101 Things to do with Ramon Noodles

(source)

Before you write me off for my love affair with Ramen Noodles, hear me out. Raise your hand if you would rather spend your time doing something other than cooking. Raises hand. And raise your hand if in those moments you do need to cook, a big meal would leave you with no time left in the night. Raises hand again. Jerry rides the train to and from Nashville and we don't get home until 6:15ish. We have to get him at the station in the mornings by 7:07 so we can't use a crockpot meals and it's hard to cook a well-balanced meal after 6:15 when we really should be finished with dinner by 6:30 or 7 pm.

I started this affair in college. And in college, lazy became my primary trait. I'm such a winner. I'm sure that 95% of our American population has eaten Ramen Noodles at least once in their lives. They're salty, have lots and lots of noodles, and are the perfect food when you're high. I promise I've never been high. 

One of my stocking gifts for Christmas a few years ago was this book above, "101 Things to do with Ramen Noodles", and it has some pretty creative ideas to mix up what you're used to knowing about them. So whether you're high, hungry, lazy or whatever, find this book and try the recipes.

Toni Patrick breaks up the book in several sections. Here is a list of some of my favorites.

1. RAMEN BURGERS
     1 pkg. beef ramen noodles, with seasoning packet
     1 lb. ground beef
     1 egg
     Hamburger buns
     Condiments
Cook noodles 1 1/2 minutes and drain. Add beef, egg, and 1/2 of the seasoning packet. Mix well and form into four patties. Grill or cook 5 minutes per side, or until done. Serve with the usual hamburger fixings. Makes 4 hamburgers.

2. RAMEN FAJITAS
     2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in strips
     1 1/2 cups sliced onion
     1 cup sliced red or green bell peppers
     2 cups salsa
     2 pkgs. ramen noodles, any flavor
     1/2 cup sour cream
In a frying pan, brown chicken until done. Add onion, peppers, and salsa and cook over medium heat until vegetables are tender. Cook noodles in water according to package directions and drain. Serve chicken mixture over warm noodles and top with sour cream. Makes 2 servings.

3. TWICE-BAKED TUNA CASSEROLE
     2 pkgs. ramen noodles, any flavor, with seasoning packets
     2 cans tuna, drained
     1 cup cheese
     1/2 cup chopped onion
     1 cup crushed potato chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook noodles in water according to package directions and drain. Season with 1 seasoning packet. Mix tuna, cheese, onion, and noodles together in a small casserole dish and bake 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle chips over top and bake 15 more minutes. Makes 2-4 servings.

4. MEATY SPAGHETTI
     2 pkgs. ramen noodles, any flavor
     1 to 2 cups spaghetti sauce
     1 lb. ground beef or sausage, browned and drained
     Grated Parmesan cheese
Cook noodles in water according to package directions and drain. In a saucepan, heat sauce and cooked beef over medium heat 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. Spoon sauce over warm noodles and then sprinkle with cheese. Makes 2-4 servings.

Like the title mentions, there are 101 things to do with ramen noodles. These were just some that we loved. Are there any maybe-not-so-good foods that you want to try with other ingredients? Or has this post sparked some ideas in your head? Share those with me and we can share the recipes together!!