The Ultimate Guide to Upgrading Your Ramen

Ramen isn’t just food—it’s an experience. That first steamy slurp? Pure comfort. But if you’ve been sticking to instant ramen, it’s time to take it up a notch. Whether you’re looking for easy ramen upgrades or creative toppings, this guide has all the tips to turn a basic bowl into something amazing because your ramen deserves better! Vegan + Gluten-free Options.

I absolutely love a good bowl of ramen noodles, especially when it’s spicy ramen with that perfect kick. But y’all, the real magic of ramen is in the broth & ramen toppings. There are so many simple ways to upgrade instant ramen, from adding a rich, flavorful ramen broth to piling on fresh, creative toppings. Whether you’re making easy ramen upgrades or going all in with homemade ramen, your next bowl is about to get next-level ramen delicious!

Jump to:

• What Is Ramen?
• Upgrade Your Broth for Richer Flavor
• Perfect Your Noodles
• Best Protein Options for Your Ramen Bowl
• Toppings That Take Ramen to the Next Level
• More Lifestyle + Food Tips You Might Enjoy
• DID THIS HELP IN ANY WAY?

What Is Ramen?

Ramen is a beloved Japanese noodle soup that's all about comfort + flavor. It’s usually made with wheat noodles (but don’t worry, I’ll give y’all some other options too) swimming in a tasty, rich broth. Over time, ramen has evolved into tons of different styles, each with its own spin. Most bowls come loaded with delicious toppings, like juicy slices of meat, fresh veggies, chili, herbs, and more—giving you a mix of textures and flavors in every bite.

Upgrade Your Broth for Richer Flavor

The broth is the heart and soul of any great bowl of ramen. If you’ve been relying on that little seasoning packet, it’s time to kick things up a notch. There are plenty of easy, flavor-packed ways to elevate your broth, and trust me, the difference is so worth it.

Broth upgrade ideas:

• Bone broth or stock – Swap water for rich chicken, beef, or veggie broth to bring out deeper, heartier flavors. It’s the perfect base for ramen noodles that’ll make you feel like you’re dining at your favorite ramen shop. My fave brands are Bare & Bones as well as Kettle & Fire.
• Miso paste – Want to add some serious umami? A spoonful of miso paste transforms your broth into a savory, flavorful masterpiece.
• Coconut milk – For a creamy, slightly sweet twist, try adding coconut milk to your broth. It’s perfect for a Thai-inspired ramen bowl, and adds an unexpected richness.
• Soy sauce + sesame oil – This combo is a quick and easy way to deepen the flavor profile. The salty soy sauce pairs beautifully with the nutty warmth of sesame oil for an umami-packed base.
• Spicy gochujang or chili oil – If you like your ramen with a kick, this one’s a game-changer. Gochujang (Korean chili paste) or a drizzle of chili oil, or hot sauce will add bold heat and a lot of flavor to your broth.
• Homemade ramen broth – For those looking to really take things to the next level, making homemade ramen broth is totally worth the time. Simmering chicken or pork bones with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a rich, complex broth that’s perfect for ramen noodles and will have your taste buds dancing.

Perfect Your Noodles

Most ramen recipes call for traditional wheat noodles, and y'all you can totally keep it simple with the noodles from the packet. But if you're in the mood to level up your ramen, here are some noodle upgrades you can try:

• Gluten-free noodles - If you're gluten-free or just want to mix things up, gluten-free ramen noodles made from rice or buckwheat are a game-changer. They bring a unique texture and flavor that holds up beautifully in brothy soups—plus, they’re totally satisfying.
• Udon noodles - Thick, chewy, and great for rich, hearty broths.
• Egg noodles - Rich and silky, perfect for bold broths.
• Shirataki noodles - For a low-carb alternative, shirataki noodles made from konjac root are a great choice. These noodles absorb the broth's flavors while being light + satisfying.
• Homemade noodles - If you're feeling adventurous, making your own ramen noodles can bring an entirely fresh texture to your dish.

Best Protein Options for Your Ramen Bowl

The right protein can really take your ramen to the next level. Whether you're craving meat, tofu, or something plant-based, here are some tasty options to make your bowl even better:

• Chashu pork - Tender, melt-in-your-mouth braised pork belly.
• Chicken - See my shredded chicken recipe!
• Shredded beef - Hearty, savory beef for a bold twist.
• Soft-boiled egg - Creamy, runny yolk that complements any broth.
• Tofu - Silky, flavor-absorbing tofu for a plant-based option.
• Tempeh - Nutty, firm tempeh adds texture + depth.

Toppings That Take Ramen to the Next Level

Toppings are where you can get really creative, and I'm always up for more ramen toppings, but sometimes there's only so much room in the bowl… Here are some delicious topping ideas to consider!

• Soft-boiled or marinated ramen eggs aka Ajitsuke Tamago are a very traditional topping.
• Seaweed sheets (nori) torn into strips for a savory taste!
• Bean sprouts for a refreshing crunch
• Sliced mushrooms. Shiitake, enoki, or shimeji for umami richness.
• Spinach or other leafy greens for added nutrition
• Pickled ginger or radish for tanginess and brightness
• Furikake (Japanese seasoning) for an extra umami boost!
• Corn for a juicy pop of flavor.

Final Touches

Ramen is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the stomach—add a few small details for the perfect finishing touch:

• Fresh herbs - A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, green onions, or thai basil adds a fresh pop of color + aroma to your ramen.
• Peanuts - A little crunch and nutty flavor to balance the broth.
• Kimchi - Spicy, tangy, and packed with flavor.
• Lemon or lime - A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice just before serving can add brightness and a citrusy zing that cuts through the richness of the broth.
• Fried onions or garlic chips - Add extra crunch and flavor.
• Chili flakes or chili oil - If you like heat.
• Sesame seeds - Adds a nutty crunch.

Upgrading your ramen is all about getting creative and having fun with it. You don’t need to overcomplicate things—just add some extra flavor, texture, and personality to your bowl. Whether you’re making it from scratch or giving packet ramen a glow-up, these simple upgrades will take your bowl from good to amazing. So go ahead, take your ramen game up a notch—your taste buds will thank you!

More Lifestyle + Food Tips You Might Enjoy

If you loved learning about these ramen upgrades, then check out these posts next:

• How to Cut, Dice, + Make Caramelized Onion
• How To Freeze Fresh Herbs
• 10+ Surprising Foods That Can Be Frozen
• 5 Tips For Better Bean Digestion
• 10 Plant-Based Foods Loaded With Iron
• The Complete Beginner's Guide to Intermittent Fasting
• Best Tips for Cooking Sockeye Salmon

DID THIS HELP IN ANY WAY?

If you've learned anything from The Ultimate Guide to Upgrading Your Ramen or given any recipes on my website a go, I'd truly appreciate it if you could share your experience by leaving a ⭐ star rating and dropping your thoughts in the 📝  comments below. Your feedback means a lot, and I love hearing from you on your wellness journey!

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