Take Your Instant Ramen Up A Few Notches With This Cheap Canned Soup

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Instant noodles always hit the spot, but you can turn this five-minute lunch into something that tastes much more intentional. And you don't need to break the bank or do much extra work, either — all it really takes is a can of tomato soup. Simmer your noodles in canned tomato soup with extra seasonings to make a savory, spicy base that tastes much more exciting than the usual dehydrated flavor packets that come with the noodles. Try this hack and say goodbye to sad, watery, instant ramen forever.

If adding tomato soup to your ramen sounds random, know that tomato ramen is a legit style of noodle soup found in Japan. Ramen is a remarkably varied foodstuff; there are many types, from shoyu (soy sauce-based) to tonkotsu (pork bone-based), and tomato ramen is just another way this broad tradition plays with the broth and toppings. It works because tomatoes bring tang, a little sweetness, and umami to the broth. Tomato ramen also varies widely — some are made with light tomato broths, while others build deeper flavors with ingredients like miso. 

Whipping up some tomato ramen is as easy as grabbing a package of instant noodles and half a can of tomato soup, plus a few tablespoons of water, or better yet, stock (which thins it out and turns it into more of a broth). For extra flavor, you can saute a few minced garlic cloves in the pot in some neutral oil before adding the soup to heat, or shake in some garlic powder as it cooks. To ensure the noodles cook correctly, let the soup come to a simmer before adding them. A teaspoon of soy sauce will add extra umami, and you can toss in a few chile flakes for good measure if you like spice. For two servings, use the whole can of soup and two ramen bricks.

Choose plain condensed or cream of tomato soup rather than a seasoned variety; although a basil-accented tomato soup could work in a pinch, you might need extra soy and garlic to stop it from leaning too overtly Italian. You'll probably want to skip Mediterranean-style tomato soups, as they can include peppers, zucchini, and seasonings that can completely change the broth's character.

For toppings, reach for the scallions and cilantro in your fridge or add a traditional soft-boiled, soy-marinated jammy egg. Drizzle toasted sesame oil or something like Polar's Black Garlic Chili Crisp for a robust finishing touch. For an even more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, pork, or grilled or soft tofu before serving; then marvel at how well tomato soup levels up this classic convenience dish.