To Make Instant Ramen 10x Better, Add A Packet Of This

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Whether you're a college student looking for an inexpensive dinner option, or you're too tired to cook and need a quick meal after a long day, instant ramen is an easy out. The great thing about ramen is there are many simple ways to upgrade it, all ranging in cost effectiveness and nutritional value. From adding brie to your spicy ramen bowl to topping it with kimchi, the possibilities are endless. But, for ramen lovers looking for a simple add-in, consider adding a dried ramen topper, great for implementing flavor without having to wash too many dishes or spend too much.

Dehydrated veggie packets like these ones from Katayama can elevate a ramen bowl easily. Whether your base is chicken, beef, shrimp, or veggie, these add-ins upgrade flavor, nutritional value, and texture. Available at some Dollar Tree locations, the packets include cabbage, corn, pea, carrot and green onion, for $1.50 apiece. The individual packets are great for on-the-go meals, too. You can toss these packets in your lunch box alongside your ramen of choice, taking your quick lunch from good to great.

For ramen lovers, opting for a bulk bag of ramen topping might be more ideal. This viral seasoning from Ramen Bae on Amazon has both seafood and vegetables, and even includes Narutomaki, the little spiral-shaped fish cakes, making your ramen look akin to something out of a Studio Ghibli film. Boil the topping alongside the noodles, or let it sit in the hot broth for at least three minutes to rehydrate.

Dehydrated veggie packets are often included in higher-end instant ramen packages, like Jin Ramen Veggie or other, more expensive picks. But for people who prefer cheaper options like Maruchan or Nissin (the original cup noodle creator), the ramen packs come with just the noodles and seasoning, which can leave much to be desired, but you can zhuzh them up with this topping and still enjoy a fairly cheap meal. 

At Walmart, for instance, Maruchan's ramen retails at 54 cents apiece, and Nissin's retails at 30 cents apiece. Adding Katayama's dehydrated veggie packets at $1.50 per package (or about $1.35 per serving in the case of Ramen Bae's larger bag) does make the meal much more expensive on a relative basis to the original cost. However, the added flavor, texture, and nutritional benefit can be well worth the price. If you eat ramen frequently, buying both in bulk can also help curb the added cost over time.

Peas, carrots, and corn are all great additions to a ramen bowl, adding both flavor and nutritional value. Despite their dehydrated state, peas are particularly high in dietary fiber, and carrots contain beta carotene (vitamin A). Using the fresh versions of these ingredients for a ramen bowl makes for the best bite, but sometimes convenience is king. The dehydrated veggies in these packets regain their moisture from the broth, adding color and variety to an otherwise bland-looking meal. Topping mixes with seafood impart even more flavor from the dried squid, shrimp, imitation crab, and fish cakes.