Pin it I stumbled on this concoction during a late night kitchen session when the craving for grilled cheese met a cupboard full of instant ramen. The first attempt was messy but that golden crunch when I bit down changed everything. Now it is the guilty pleasure I break out when friends need convincing that junk food can be art.
My roommate walked in mid-cook and gave me the weirdest look until the butter started popping. By the time the cheese hit the hot sauce he was hovering over the pan asking when they would be ready. We stood at the counter eating them straight off the cutting board.
Ingredients
- 1 package instant ramen noodles: The flavor packet is optional here because the egg and seasoning will carry the weight
- 1 large egg: This is the binder that transforms loose noodles into patties that actually hold together
- 4 slices cheddar cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully but pepper jack or mozzarella bring their own personality
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce: Start here and adjust based on your heat tolerance
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Unsalted lets you control the seasoning because some ramen packets pack sodium
- Salt and pepper: Even if the ramen has seasoning a little extra brings out the egg and cheese
Instructions
- Prep the noodles just right:
- Boil the ramen for exactly 2 minutes then drain it well because extra water will make the patties fall apart later.
- Bind the mixture:
- Beat the egg and toss it with the noodles plus a pinch of salt and pepper until every strand is coated.
- Form the buns:
- Divide into four portions and press each into a patty using a ring mold or the back of a small bowl for even thickness.
- Sear the patties:
- Fry them in butter over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are golden and hold their shape.
- Build the sandwiches:
- Layer two slices of cheese and a drizzle of hot sauce on two patties then top with the remaining ones.
- Melt it all together:
- Cook the assembled sandwiches over low heat pressing gently until the cheese oozes out and the outsides are extra crispy.
Pin it This became the thing I made for my sister when she had a bad day at work. Something about the crunch and the heat makes problems feel smaller for ten minutes.
Cheese Choices That Work
Cheddar is the classic for a reason but mozzarella stretches like crazy and pepper jack brings a whole different vibe. Provolone melts mild and smooth while gruyère feels fancy without being pretentious.
Level Up The Add-Ins
Kimchi tucked inside adds tang and crunch that cuts through the richness. Sliced scallions bring freshness and cooked bacon makes it feel like a complete meal.
Sides That Complete It
A simple tomato soup cuts the richness perfectly or serve with pickled vegetables for contrast. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the buttery crunch.
- Make extra patties and freeze them for quick assembly later
- Use a panini press if you want even compression and less hands-on effort
- Let the sandwiches rest for a minute before slicing so the cheese sets slightly
Pin it Hope this brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make ramen buns crispy?
Press cooked noodles firmly into patties and fry them over medium heat with butter until golden and crisp on both sides.
- → What cheese works best for melting inside?
Cheddar melts well, but mozzarella or pepper jack can be used for different flavor profiles and meltiness.
- → Can this be made vegetarian or vegan?
Use vegetarian cheese to keep it vegetarian; for vegan, substitute egg and use vegan cheese alternatives.
- → How to add extra flavor to this dish?
Incorporate sliced scallions, kimchi, or cooked bacon inside the sandwich for enhanced taste.
- → What’s the best way to assemble the sandwich?
Place cheese slices and hot sauce on one ramen patty, cover with another patty, then cook gently until cheese melts.