Creamy Garlic & Chili Cheddar Ramen

Ingredients

• 2 instant ramen cakes (seasoning packets removed)
• 1.5 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 2 green onions (sliced; whites and greens separated)
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp chili oil (plus extra for serving)
• 2.5 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 0.75 tsp chicken bouillon powder
• 0.5 tsp brown sugar
• 0.25 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup cheddar (freshly grated)
• 0.5 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 0.75 cup reserved noodle water (use as needed; ¼ cup is added to the sauce initially)
• toasted sesame seeds (for finishing; amount not specified)
• chives (optional, chopped; amount not specified)

Steps

1. 1

   In a small bowl, mix the heavy cream, chili oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chicken bouillon powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper until combined.

2. 2

   Boil the ramen cakes until the strands separate but still have a little bite. Before draining the noodles, reserve ¾ cup of the cooking water.

3. 3

   Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.

4. 4

   Stir in the finely chopped garlic and green onion whites. Cook for about 45 seconds, keeping the garlic pale.

5. 5

   Add the cream mixture and ¼ cup of the reserved noodle water. Let the sauce gently bubble around the edges for 1–2 minutes.

6. 6

   Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the freshly grated cheddar a little at a time until smooth, keeping the sauce below a boil.

7. 7

   Add the cooked noodles and toss until they are cooked through and coated in sauce. Loosen the sauce with splashes of reserved noodle water as needed.

8. 8

   Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the toasted sesame oil and half of the green onion greens.

9. 9

   Finish with the remaining green onion greens, toasted sesame seeds, optional chopped chives, and an extra drizzle of chili oil. Serve immediately.

Notes

The description does not specify amounts for the toasted sesame seeds, optional chives, or extra chili oil for serving; add these to taste.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• noodles
• vegetarian
• spicy
• creamy
• stovetop
• quick meal