Instant Ramen Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Crispy ramen buns filled with melted cheese and a spicy kick for a satisfying snack.

# Ingredient List:

→ Ramen

01 - 1 package (3 oz) instant ramen noodles, seasoning packet reserved or discarded
02 - 1 large egg

→ Cheese Filling

03 - 4 slices (2.8 oz) cheddar cheese or preferred variety
04 - 2 teaspoons hot sauce, adjust to taste

→ For Cooking

05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# Steps:

01 - Boil water in a medium saucepan. Add ramen noodles and cook for 2 minutes until just tender. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
02 - In a mixing bowl, beat the egg. Add the drained noodles, season lightly with salt and pepper, and mix until evenly coated.
03 - Divide noodles into four equal portions. Using a ring mold or small bowl lined with parchment, press each portion firmly to form a compact patty approximately the size of a sandwich bread slice.
04 - Melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry noodle patties in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and repeat with remaining patties as needed.
05 - Place two noodle patties on a clean surface. Layer two slices of cheese on each and drizzle hot sauce on top. Cover with the remaining patties to form sandwiches.
06 - Wipe skillet clean, add remaining butter, and return sandwiches to the pan. Cook over low heat, pressing gently, for 2 to 3 minutes per side until cheese melts completely and exteriors are crisp.
07 - Slice sandwiches in half and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's the kind of dish that tastes far more impressive than the five minutes of actual work it requires.
  • Ramen noodles get wonderfully crispy and almost nutty when cooked this way, creating a texture you won't find anywhere else.
  • Hot sauce and melted cheese over crunchy noodles hits every flavor and texture craving at once.
02 -
  • Do not overcook the ramen—two minutes is genuinely the limit because softer noodles won't develop that crucial crispy crust when fried.
  • Drying the cooked ramen matters more than you'd think; any excess water turns into steam and prevents crisping.
  • Low heat for the final melt is non-negotiable; medium or high heat will burn the noodles before the cheese finishes melting.
03 -
  • Use a ring mold or even a biscuit cutter to shape perfectly uniform patties that cook evenly and look intentional.
  • Reserve the ramen seasoning packet—you might not use it in the noodles themselves, but a tiny sprinkle on top of the cheese before grilling adds an umami punch that feels almost secret.
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