Rating 8 Viral Shin Ramen Hacks
Rating 8 Viral Shin Ramen Hacks is a easy Korean recipe that serves 1. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Inga Lam on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 7 min | Total: 32 min
Cost: $2.15 total, $2.15 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pack Shin Ramen (includes noodles and seasoning packet)
- 2 cloves Garlic (grated)
- 1 tsp Red Chili Flakes (adjust to desired heat)
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds (optional, toasted)
- 2 tbsp Neutral Oil (e.g., canola or vegetable oil)
- 60 ml Sprite (carbonated soda, not reduced)
- 1 tsp Chinese Black Vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
- 0.25 medium Cucumber (thinly sliced)
- 2 stalks Scallions (sliced thin)
- 5 leaves Fresh Cilantro (optional garnish)
- 0.25 fruit Lemon (cut into thin wedges)
Instructions
Make the Sweet‑Spicy Sauce
In a mixing bowl combine the grated garlic, red chili flakes, sesame seeds and half of the ramen seasoning packet. Heat the neutral oil in a small pan until shimmering, then carefully pour the hot oil over the bowl – it will sizzle. Immediately add the Sprite, Chinese black vinegar and soy sauce, stirring quickly to blend. Taste and adjust with a pinch more soy sauce or vinegar if needed.
Time: PT5M
Boil and Shock the Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the ramen noodles (do not add the seasoning packet yet) and cook for 3 minutes or according to the package. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the noodles immediately into a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. After 1–2 minutes, drain the noodles in a colander and pat dry with a paper towel.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 100°C
Combine Noodles and Sauce
Add the well‑drained noodles to the sauce bowl. Toss vigorously for about 30 seconds until every strand is evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Plate and Garnish
Transfer the coated noodles to a serving bowl. Top with sliced cucumber, scallions, cilantro leaves and lemon wedges. Serve immediately chilled.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 10 g
- Carbohydrates
- 60 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains soy, Vegetarian if seasoning packet is vegetarian
Allergens: Wheat, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Shin Ramen: any spicy instant ramen
- Instead of Garlic: 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Instead of Red Chili Flakes: crushed red pepper
- Instead of Sesame Seeds: toasted pepitas
- Instead of Neutral Oil: any high‑smoke‑point oil
- Instead of Sprite: club soda with a pinch of sugar
- Instead of Chinese Black Vinegar: rice vinegar
- Instead of Soy Sauce: tamari
- Instead of Cucumber: jicama
- Instead of Scallions: green onions
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: parsley
- Instead of Lemon: lime
Equipment Needed
- Pot
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting Board
- Knife
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Hot oil poured over garlic and chili creates the flavor base; add Sprite quickly to capture fizz.
- Shock the noodles in ice water to lock in bounce and prevent over‑cooking.
- Use only half of the ramen seasoning packet to avoid an overly salty broth.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan for extra nuttiness before adding to the sauce.
- For a brighter flavor, finish with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil just before serving.
- If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves for 10 minutes at 180°C before grating.
Troubleshooting
Noodles become soggy after mixing.
Make sure to pat the noodles dry after shocking and before adding the sauce; if still wet, spread them on a clean kitchen towel for a minute.
Sauce is too salty.
Add a splash more Sprite or a few drops of rice vinegar to balance the salt; you can also dilute with a little cold water.
Sauce is too spicy.
Stir in an extra teaspoon of Sprite or a pinch of sugar; increase cucumber garnish for cooling effect.
Storage
Refrigerator: Sauce can be stored in an airtight jar for up to 2 days; cooked noodles kept separate in a sealed container for 1 day.
Freezer: Not recommended – texture of noodles deteriorates.
Room temperature: Serve immediately; do not leave out longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the sweet‑spicy sauce up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate; bring to room temperature before tossing with noodles.
- Pre‑slice cucumber, scallions and cilantro and store in a sealed container.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cold ramen dishes in Korean cuisine?
Cold ramen, often called "naengmyeon" when made with buckwheat noodles, is a beloved summer staple in Korea. While the instant ramen version is a modern twist, the concept of serving chilled noodles with a tangy, spicy sauce reflects Korea's tradition of balancing heat and refreshment during hot months.
What traditional Korean ingredients are used in the cold Sprite ramen recipe and what are acceptable substitutes?
The recipe uses Korean Shin Ramen seasoning, garlic, chili flakes, sesame seeds, soy sauce and Chinese black vinegar – all common in Korean cooking. Substitutes include any spicy instant ramen, rice vinegar for black vinegar, and crushed red pepper for chili flakes.
How is cold Sprite ramen traditionally served in Korean street food culture?
In Korean street food, cold noodle dishes are typically served in a shallow bowl with the broth poured over the noodles, topped with sliced cucumber, pickled radish, boiled egg and a drizzle of sesame oil. The Sprite version mimics this presentation with fresh cucumber, scallions, cilantro and lemon for a modern twist.
During which Korean celebrations or seasons is a cold noodle dish like this most popular?
Cold noodle dishes peak during the summer months and are especially popular during holidays such as Chuseok and the Korean New Year when families seek lighter, refreshing meals after heavy feasts.
What makes the Sprite ingredient unique in the context of Korean instant ramen hacks?
Sprite adds carbonation and a clean sweetness that replaces the usual sugar or honey used in cold noodle sauces. The fizz helps emulsify the hot oil and seasoning, creating a bright, slightly effervescent broth that is both sweet and tangy—a novel twist not found in traditional Korean recipes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cold Sprite ramen?
Common errors include over‑cooking the noodles before shocking, which makes them mushy; adding too much of the ramen seasoning packet, resulting in an overly salty sauce; and pouring the Sprite too quickly, which can cause splattering and a watery sauce.
Why does this cold Sprite ramen recipe use hot oil and then immediately add carbonated Sprite?
The hot oil quickly releases the aromatics of garlic and chili, while the sudden addition of cold, carbonated Sprite creates a rapid emulsification that traps flavor and adds a subtle fizz. This technique gives the sauce a glossy texture and balances the heat with sweetness.
Can I make the sweet‑spicy sauce for cold Sprite ramen ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance. Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before tossing with the noodles. Give it a quick stir to recombine any settled ingredients.
What does the YouTube channel Inga Lam specialize in?
The YouTube channel Inga Lam focuses on testing and rating viral food hacks, especially quick and creative twists on popular packaged foods, while providing honest, entertaining commentary and practical cooking tips.
How does the YouTube channel Inga Lam's approach to Korean instant noodle hacks differ from other cooking channels?
Inga Lam combines thorough taste testing with a rating system, often trying multiple viral variations of the same product. Unlike many channels that present a single recipe, she explores several hacks side‑by‑side, highlighting both flavor and practicality for home cooks.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
