The Ultimate Instant Ramen Upgrades
The Ultimate Instant Ramen Upgrades is a medium Japanese recipe that serves 2. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Jet Tila on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 24 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $9.65 total, $4.83 per serving
Ingredients
- 200 g Ramen Noodles (dried, discard any flavor packet)
- 200 g Shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- 150 g Mixed Vegetables (thinly sliced bell pepper, carrot, snap peas or any stir‑fry mix)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil for flavor)
- 2 Tbsp Oyster Sauce (adds umami depth)
- 2 cup Water (for the gravy base)
- 1 Tbsp Cornstarch (mixed with equal water for slurry)
- 2 Tbsp Green Onions (chopped, optional garnish)
Instructions
Boil the Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add the ramen noodles and cook for 2‑3 minutes until al dente.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: boiling
Drain and Set Aside
Drain the noodles in a colander and let them sit for a minute to release excess moisture.
Time: PT1M
Crisp the Noodles
Heat the skillet over high heat, add 2 Tbsp sesame oil, then toss the drained noodles in the pan. Fry for about 2 minutes until the edges turn golden and the noodles become crisp and aromatic.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: high
Set Crispy Noodles Aside
Transfer the crispy noodles to a plate and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Time: PT1M
Sauté Garlic and Vegetables
Add a splash of oil to the same hot skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the sliced mixed vegetables. Cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes until they are just tender.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium‑high
Cook the Shrimp
Push the veggies to the side and add the shrimp. Cook for 2‑3 minutes, stirring, until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium‑high
Build the Gravy
Pour 2 cups water into the pan, stir in the oyster sauce and an extra 1 tsp sesame oil. Bring to a gentle boil, scraping up any browned bits.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Thicken the Gravy
In a small bowl, mix 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 1 Tbsp cold water to form a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering broth while stirring until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Season and Finish
Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with salt or a dash of soy sauce if desired.
Time: PT1M
Combine Noodles and Sauce
Return the crispy noodles to the skillet, toss quickly to coat them evenly with the thickened gravy. Heat for another minute so everything is hot.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Plate and Garnish
Divide the ramen into two bowls, sprinkle chopped green onions on top, and serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 22 g
- Carbohydrates
- 62 g
- Fat
- 13 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten (contains wheat), Dairy‑free
Allergens: Shellfish, Soy, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ramen Noodles: Udon noodles, Wheat spaghetti
- Instead of Shrimp: Chicken breast strips, Tofu cubes
- Instead of Mixed Vegetables: Frozen stir‑fry vegetable blend
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil (flavor will differ)
- Instead of Oyster Sauce: Soy sauce + 1 tsp sugar
- Instead of Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Small Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Crisping the noodles in sesame oil for texture and flavor.
- Creating a smooth cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy without lumps.
- Cooking shrimp just until pink to keep them tender.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use toasted sesame oil sparingly – its flavor is strong and can dominate the dish.
- For extra umami, add a splash of fish sauce or a pinch of dried shiitake powder.
- If you like heat, stir in a small amount of chili oil with the garlic.
Troubleshooting
Noodles become soggy after adding the gravy.
Crisp the noodles just before serving and toss quickly; avoid letting them sit in the sauce for too long.
Gravy is lumpy.
Mix the cornstarch with cold water thoroughly before adding, and stir the slurry into a simmering broth gradually.
Shrimp turn rubbery.
Cook shrimp only until they turn pink; remove from heat immediately and let residual heat finish cooking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently; noodles may lose crispness.
Freezer: Not recommended because the crispy texture will not return after freezing.
Room temperature: Serve immediately; do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Boil and drain the noodles ahead of time; store them in a zip‑top bag with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the cornstarch slurry in a small container and keep refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- The gravy can be made a few hours ahead; reheat and adjust thickness before adding noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of ramen in Japanese cuisine?
Ramen originated in China and was adapted in Japan in the early 20th century, becoming a staple street‑food and later a beloved comfort dish across the country. It reflects Japan’s ability to incorporate foreign influences while creating distinct regional styles.
What are the traditional regional variations of ramen in Japan?
Japan boasts many regional ramen styles, such as Hakata’s tonkotsu pork‑bone broth, Sapporo’s miso‑based ramen, and Tokyo’s shoyu (soy sauce) ramen. Each region emphasizes different broth bases, toppings, and noodle thickness.
How is ramen traditionally served in Japan?
Ramen is typically served in a large bowl with the broth poured over the noodles, topped with sliced pork, soft‑boiled egg, nori, green onions, and sometimes bamboo shoots. It is eaten hot, using chopsticks for the noodles and a spoon for the broth.
What occasions or celebrations is ramen associated with in Japanese culture?
Ramen is a popular casual meal for everyday dining, but it is also enjoyed during late‑night gatherings, after‑work outings, and as comfort food during colder months. Some festivals feature ramen stalls showcasing regional specialties.
What makes this crispy shrimp ramen special compared to traditional Japanese ramen?
The recipe adds a step of pan‑searing the noodles in sesame oil, giving them a crunchy texture that contrasts with the silky broth. Shrimp and oyster sauce introduce a seafood‑focused umami profile not typical of classic pork‑based ramen.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for ramen versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ramen uses wheat noodles, a meat‑based broth (pork, chicken, or seafood), and toppings like chashu pork, menma, and nori. In this recipe, shrimp can be swapped for chicken, and wheat noodles can be replaced with udon or even gluten‑free noodles for dietary needs.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with this crispy shrimp ramen?
Serve alongside a simple cucumber sunomono salad, gyoza dumplings, or a side of edamame. A light miso soup or pickled ginger (gari) also complements the rich flavors of the ramen.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy shrimp ramen at home?
Common errors include overcooking the noodles before crisping, adding too much water which dilutes the sauce, and cooking shrimp too long, making them rubbery. Follow the timing steps closely and keep the pan hot for a quick sear.
Why does this recipe use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy instead of reducing the broth longer?
A slurry thickens the sauce quickly without over‑reducing, preserving the bright sesame‑oyster flavor and keeping the cooking time short. Reducing the broth too much can make it overly salty and concentrate flavors excessively.
Can I make the crispy shrimp ramen ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can pre‑cook the noodles, prepare the gravy, and keep the shrimp cooked. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Re‑crisp the noodles briefly in a hot pan before serving and reheat the gravy gently.
What does the YouTube channel Chef Jet Tila specialize in?
Chef Jet Tila’s YouTube channel focuses on modern Indian and Asian-inspired home cooking, offering quick, flavorful recipes, technique tips, and cultural insights presented in an energetic, approachable style.
How does the YouTube channel Chef Jet Tila’s approach to Asian cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Chef Jet Tila blends traditional Asian flavors with contemporary shortcuts, emphasizing bold sauces, high‑heat techniques, and pantry‑friendly ingredients, whereas many channels stick to classic, time‑intensive methods.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
