#nodles

Step up your ramen game and turn them from ordinary staple to extraordinary culinary creation!

 Once upon a time, ramen noodles were simply known as a dorm room essential for the college student on a tight budget. But with some creative additions, you can bring a bowl of ramen to a whole new level. Here’s 10 ways to turn this pantry staple into an epicurean delight.

1. Phabulous Pho 

Cook noodles according to package, but only use half of the seasoning packet. Add juice of 1 lime, a tablespoon of sugar, 2 teaspoons of fish sauce, and if desired, a good pinch of pepper flakes to the broth. Put into a serving bowl, and add 1 to 2 ounces thinly sliced flank steak (it cooks in the broth), a handful of bean sprouts, and some mixed herbs like basil and cilantro, to taste.

2. Beef and Snow Pea Stir-Fry

Toss a quarter pound of thinly sliced flank steak with half of the seasoning packet, then simmer the noodles until they separate; drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil until smoking. Add beef and cook until well-browned (about 1 minute). Add a quarter pound of snap peas and stir fry for about 1 minute. Add another tablespoon of oil, the noodles, the rest of the seasoning packet, a couple tablespoons of oyster sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Toss until well-coated, then serve.

3. Hawaiian Ramen

Pan-fry spam and toss it in with drained ramen noodles. Fry up an egg in the same pan you used to fry the spam so it gets that spam-tastic taste and throw it on top of the noodles. Add some sweet pineapple chunks and finish it off with Japanese-style barbecue sauce.

4. Chilled Coconut and Peanut Ramen Salad

Prepare noodles as directed, then drain and add them back to a pot filled with cold water. Mix together a couple tablespoons of chunky peanut butter, half of the seasoning packet, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, and a tablespoon of chili-garlic sauce or sriracha to taste. Add a little water to adjust consistency; then toss in the noodles along with some chopped cilantro, peanuts, and unsweetened coconut flakes until coated thoroughly.

5. Chili Cheese Ramen

Cook noodles as directed, drain, and top with canned chili and shredded cheese.

6. Ramen and Meatballs

Prepare noodles as directed; drain. Add pasta sauce and cooked meatballs (you can find these in any frozen food section).

7. Ramen Frittata

Split finely-crushed uncooked noodles between two microwave-safe mugs. Stir 1 lightly beaten egg, ½ cup milk, shredded cheddar cheese and seasoning packet in small bowl. Pour evenly into mugs. Microwave 1 ½ to 2 minutes on high until cooked through; let stand 1 minute. Top each with a slice of cooked bacon.

8. Marshmallow Crispy Ramen

Microwave 10 regular-size marshmallows and 1 tablespoon butter in medium microwave-safe bowl on high for 1 minute or until melted. Stir in finely-crushed uncooked noodles. Let them to soften; then shape into a bar.

9. Creamy Chicken ala Ramen

Heat up 1 can cream of chicken soup and 1 cup water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once simmering, add 1 package of ramen sans seasoning; cook until noodles are soft and separated. Transfer to a bowl and sprinkle with dried Italian seasoning.

10. Ramen and Eggs

Perhaps the most simple of all, just crack 2 eggs into the pot as you’re cooking the noodles. Leave them intact or stir in beaten eggs. The broth will cook it perfectly. Add the seasoning packet at the end.