Making a Gourmet Meal With Only $10
Making a Gourmet Meal With Only $10 is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 1. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Mythical Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 25 min
Cost: $1.14 total, $1.14 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 package Instant Ramen (85 g pack, includes noodles and seasoning packet)
- 2 stalks Scallions (white and green parts, washed and trimmed)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for frying)
- 1 large Egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon Soy Sauce (optional, for extra seasoning)
- 0.5 teaspoon Sesame Oil (optional, drizzle for flavor)
- pinch Salt (to taste)
- pinch Black Pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
Prepare Scallions
Wash the scallions, trim the root ends, and separate the white and green parts. Slice the green tops into thin strips for garnish and slice the remaining white part vertically into thin ribbons (curls).
Time: PT4M
Make Scallion Paste
In a small bowl, combine the minced white scallion pieces with about half of the ramen seasoning powder from the packet. Mix until a cohesive paste forms.
Time: PT2M
Crisp Ramen Noodles
Heat 1 Tbsp vegetable oil in a non‑stick skillet over medium‑high heat. Break the dry ramen noodles into bite‑size pieces and stir‑fry until golden and crisp, about 3–4 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium-high
Cook Ramen Noodles
Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the ramen noodles (the ones not fried) and the remaining seasoning packet. Cook for 3 minutes until just tender, then drain, reserving a splash of cooking water.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: boiling
Cook Sunny‑Side‑Up Egg
Wipe the skillet clean, reduce heat to medium, add a tiny drizzle of oil if needed, and crack the egg directly into the pan. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the whites are set but the yolk remains runny, about 2–3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Assemble Gourmet Ramen
Place the cooked noodles in a serving bowl. Swirl in the scallion paste, then top with the crispy ramen pieces. Gently slide the sunny‑side‑up egg onto the noodles. Garnish with the thin scallion strips, scallion curls, a drizzle of soy sauce and sesame oil, and optional sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 55 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains Egg, Contains Wheat, Contains Soy
Allergens: Egg, Wheat (ramen noodles), Soy (soy sauce)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Instant Ramen: any instant noodle pack
- Instead of Scallions: chives, shallots
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: canola oil, peanut oil
- Instead of Egg: tofu scramble (vegan)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: tamari
- Instead of Sesame Oil: toasted sesame oil
- Instead of Sesame Seeds: toasted pumpkin seeds
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Small Bowl
- Fork or Whisk
- Non‑Stick Skillet
- Saucepan
- Colander
- Spatula
- Serving Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Make Scallion Paste
- Crisp Ramen Noodles
- Assemble Gourmet Ramen
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra crunch, toss the fried noodles with a pinch of sea salt while still hot
- A tiny drizzle of toasted sesame oil over the finished bowl adds depth without overwhelming the dish
Troubleshooting
Noodles become soggy after adding crispy ramen.
Add the crispy noodles just before serving and avoid mixing them too vigorously.
Egg whites overcook while waiting for the yolk to stay runny.
Cook the egg over medium heat and cover briefly to set the top without flipping.
Scallion paste is too salty.
Use only half of the seasoning packet for the paste and adjust with a splash of water.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover noodles and scallion paste in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Re‑heat gently; the egg is best served fresh.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of crispy noodles will degrade.
Room temperature: Do not leave assembled dish at room temperature for more than 1 hour.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the scallion paste and sliced garnish up to 2 hours ahead and keep refrigerated
- Crisp the ramen noodles just before serving to retain crunch
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of instant ramen in Japanese cuisine?
Instant ramen was invented in Japan in 1958 by Momofuku Ando as an affordable, quick meal for post‑war households. It quickly became a cultural icon, symbolizing convenience and creativity, and today it is enjoyed worldwide in countless variations.
How are scallions traditionally used in Japanese cooking and why are they featured in this ramen dish?
Scallions (negi) are a staple garnish in Japanese cuisine, adding fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color to soups, noodles, and grilled dishes. In this recipe they provide both flavor in the paste and visual contrast as curls and strips.
What regional variations of ramen incorporate crispy noodles or fried toppings?
Certain regional styles like Hokkaido miso ramen and Kyushu tonkotsu ramen often include crunchy toppings such as fried garlic, nori, or even deep‑fried ramen noodles (abura soba). The crispy noodle element in this recipe echoes those textural traditions.
During which Japanese celebrations or everyday meals is a simple egg‑topped ramen commonly served?
A soft‑boiled or sunny‑side‑up egg is a classic ramen topping served year‑round, from quick weekday lunches to late‑night izakaya meals. It adds protein and richness without requiring special occasion.
What makes this gourmet instant ramen unique compared to standard instant ramen preparation?
The dish elevates the basic packet by creating a savory scallion‑seasoning paste, adding texture with fried ramen curls, and finishing with a perfectly cooked egg, turning a $1 snack into a balanced, restaurant‑style bowl.
How does the use of scallion paste reflect modern Japanese home‑cooking trends?
Modern Japanese home cooks often remix pantry staples into fresh condiments. Making a quick scallion paste from the ramen seasoning packet mirrors the trend of maximizing flavor while minimizing waste and cost.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with this gourmet ramen?
Serve alongside a simple cucumber sunomono salad, pickled ginger (gari), or a side of edamame for a balanced meal that complements the rich ramen without overwhelming the palate.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this gourmet instant ramen at home?
Common pitfalls include over‑cooking the noodles, which makes them mushy; burning the crispy ramen by using too high heat; and over‑cooking the egg, which eliminates the desired runny yolk. Follow the timed steps and keep heat moderate for best results.
Why does this recipe use a scallion paste instead of adding raw scallions directly to the broth?
Blending the scallion with the ramen seasoning creates a concentrated, evenly distributed flavor base that coats each noodle strand, whereas raw scallions would stay on the surface and provide only a fleeting burst of taste.
What does the YouTube channel Mythical Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Mythical Kitchen focuses on creative, budget‑friendly cooking challenges, often turning everyday pantry items into gourmet‑style dishes with a playful, myth‑themed twist.
How does the YouTube channel Mythical Kitchen's approach to Japanese-inspired dishes differ from other cooking channels?
Mythical Kitchen blends humor and storytelling with practical cooking tips, emphasizing cost‑effective ingredients and inventive techniques, whereas many other channels may prioritize high‑end ingredients or strict authenticity.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
