The BEST Instant Ramen EVER (3 ways)

Ingredients

• 1 packet Instant Ramen Noodles (any flavor, discard seasoning packet)
• 4 slices Bacon (regular pork bacon, not guanciale; cut into small pieces after cooking)
• 0.25 cup Pecorino Romano Cheese (finely grated)
• 3 egg yolks Egg Yolks (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground; toasted peppercorns preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (for seasoning the boiling water)

Instructions

1. Render Bacon

   Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet, then set the heat to medium. Cook slowly, allowing the fat to render and the bacon to become crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove most of the bacon, set aside, and keep the rendered fat in the pan; reserve a few pieces for garnish.

   Time: PT5M

2. Make Egg‑Yolk Cheese Paste

   In a mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks, grated Pecorino Romano, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until a thick, uniform yellow paste forms.

   Time: PT2M

3. Boil Water and Cook Noodles

   Fill a large pot with water, add the teaspoon of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add the instant ramen noodles and cook according to the package directions, about 3–4 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the hot noodle water, then drain the noodles.

   Time: PT9M

   Temperature: boiling

4. Combine Noodles with Bacon Fat

   Turn off the heat on the skillet with the bacon fat. Add the drained noodles to the pan and toss for about 1 minute so the noodles coat in the rendered fat.

   Time: PT1M

5. Emulsify the Carbonara Sauce

   Immediately add the egg‑yolk cheese paste to the noodles, stirring continuously. The residual heat will gently cook the yolks, creating a creamy sauce. If the mixture looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved noodle water until the desired consistency is reached. Stir for about 2 minutes until fully emulsified.

   Time: PT2M

6. Plate and Garnish

   Warm a serving bowl with hot water, then dry it. Transfer the creamy ramen to the bowl, top with the reserved crispy bacon pieces, and serve immediately.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

550

Protein

20g

Carbohydrates

60g

Fat

20g

Fiber

2g