ramen hacks ~ creamy buldak carbonara
ramen hacks ~ creamy buldak carbonara is a easy Japanese Fusion recipe that serves 2. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by jasmineandtea on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 25 min
Cost: $9.53 total, $4.76 per serving
Ingredients
- 200 g Spam (cut into ½‑inch cubes)
- 2 packages Instant Ramen (Stir Fry B Carbonara flavor) (includes two seasoning packets)
- 2 large Egg (only yolks, room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise (regular mayo)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (for pan‑frying Spam)
- 4 cups Water (for boiling noodles)
- 1 tablespoon Green Onion (thinly sliced, optional garnish)
Instructions
Cube and Pan‑Fry Spam
Cut the Spam into ½‑inch cubes. Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add the vegetable oil, and pan‑fry the Spam cubes until golden and crispy, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper‑towel‑lined plate.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 375°F
Boil Water
In the saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 212°F
Cook Ramen Noodles
Add the ramen noodles to the boiling water and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until just al dente. Drain using the strainer, reserving ¼ cup of the cooking water.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 212°F
Make the Creamy Carbonara Sauce
In the mixing bowl, combine the two seasoning packets from the ramen, the egg yolks, and the tablespoon of mayonnaise. Whisk vigorously until smooth and slightly thickened.
Time: PT2M
Combine Noodles and Sauce
Return the drained noodles to the saucepan over low heat. Quickly pour the sauce over the noodles, tossing continuously to coat. Add a splash of the reserved cooking water if the sauce seems too thick. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, just to warm the sauce without scrambling the egg.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Low
Plate and Garnish
Divide the creamy ramen into two bowls. Top each serving with the crispy Spam cubes and sprinkle with sliced green onion if using. Serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 22g
- Carbohydrates
- 70g
- Fat
- 22g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains gluten, Not vegan, Not vegetarian
Allergens: Eggs, Wheat (gluten), Soy (seasoning packets)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Spam: Diced ham, Bacon, Firm tofu (vegetarian)
- Instead of Instant Ramen (Stir Fry B Carbonara flavor): Any instant ramen, Udon noodles
- Instead of Egg: Egg yolk replacer
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Vegan mayo
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
- Instead of Green Onion: Chives
Equipment Needed
- Non‑Stick Skillet
- Medium Saucepan
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Pan‑fry Spam cubes until golden and crispy.
- Whisk egg yolks, mayo, and seasoning packets into a smooth emulsion.
- Toss noodles quickly with the sauce over low heat to avoid curdling the egg.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑smoke‑point oil like canola for the crispiest Spam.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Reserve a bit of the noodle cooking water; the starch helps bind the sauce to the noodles.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too runny.
Add a little more mayonnaise or whisk in a teaspoon of the reserved noodle water until the desired thickness is reached.
Egg yolk curdles and looks scrambled.
Reduce the heat to low and stir continuously; remove from heat as soon as the sauce coats the noodles.
Spam is soggy instead of crispy.
Pat the Spam cubes dry before frying and make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the oil.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water.
Freezer: Not recommended; noodles become mushy after freezing.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pan‑fry the Spam ahead of time and store in the fridge; re‑heat briefly before serving.
- Prepare the yolk‑mayo sauce and keep it chilled for up to 24 hours; give it a quick whisk before using.
- Cook the noodles slightly al dente if you plan to reheat later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Spam Ramen in Japanese‑American fusion cuisine?
Spam became popular in post‑World War II Japan and later in Hawaiian and Japanese‑American cooking, where it is often paired with noodles for a quick, protein‑rich meal. Combining Spam with instant ramen reflects the resourceful spirit of blending Western canned meat with Asian comfort food.
What are the traditional regional variations of carbonara‑style ramen in Japanese fusion cooking?
While classic Italian carbonara uses pancetta and Pecorino, Japanese fusion versions often swap the pork with Spam or bacon and incorporate ramen seasoning packets for a creamy, umami‑rich sauce. Some regions add miso or soy sauce for extra depth.
How is Spam traditionally served in Hawaiian cuisine, and how does this recipe adapt that tradition?
In Hawaii, Spam is commonly grilled, fried, or cubed in dishes like Spam musubi and fried rice. This recipe adapts the crispy, salty flavor of Hawaiian‑style Spam by using it as a crunchy topping for a creamy ramen bowl.
What occasions or celebrations is Spam Ramen commonly associated with in Japanese‑American households?
Spam ramen is a popular quick‑meal for busy weeknights, late‑night snacks, and casual gatherings where convenience and comfort are prized. It’s also served at potlucks and student dorms because it uses pantry staples.
What makes this Spicy Creamy Spam Ramen Carbonara special compared to regular instant ramen?
The dish upgrades plain instant ramen with a rich carbonara‑style sauce made from egg yolk and mayo, adds a spicy kick from the seasoning packets, and introduces texture contrast with crispy Spam cubes, turning a basic snack into a hearty meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Spicy Creamy Spam Ramen Carbonara?
Common errors include over‑cooking the egg sauce, which causes curdling; under‑frying Spam, resulting in soggy cubes; and using too much water, which dilutes the creamy sauce. Follow the critical steps and keep the heat low when tossing the sauce.
Why does this recipe use mayonnaise and egg yolk instead of heavy cream for the carbonara sauce?
Mayonnaise provides a stable emulsion that thickens quickly without curdling, while the egg yolk adds richness and traditional carbonara flavor. This combination works well with the high heat of ramen cooking and keeps the dish dairy‑free.
Can I make Spicy Creamy Spam Ramen Carbonara ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cook the Spam and sauce separately, store each in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat the Spam briefly and toss the noodles with the sauce just before serving to retain the creamy texture.
What does the YouTube channel jasmineandtea specialize in?
The YouTube channel jasmineandtea focuses on quick, budget‑friendly Asian‑inspired meals, kitchen hacks, and creative twists on pantry staples, often featuring easy‑to‑follow tutorials for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel jasmineandtea's approach to Japanese‑fusion cooking differ from other cooking channels?
jasmineandtea emphasizes using leftover or inexpensive ingredients like Spam and instant noodles, turning them into flavorful dishes with minimal equipment. The channel’s style is casual, fast‑paced, and geared toward busy cooks looking for tasty shortcuts.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
