The Best Instant Ramen
The BEST Instant Ramen 🍜 is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 2. 560 calories per serving. Recipe by Shaan and Anastasiya on YouTube.
Prep: 7 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 20 min
Cost: $3.25 total, $1.63 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 packs Ramen Noodles (any instant ramen; discard the original flavor packet)
- 1 packet Bulldog Seasoning Packet (brand Bulldog instant ramen seasoning)
- 1 large Egg Yolk (separated from the white)
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise (regular mayo, room temperature)
- 0.25 cup Reserved Ramen Water (saved from cooking the noodles)
- 2 stalks Green Onion (thinly sliced for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (for marinating the egg)
- 1 large Egg (soft‑boiled, then marinated)
- 100 grams Pork Belly (thinly sliced, crisped in chili oil)
- 1 teaspoon Chili Oil (adjust heat to taste)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Sugar (balances the pork glaze)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (adds nutty flavor to pork)
Instructions
Prepare Toppings
Thinly slice the green onions. Soft‑boil the egg (6 min), peel, and marinate in soy sauce for at least 10 minutes. Slice pork belly into thin strips.
Time: PT5M
Cook Noodles & Reserve Water
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook according to package (usually 3 minutes). Before draining, scoop out ¼ cup of the hot, starchy water and set aside. Drain noodles using a strainer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 100°C
Make Creamy Soup Base
In a mixing bowl combine the Bulldog seasoning packet, egg yolk and mayonnaise. Whisk vigorously until smooth. Gradually whisk in the reserved ramen water until the mixture reaches a soupy consistency.
Time: PT2M
Crisp the Pork
Heat a small skillet over medium‑high heat, add chili oil, minced garlic, sugar and sesame oil. Add pork strips and stir‑fry until crispy and caramelized, about 2‑3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Assemble the Ramen
Return the cooked noodles to the pot, pour in the creamy soup base and stir over low heat for 1 minute to warm through. Divide noodles into two bowls, top with sliced green onion, the soy‑marinated egg (halved) and the crispy chili pork.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 560
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 70g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains soy, Contains pork
Allergens: Egg, Wheat, Soy, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ramen Noodles: any wheat noodles, gluten‑free noodles
- Instead of Bulldog Seasoning Packet: any instant ramen seasoning packet
- Instead of Egg Yolk: egg substitute yolk
- Instead of Mayonnaise: vegan mayo
- Instead of Green Onion: chives
- Instead of Soy Sauce: tamari
- Instead of Egg: quail egg
- Instead of Pork Belly: bacon
- Instead of Chili Oil: sriracha
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Strainer
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Ladle (optional)
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whisking the egg yolk and mayo into the Bulldog seasoning to form a smooth emulsion.
- Reserving starchy ramen water for the broth.
- Cooking noodles al dente and not over‑cooking.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Whisk the egg yolk and mayo vigorously to create a smooth, glossy emulsion.
- Reserve the starchy ramen water; it adds body and silkiness to the broth.
- Add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of miso for extra umami if desired.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick.
Stir in a little more reserved ramen water or hot water until desired consistency is reached.
Noodles become mushy.
Cook noodles al dente, drain promptly, and rinse briefly with cold water before adding to the broth.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover broth and noodles in separate airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended; noodles become mushy.
Room temperature: Consume within 2 hours of cooking if left at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the soft‑boiled egg in soy sauce overnight for deeper flavor.
- Pre‑cook and crisp the pork; reheat quickly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of ramen in Japanese cuisine?
Ramen originated in early 20th‑century Japan, inspired by Chinese wheat noodles, and has become a national comfort food. Over decades it evolved into countless regional styles, each reflecting local ingredients and tastes.
What are the traditional regional variations of ramen in Japan?
Japan boasts many ramen styles such as Hakata tonkotsu (pork‑bone broth), Sapporo miso, Tokyo shoyu (soy sauce), and Kitakata shio (salt). Each region emphasizes a distinct broth, noodle thickness, and topping palette.
How is ramen traditionally served in Japan?
Ramen is served in a deep bowl with hot broth, noodles, and toppings like sliced chashu pork, soft‑boiled egg, nori, bamboo shoots and green onions. It is eaten immediately with chopsticks and a soup spoon.
What occasions or celebrations is ramen associated with in Japanese culture?
Ramen is a everyday staple but also appears at festivals, late‑night gatherings, and as a comforting dish after celebrations. It’s especially popular during winter for its warming qualities.
What makes this Creamy Bulldog Ramen special within Japanese ramen cuisine?
The addition of egg yolk and mayonnaise creates a rich, velvety broth that mimics the luxurious texture of traditional tonkotsu without long simmering. Using Bulldog seasoning gives a quick, umami‑packed base that’s perfect for home cooks.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Creamy Bulldog Ramen?
Common errors include over‑cooking the noodles, which makes them soggy, and not whisking the egg yolk and mayo enough, resulting in a grainy broth. Also, forgetting to reserve the starchy ramen water will leave the soup thin.
Why does this recipe use egg yolk and mayonnaise instead of a traditional pork‑bone stock?
Egg yolk and mayo emulsify to give a silky, fatty mouthfeel similar to a long‑simmered pork broth, but they achieve that richness in minutes, making the recipe fast and accessible.
Can I make the Creamy Bulldog Ramen ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the broth and toppings ahead. Store the broth in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, reheat gently, and add freshly cooked noodles just before serving. Marinated eggs keep well refrigerated for 24 hours.
What does the YouTube channel Shaan and Anastasiya specialize in?
The YouTube channel Shaan and Anastasiya focuses on quick, family‑friendly recipes that blend Asian flavors with easy‑home‑cooking techniques, often featuring viral food trends and step‑by‑step tutorials.
How does the YouTube channel Shaan and Anastasiya's approach to Japanese-inspired dishes differ from other cooking channels?
Shaan and Anastasiya emphasize minimal equipment, short prep times, and ingredient swaps that keep dishes affordable, while still preserving authentic flavor profiles, setting them apart from channels that rely on extensive pantry staples or long cooking processes.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
