Easy 5-Minute Curry Ramen Hack

Jump to Recipe Video

Chewy instant ramen noodles cooked in a creamy, savory curry broth with garlic and a spicy kick. This easy 5-minute curry ramen hack upgrades instant ramen with just a few extra ingredients.

Jump to:

Ingredients & Substitutes
Expert Tips
Instructions
Storage & Reheating
Pairing Suggestions
FAQ
More Like This
📖 Recipe

Curry ramen is a quick noodle dish featuring chewy instant ramen cooked in a creamy Japanese curry broth with garlic and a spicy kick.

I love enjoying it on its own as a main dish or snack, or adding vegetables or dumplings to make it more filling.

You can use any spicy soup-based instant ramen for this easy hack. It's a quick and inexpensive way to upgrade instant ramen, especially for busy college students or young adults.

Ingredients & Substitutes

Exact ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

Spicy Soup-Based Instant Ramen: Use spicy instant ramen that comes with a soup seasoning packet to flavor the curry broth. If your ramen also comes with dried vegetable flakes, you'll use those too. I prefer Jin Ramen (Mild), but other spicy soup-based brands, like Nongshim Shin Ramyun, work too. Find these brands at Asian grocery stores or in the international aisle of select Western grocery stores.
Japanese Curry Roux Block: Gives the broth its mild, savory-sweet curry flavor and helps thicken it. I prefer using S&B Golden Curry, but other brands, like Vermont Curry, also work. Choose mild, hot, or extra hot depending on your preferred spice level. Find these brands at Asian grocery stores.
Garlic: Adds a fresh garlicky flavor to the creamy curry broth.
Japanese Mayo: I use Kewpie mayo to make the curry broth richer and creamier. Find it at Asian grocery stores. Regular mayonnaise, like Hellmann's, also works.
Green Onions
Cold Water

S&B Golden Curry Japanese curry roux box in mild flavor

Expert Tips

Use Japanese curry roux blocks: They create the mild, slightly sweet, thick and creamy curry broth this recipe is designed for. Avoid using Indian curry powder or other curry powders, which have a different spice profile and will significantly change the flavor.
Dissolve the seasoning paste before heating: Mixing it thoroughly into the cold water helps the mayo and seasonings distribute evenly throughout the broth.
Don't overcook the ramen: Cook the noodles for just 2-3 minutes or until al dente because they'll continue to soften in the hot broth as you eat.

Instructions

Make the seasoning paste: In a medium pot, mix the Japanese mayo, minced garlic, instant ramen seasoning powder, and dried vegetable flakes from the ramen packet, if included, into a paste.
Make the broth: Pour in the cold water and mix until the paste dissolves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer.
Add the curry: Add the Japanese curry roux and stir until completely dissolved.
Cook the ramen: Add the instant ramen noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes or until al dente. Remove from the heat, garnish with green onions, and enjoy immediately.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Curry ramen is best enjoyed immediately because the noodles will soften as they sit in the broth. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezer: I don't recommend freezing curry ramen because the cooked noodles will become soggy after thawing and reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a small pot over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally, or microwave for 2-3 minutes until hot. Keep in mind that the noodles will continue to soften over time and with reheating.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve curry ramen with:

Dumplings: Serve with pan-fried or boiled dumplings for a more filling meal.
Protein: Add a soft-boiled egg, cooked chicken, pork, beef, or tofu.
Vegetables: Add bok choy, cabbage, yu choy sum, or other Asian greens.

FAQ

Can I make curry ramen ahead of time?

I don't recommend it because the ramen noodles will continue to soften as they sit in the broth. For the best texture, make and enjoy it immediately.

Can I use non-spicy soup-based instant ramen?

Yes, but the curry ramen will have less heat. Use any non-spicy soup-based instant ramen that comes with a seasoning packet, then add chili oil or chili flakes to taste if you want some heat.

Can I make curry ramen without mayo?

I don't recommend it because the mayo helps make the curry broth rich and creamy.

More Like This

Check out my other noodle recipes:

📖 Recipe