Instant Ramen Upgrade with Mushrooms Garlic and Ginger

Instant ramen is already dinner. This just gives it a little more personality.

What You Need

• 1 package instant ramen

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1–2 green onions, sliced

• Hot sauce, optional

• 1 egg, tofu, leftover chicken, or edamame, optional

How to Make It

1. Start the Broth

Prepare the ramen according to the package directions. Use the seasoning packet if you like it.

2. Add the Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms while the broth heats so they have time to soften.

3. Add Garlic and Ginger

Add the fresh garlic and ginger during the final minute or two of cooking. You want them fragrant, not cooked into submission.

4. Add the Noodles

Cook the noodles according to the package directions.

5. Finish

Top with green onion and hot sauce if you want it. Add an egg, tofu, leftover chicken, or edamame if you want something extra.

Calm Kitchen Skill: Upgrade Convenience Food Instead of Replacing It

Convenience food does not need to be thrown out and rebuilt from scratch before it becomes useful.

• Start with the ramen.

• Add something fresh.

• Add something flavorful.

• Add protein if you want it.

Dinner does not have to begin with an empty cutting board.

Jillian's Kitchen Note

This is one of my favorite kinds of cooking: start with the easy thing and make it better. Not everything needs to be homemade to count.

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Jillian Guralski, MBA, MS, RDN, LDN is a Registered Dietitian and nutrition educator with more than 15 years of experience. She created The Jillian Method to make food, cooking, and everyday health habits feel more practical, flexible, and easier to live with.