Save to Pinterest I stumbled on this creation during a late-night kitchen experiment when I had nothing but ramen and cheese slices to work with. The crunch of the crispy noodle buns against the gooey cheese turned out to be one of those happy accidents that completely exceeded expectations.
My roommate walked in midway through my first attempt looking completely confused by the frying noodles but stayed for the tasting. We ended up standing at the counter eating them straight from the pan and making plans to try every cheese combination we could think of.
Ingredients
- Instant ramen noodles: The foundation becomes something entirely new when pressed into patties, just dont overcook them or they wont hold together
- Large egg: This is the binding agent that transforms loose noodles into solid buns that can actually be grilled
- Cheddar cheese slices: Classic melt factor is crucial here though pepper jack brings a whole different vibe
- Hot sauce: A little heat cuts through the rich cheese and crispy noodles beautifully
- Unsalted butter: Creates that golden crust and adds the richness you want in a grilled cheese
- Salt and pepper: Even though the noodles get cooked again they still need a baseline seasoning
Instructions
- Prep the noodles:
- Boil the ramen for exactly 2 minutes then drain it well and let it cool just enough to handle
- Bind the patties:
- Beat the egg and toss it with the noodles until every strand is coated, then divide into four equal portions
- Shape the buns:
- Press each portion into a compact patty using a small bowl or ring mold lined with parchment
- Create the crunch:
- Fry the patties in butter over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy
- Build the sandwiches:
- Layer two cheese slices and a drizzle of hot sauce between two noodle patties to form each sandwich
- Melt it together:
- Cook the assembled sandwiches over low heat with gentle pressure until the cheese is completely melted
Save to Pinterest These became my go-to whenever friends came over for casual hangouts because they look impressive but come together in under half an hour. Theres something genuinely fun about watching peoples expressions when they realize the bread is actually crispy ramen.
Choosing Your Cheese
Cheddar is the classic choice for a reason but the world is your oyster here. Pepper jack adds a kick that pairs perfectly with the hot sauce, mozzarella creates those Instagramworthy cheese pulls, and a sharp gouda brings nutty depth that feels surprisingly sophisticated.
Timing Everything Right
The window between perfectly melted cheese and burnt exterior is small so keep the heat low once you assemble the sandwiches. I learned this the hard way when I got distracted checking my phone and ended up with a crispy outside and barely warm cheese inside.
Make It Your Own
Kimchi inside the sandwich adds tang and crunch that cuts through the richness, a fried egg on top turns it into a complete meal, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on the outside takes the flavor profile somewhere entirely unexpected.
- Slice them diagonally for easier eating and better cheese distribution
- Let them rest for a minute before cutting so the cheese sets slightly
- Keep extra napkins handy because these are gloriously messy
Save to Pinterest Theres something genuinely joyful about turning a 50cent packet of ramen into something that feels indulgent and special. These grilled cheeses have become proof that the best kitchen discoveries often happen when you work with what you have.
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make the ramen buns crispy?
Cook the shaped ramen patties in butter over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- → Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, cheddar works well, but mozzarella or pepper jack are excellent alternatives for varying flavor profiles.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Use vegan cheese alternatives and replace the egg with a suitable egg substitute to maintain the bun's structure.
- → What is the purpose of the egg in the noodle mixture?
The egg acts as a binder, helping the noodles hold their shape during cooking.
- → How can I add more flavor to the buns?
Incorporate ingredients like sliced scallions, kimchi, or cooked bacon into the noodle mixture before shaping.