7 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Instant Ramen

American Cheese

Drape a slice over cooked ramen and watch it melt like a warm, comforting cheesy blanket. Stir it up for a creamy broth.

Seaweed Snacks

For that ramen-shop look, garnish your bowl with a square or two. It’ll dissolve for a hit of extra-briny, umami-packed flavor.

Eggs

A soft-boiled egg is a classic ramen topper, but you can also crack one into the hot broth, then stir until it’s rich and silky, à la egg drop soup.

Fresh Veggies

Slice ’em thinly and drop into the pot with the seasoning packet. The veggies will be crisp-tender when the noodles are done.

Spicy Things

Hot sauce, a teaspoon of Thai curry paste, pickled jalapeños, kimchi, or crushed red pepper—all of these will finish your bowl with a kick.

Herbs

We always marvel at what a dash of fresh green can do for a dish. Cilantro, parsley, chives—any chopped herb will liven up those noodles.

Crunchy Stuff

Add fried onions (the green bean topper), crumbled bacon, sesame seeds, or bean sprouts. Then slurp and munch!