, but more about trading it for better texture. Simply prepare your ramen noodles the way you normally would, press the cooked noodles into round molds, let them set in the fridge for an hour or two, and give them a quick fry in a pan so the outside turns golden and crisp. What you get feels familiar in your hands, but it tastes like a cross between a toasted bun and a noodle pancake.

A ramen bun acts like a sponge for all the good stuff dripping out of your burger without turning soggy, and lets everything else shine. And just a pinch of the regular seasoning packet is more than enough for a flavor boost. Don't get us wrong, there are many secret ingredients you should definitely be using in your instant ramen, but when making noodle buns, we found that simple goes a long way, especially since your sauces, protein of choice, and other burger toppings like pickles or onions will also pack on some flavor of their own. Of course, bread remains an all-time favorite bun option, but if you are after a bit of creativity or something more playful, ramen burgers are a fun, tasty experiment worth trying.

Ramen burgers work exceptionally well because as noodles cook, the starch sets, and the noodles lock together. A quick sear builds a shell that keeps juices where you want them. This also opens the door to experimenting with different flavors to pair with your noodle buns. You can go classic with a beef patty, American cheese, and a teriyaki-style glaze, or try pork belly with quick pickled cucumbers and a swipe of gochujang ketchup. Even a salmon patty with yuzu mayo and shredded cabbage feels right at home against the noodles' crunch. There are multiple vegetarian-friendly burger alternatives too, from portobello steaks to tofu to imitation meat, so nobody's left out.

A few small habits keep the experience intact. Keep condiments on the thicker side, too, so they don't soak through. Classics like ketchup and mayonnaise are great options in this regard. Scallions, toasted sesame, or a drizzle of soy and honey are just a few ways to take the burger's flavor up a notch. Plus, leftover ramen seasoning can be used in other creative ways in the kitchen, so there's no need to discard it after using only a pinch.

Sure, a homemade ramen burger might not be a daily or weekly occurrence. However, it's a way to keep things fun and exciting, especially with a classic meal like a burger, which can be enjoyed in so many different ways. Besides, one more burger variation couldn't hurt.