The ultimate ramen hack
The ultimate ramen hack! is a easy Korean Fusion recipe that serves 2. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Corey & Alicia on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 15 min
Cost: $30.72 total, $15.36 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 package Shin Ramen (spicy) Pack (120 g, includes noodle block and seasoning packet)
- 1 cup Elbow Macaroni (dry, about 75 g; any small pasta shape works)
- 2 cups Water (for boiling; can adjust for desired sauce thickness)
- 2 stalks Green Onion (thinly sliced, optional garnish)
Instructions
Boil Water
Add 2 cups of water to the saucepan and bring to a rolling boil over medium‑high heat.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: High heat
Add Noodles and Pasta
Once boiling, add the Shin ramen noodle block and the dry elbow macaroni to the pot.
Time: PT30S
Cook
Cook for 4½ minutes, stirring once halfway through, until both the ramen noodles and macaroni are tender but still slightly al dente.
Time: PT4M30S
Temperature: Medium heat
Drain Excess Water
Turn off the heat and carefully pour the contents into a colander, reserving about ¼ cup of the cooking liquid.
Time: PT1M
Add Seasoning
Return the noodles and macaroni to the saucepan, sprinkle in the Shin ramen seasoning packet, and toss to combine. Add the reserved broth if the mixture looks dry.
Time: PT1M
Garnish and Serve
Transfer to bowls, sprinkle sliced green onion on top, and serve immediately while hot.
Time: PT30S
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 80 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Wheat, Gluten, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Shin Ramen (spicy) Pack: Other Korean spicy instant ramen, Spicy ramen cup
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: Small shells, Ditalini
- Instead of Green Onion: Chives, Scallions
Equipment Needed
- Medium Saucepan
- Stove
- Colander or Strainer
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cup
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Boiling water to a rolling boil before adding noodles.
- Cooking for exactly 4½ minutes to avoid mushy noodles.
- Draining most of the water but keeping a small amount of broth.
- Fully incorporating the seasoning packet.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra richness, stir in a slice of processed cheese right after adding the seasoning.
- Top with a soft‑boiled egg for added protein and texture.
- If you want a crunchier texture, sprinkle crushed fried onions just before serving.
Troubleshooting
The dish is too watery.
Drain more of the cooking liquid and add the reserved broth back a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
Noodles are mushy.
Reduce cooking time to 3‑4 minutes and use al dente pasta; start timing as soon as the water returns to a boil after adding noodles.
Too spicy for your taste.
Add a splash of milk, a dollop of plain yogurt, or a pinch of sugar to mellow the heat.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Reheat in microwave or on stovetop with a splash of water.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of noodles degrades.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the noodles and macaroni ahead of time, rinse under cold water, and store in the fridge. Add fresh broth and seasoning when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Shin ramen in Korean cuisine?
Shin ramen, produced by Nongshim, is one of Korea's most iconic instant noodle brands, known for its bold, spicy broth that reflects the Korean love for heat and umami. Since its launch in the 1980s, it has become a staple comfort food for students and busy workers, often enjoyed as a quick snack or late‑night meal.
How does the Shin Mac Ramen Hack fit into Korean fusion food trends?
The Shin Mac Ramen Hack blends traditional Korean instant ramen with Western pasta, exemplifying the playful fusion trend where home cooks combine familiar pantry items to create novel, Instagram‑ready dishes. It showcases Korean cuisine's adaptability and its influence on global comfort‑food culture.
What traditional Korean side dishes (banchan) would pair well with the Shin Mac Ramen Hack?
Simple banchan such as kimchi, pickled radish (danmuji), or seasoned spinach (sigeumchi namul) provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy noodles and add traditional Korean flavor balance.
What occasions or celebrations is Shin ramen traditionally associated with in Korea?
Shin ramen is commonly enjoyed during late‑night study sessions, after‑work snacks, and as a comfort food during rainy days. It’s also a popular quick meal for college students during exam periods.
What are the authentic ingredients of Shin ramen compared to the Shin Mac Ramen Hack?
Authentic Shin ramen includes only the noodle block, a spicy broth powder, and a small packet of dried vegetable flakes. The Shin Mac Ramen Hack adds elbow macaroni, extra water, and optional garnishes, creating a hybrid dish that deviates from the original recipe.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Shin Mac Ramen Hack?
Common errors include overcooking the noodles, which makes the dish mushy, and draining too much liquid, leaving the seasoning unable to coat the pasta. Also, neglecting to stir the seasoning evenly can result in uneven spiciness.
Why does this Shin Mac Ramen Hack recipe use a 4½‑minute cooking time instead of the 5‑minute time on the Shin ramen package?
Because the addition of macaroni increases the total surface area and cooking speed, a slightly shorter time (4½ minutes) ensures both the ramen noodles and the pasta stay al dente and prevent the dish from becoming soggy.
Can I make the Shin Mac Ramen Hack ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can pre‑cook the noodles and macaroni, rinse them under cold water, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, reheat with a splash of water and stir in the seasoning packet.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Shin Mac Ramen Hack is done?
The noodles should be tender yet slightly chewy, the macaroni should be al dente, and the broth should coat the pasta with a glossy, deep red hue from the seasoning. The dish should look vibrant, not watery.
What does the YouTube channel Corey & Alicia specialize in?
The YouTube channel Corey & Alicia focuses on fun, experimental home cooking videos, often featuring quick hacks, comfort food twists, and playful challenges that encourage viewers to try unconventional flavor combos.
How does the YouTube channel Corey & Alicia's approach to Korean-inspired recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Corey & Alicia blend humor with culinary experimentation, presenting Korean-inspired dishes like the Shin Mac Ramen Hack in a casual, relatable style rather than strict traditional technique, which sets them apart from more formal Korean cooking channels.
Last updated: August 25, 2026
