Snack Hacks: South Korean Ramen Upgrades!

Snack Hacks: South Korean Ramen Upgrades!

Everyone knows a bit of egg or ham takes a little ramen a long way, but do you know about these other ways to level up your Korean ramen game?

Ramen is a globally appreciated and enjoyed Southeast Asian meal, and its variety is expansive. However, almost as popular as the ramen itself are the many additional toppings or techniques people like to add to spice it up. Of course, an egg or slice of ham is sure to make your experience more enjoyable, but what are some uniquely Korean ways to personalize your ramen? Read this list to find out!

Kimchi

Any comprehensive list of Korean additions wouldnโ€™t be complete without the national dish of Korea itself. Assuming that your ramen isnโ€™t already kimchi-flavored, kimchi is an amazing way to add both acidity and a bit of spiciness to your instant noodles. Whether you enjoy it on the side or in the soup itself, you can never go wrong with kimchi!

Spam

What do you think of when the word โ€œspamโ€ comes to mind? An ignored section of your email? In this scenario, โ€œspamโ€ actually refers to the cooked canned meat that you can find in your local supermarket. While some may dislike the idea of eating canned meat, South Korea actually has a soft spot for the product: itโ€™s considered a luxury item. When sliced, this tasty adjustment makes a nice salty and savory addition to any ramen!

Another tip: Fry it up a bit on a hot pan to add a bit of crunch to your Spam!

American Sliced Cheese

Nope! Thatโ€™s not a typo. Putting American cheese slices over ramen is a common way that many Koreans like to enjoy it. Adding a slice of American cheese can have many effects on the ramen itself, whether it be thickening the soup or calming the spiciness. Having a thin layer of cheese over a bite of noodles is always enjoyable as well!

Sausage

Convenience stores are huge in Korea, with many being a haven of snacking culture. As a result, it only makes sense that many would try to mix various items. Korean convenience stores have a reputation for one item in particular, sausages. Sausages, whether on a stick or in a peel-able casing, are readily-available in almost any Korean convenience store. Simply slice one up and put it in your ramen for a satisfyingly meaty addition!

Tteok

Definitely a uniquely Korean addition, adding in tteok, Korean rice cakes, certifies that no excess sauce or soup goes to waste! Not only that, but it also ensures that your meal will be filling in case just having ramen noodles isnโ€™t enough. A great addition for anyone with a big appetite, putting tteok in your ramen is a good way to fill you up!

Baked Eggs

Not boiled, baked. Baked eggs are a common occurrence in Korean convenience stores, and adding one or two to a bowl of ramen is always sure to please. Even if you canโ€™t find baked eggs in a store near you, you can make your own or substitute boiled eggs instead.

While the classic flavor of your favorite instant ramen is always a delight, these uniquely Korean additions add another level to any ramen-eating experience. These are just a couple of things you may want to add for a Korean-spin on ramen, but donโ€™t be afraid to experiment with your own! ย 

What did you think of these additions? Have you tried them before?


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