Fried Ramen Noodle Snack

Fried Ramen Noodle Snack is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Nick DiGiovanni on YouTube.

Prep: 12 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 30 min

Cost: $1.25 total, $0.63 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 package Instant Ramen Noodles (any flavor, discard the seasoning packet)
  • 2 cups Vegetable Oil (high smoke‑point oil such as canola, peanut, or sunflower)
  • 1 tsp Salt (optional, for light seasoning after frying)
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (optional drizzle for flavor)

Instructions

  1. Boil the Ramen

    Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, add the ramen noodles, and cook for 3‑4 minutes until just tender, following the package directions.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Drain and Dry

    Drain the noodles in a colander, rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking, then spread them on a layer of paper towels and pat dry thoroughly.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Heat the Oil

    Fill a deep‑frying pot with vegetable oil to a depth of about 2‑3 inches. Heat over medium‑high until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  4. Fry the Noodles

    Working in small batches, gently lower the dried noodles into the hot oil. Fry for 2‑3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they puff up and turn golden‑brown and crispy.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 350°F

  5. Drain and Season

    Remove the fried noodles with the slotted spoon and place on fresh paper towels to drain excess oil. While still hot, sprinkle with salt and drizzle with soy sauce if desired.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Serve

    Transfer the crispy ramen to a serving plate and enjoy while warm. They are best eaten within 15 minutes for maximum crunch.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
7 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by omitting soy sauce

Allergens: Wheat, Soy

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Fried Ramen Noodle Snack

Recipe by Nick DiGiovanni

A quick, crunchy snack inspired by a schoolyard favorite – ramen noodles that are boiled, dried, and then deep‑fried to golden perfection. Perfect for a nostalgic treat or a fun party bite.

EasyJapaneseServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
3m
Prep
18m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
31m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.25
Total cost
$0.63
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Dry the boiled noodles completely before frying.
  • Maintain oil temperature at 350°F throughout frying.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns – keep children and pets away.
  • Never leave heating oil unattended.
  • Use a thermometer to avoid overheating the oil beyond its smoke point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of deep fried ramen in Japanese snack culture?

A

While traditional ramen is a soup dish, Japanese street food vendors have long experimented with fried noodle snacks. Deep‑fried ramen became popular as a quick, crunchy treat for schoolchildren in the 1990s, offering a nostalgic, portable snack that mimics the texture of tempura‑style foods.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of fried noodle snacks in Japan?

A

In Osaka, fried udon strips called "yaki‑udon" are seasoned with soy sauce and bonito flakes. In Tokyo, "abura‑soba" features thin noodles tossed in oil and soy‑based sauce. Deep fried ramen is a modern twist that borrows the crispiness of these regional snacks.

cultural
Q

How is deep fried ramen traditionally served in Japanese school snack settings?

A

It is usually served in small paper bags or on a plate, lightly salted, and eaten warm straight from the fryer. Occasionally a drizzle of soy sauce or a sprinkle of furikake is added for extra flavor.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is deep fried ramen associated with in Japanese culture?

A

Deep fried ramen is not tied to formal celebrations but is a popular after‑school treat and is often found at festivals, school fairs, and convenience‑store snack aisles as a quick bite.

cultural
Q

What other Japanese dishes pair well with deep fried ramen as a snack?

A

It pairs nicely with a cold glass of barley tea, a side of edamame, or a small serving of pickled ginger. For a more substantial snack, serve alongside takoyaki or yakitori.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making deep fried ramen at home?

A

The biggest errors are not drying the noodles enough, overcrowding the oil, and letting the oil temperature drop too low. Each of these leads to soggy or unevenly cooked noodles.

technical
Q

Why does this deep fried ramen recipe use 350°F oil instead of a higher temperature?

A

350°F is hot enough to quickly puff the noodles and create a golden crust without burning the thin strands. Higher temperatures can cause the exterior to char before the interior becomes fully crisp.

technical
Q

Can I make deep fried ramen ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can fry the noodles, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Re‑crisp them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when deep frying ramen?

A

The noodles should puff up, turn a light golden‑brown, and feel crisp to the bite. They should be dry, not oily, and retain a slightly airy interior.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Nick DiGiovanni specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Nick DiGiovanni focuses on creative, science‑based cooking tutorials, quick‑turn recipes, and culinary challenges that blend classic techniques with modern twists for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Nick DiGiovanni's approach to Japanese-inspired snacks differ from other cooking channels?

A

Nick DiGiovanni often emphasizes simplicity, cost‑effectiveness, and experimental twists—like turning instant ramen into a deep‑fried snack—while many other channels stick to traditional preparation methods. His style encourages viewers to repurpose pantry staples in unexpected ways.

channel

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