A bowl of creamy lemon ramen garnished with fresh herbs and lemon slices.

Creamy Lemon Ramen

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Lemon Ramen is an excellent dish for those looking for a quick yet delicious meal. It combines the comforting texture of ramen noodles with a rich and tangy sauce made from olive oil, miso, and lemon. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a unique flavor that is both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re a ramen lover or just looking to try something new, this dish will surely please your taste buds.

How to Make Creamy Lemon Ramen

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp miso paste
  • 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan, plus extra for serving
  • Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 packets ramen noodles of your choice
  • ¼ cup finely sliced spring onion (scallions)

Directions

  1. Place a large pot of water over high heat and bring it to a boil.
  2. While waiting for the water, place the olive oil, miso paste, parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Gently heat and mix until the parmesan and miso dissolve a little. Don’t worry if it looks a bit lumpy at this stage; that’s normal.
  3. Turn off the heat and set the sauce aside for later.
  4. Remove any seasoning packs from your ramen noodle packets. You can keep them for later in case you’d like to sprinkle them over your finished dish.
  5. Cook the ramen noodles in the boiling water for a couple of minutes or until just cooked but still a little firm.
  6. Reserve about a third of a cup of the noodle cooking liquid and scoop it out.
  7. Transfer the noodles straight into the pan with the sauce. Add the reserved noodle cooking liquid and turn the heat to high.
  8. Swirl and toss the noodles in the sauce for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and everything looks thick, shiny, and luscious.
  9. Toss through the spring onions.
  10. Divide the noodles among serving bowls and grate over extra parmesan. Optionally, sprinkle a dash of the seasonings from your ramen noodle packets.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Ramen

Serve Creamy Lemon Ramen hot in individual bowls. Top with extra parmesan and spring onions for added flavor and color. For a little extra kick, you can sprinkle some of the reserved seasoning from the ramen packets. This dish pairs nicely with a light salad or steamed vegetables on the side.

How to Store Creamy Lemon Ramen

If you have leftovers, store the Creamy Lemon Ramen in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over low heat. You might need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make Creamy Lemon Ramen

  • Make sure to adjust the level of lemon to suit your taste. If you prefer a stronger citrus flavor, add a bit more lemon juice or zest.
  • If the sauce is too thick, you can add more of the reserved noodle cooking liquid to reach your desired consistency.
  • For an added layer of flavor, consider adding some cooked chicken or shrimp to your ramen during the tossing step.

Variations

You can easily customize Creamy Lemon Ramen by adding your favorite veggies such as broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You might also swap the parmesan cheese with another type of cheese such as cheddar or go vegan with a plant-based alternative.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of noodles instead of ramen?
Yes, you can use other types of noodles like udon or soba. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type.

2. Is this dish vegetarian?
It is vegetarian, but if you want it to be vegan, simply omit the parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free ramen noodles and ensure that the miso paste and any other ingredients you use are gluten-free.

Enjoy your creamy and zesty ramen adventure!