How To Cook Ramen In The Microwave

Last updated on June 24th, 2025

Ramen meals are some of the most popular to make. It can be very quick to make too! Even quicker if you use a microwave. Despite some beliefs, using a microwave can actually be a great way to cook your ramen. This method is used by many across the world – though it does have its limitations and is admittedly not the best way to make it. But if you’re looking for a quick, warm meal, I’ll explain how to cook ramen in your microwave, for when you’re busy and want a light, soupy meal.

Benefits of Cooking Ramen in the Microwave

In our fast-paced world, microwave ramen is a true timesaver. It eliminates the need to watch over a pot on the stove or clean multiple plates and pans. Simply place your bowl in the microwave, set the timer, and you’re free to multitask. Your meal practically prepares itself.

Microwaved ramen is incredibly quick to prepare and it also simplifies portion control. Single-serve packets are perfectly sized for individual meals, reducing the likelihood of overcooked leftovers or food waste. You get the right amount of food every time, without the guesswork.

Despite its simplicity, microwave ramen offers plenty of room for creativity. You can easily add extras like eggs, vegetables, or leftover meats to enhance your meal. The microwave method allows for quick additions without complicating the cooking process.

Choosing Your Ramen

Instant ramen is the ideal choice. These pre-cooked, dried noodle blocks are designed for quick preparation with just hot water and a few minutes of heating. Popular brands like Maruchan and Top Ramen are reliable choices for microwave preparation. For those seeking more adventurous flavors, Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun offers a spicier option that works well in the microwave. Brands like Sapporo Ichiban offer flavors such as Miso or Tonkotsu, providing a more diverse taste experience.

Noodles come in various thicknesses. For best results in the microwave, opt for thinner varieties. They cook faster and more evenly, ensuring a consistent texture throughout.

Remember that the flavor packet is just a starting point. You can easily customize your microwave ramen by adding your own ingredients or adjusting the seasoning to suit your preferences.

Prep

1. First things first, grab that packet of instant noodles.
2. Most ramen packets call for about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of water. But here’s a pro tip: start with a smidge less. Why? Because you can always add more, but once you’ve turned your noodles into soup, there’s no going back!
3. Last but not least, let’s address the elephant in the room – that mysterious seasoning packet. Now, I know it’s tempting to rip it open and dump it in right away, but hold your horses! The key to flavor town is adding the seasoning after the noodles are cooked. Trust me on this!

Cooking

How long does it take to microwave ramen in a bowl? Less time than you think!

If you make sure to add the correct amount of water and make sure to stir throughout, then you can cook your noodles in less than five minutes.

How do you microwave 2 packs of ramen? Here is a simple method:

1. Place two cups of plain water into your microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave the water on a high heat for two minutes to make sure the water is very hot. Alternatively you can boil the water prior to adding to the microwave safe bowl.
3. Once the water is hot, place the ramen noodles into the microwave safe bowl.
4. Microwave the ramen noodles on a high heat for five minutes in total. Make sure to stir the noodles at the halfway point.
5. Add the ramen noodle flavoring into the bowl of ramen noodles after the cooking time and make sure to spend some time evenly distributing the seasoning. Once the seasoning is evenly distributed then the ramen noodles are ready to eat.

These tips can help you get the perfect noodle texture:

• Always add two minutes onto the cooking time of your ramen noodle packet. This will give the noodles enough time to soak up all the water and become the perfect texture.
• Pour the extra water that is left over out of the bowl so that the ramen noodles do not become soggy.
• When practicing your ramen noodle recipes, you will be holding a very hot microwave safe bowl and water. Make sure to use oven gloves when moving the microwave safe and allow the food to sit to cool slightly before consuming.

How To Make Ramen In The Microwave With Egg

Eggs are a great added ingredient to ramen to make the overall dish a lot tastier! They are also super quick to cook with ramen and won’t slow your overall cooking time down.

You will need:

• 1 egg
• 1 packet of ramen noodles
• 1 cup of plain water
• 1 microwave safe bowl
• 1 microwave safe lid
• 1 fork or spoon

How to make:

1. Crack the egg into a separate bowl and add the ramen noodles.
2. Once the egg and noodles are combined, add the plain water and seasoning packet to the bowl.
3. Microwave the ingredients on a high heat for 5 minutes.
4. Check if the egg is cooked by making sure the egg white is fully cooked and fully white but the yolk is still runny. If this is not the case, but the mixture back into the microwave oven for another 2 minutes and remove when this is the case. Once the egg is ready the ramen noodles will be ready to eat.

Enhance Your Microwaved Ramen

Let’s jazz up that microwaved ramen, shall we?

First stop: the veggie aisle! Toss in some frozen peas or corn right before nuking – they’ll cook to perfection alongside your noodles. For a crunchier bite, try sliced bell peppers or bean sprouts after cooking. And don’t forget the power of green onions – a sprinkle of these bad boys adds both color and a fresh zip to your bowl.

Want to turn that ramen into a muscle-building powerhouse? Crack an egg into your steaming bowl and give it a quick stir – instant egg-drop soup, anyone? For a meatier option, leftover rotisserie chicken or diced ham work wonders. Feeling fancy? A handful of cooked shrimp will have you feeling like you’re dining at a seaside ramen joint.

Now, let’s talk flavor bombs. A dollop of chili oil will kick things up a notch for you spice lovers. Craving umami? A splash of soy sauce or a dab of miso paste will do the trick. And for a creamy twist, try a spoonful of peanut butter – trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Don’t forget about texture! A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch, while a sheet of nori (seaweed) brings that authentic ramen shop vibe. Feeling adventurous? Crush up some potato chips for a quirky, crunchy topping that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Cooking Ramen Noodles Can Save You Time

If video is your thing, Melanie’s got you covered. That is, Melanie from Melanie Cooks – another awesome find of a YouTube channel for a whole range of easy recipes – very beginner friendly!

Cooking ramen noodles in the microwave can be easy! It also will not affect the taste of your noodles massively, as long as you mix your seasoning evenly throughout your ramen noodles.

If you choose to microwave your ramen noodles you can have them ready within less than five minutes! If you choose to cook an egg alongside your noodles, it can amp up the tastiness of your ramen dish but will not amp up your cooking time.

Overall, the microwave is a great way to cook your ramen noodles and will be massively worth the investment.

How do you cook your ramen noodles? How long do you keep your ramen noodles in the microwave?

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