Ramen Carbonara Hack (Printer View)

Instant ramen noodles tossed in a silky egg and cheese sauce with savory bacon or veggies.

# Components:

→ Noodles

01 - 1 packet instant ramen noodles (exclude flavor packet)

→ Sauce

02 - 1 large egg
03 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano (approximately 33 grams)
04 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
05 - 1 clove garlic, minced
06 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 - Pinch of salt

→ Toppings & Additions

08 - 2 strips cooked bacon or pancetta, chopped (optional)
09 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
10 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese, to serve

# Method:

01 - Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook for 3 minutes or according to package instructions. Drain well, reserving 2 tablespoons of the hot cooking water.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, grated Parmesan, heavy cream if using, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
03 - Return the hot noodles to the pot off the heat. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the noodles, tossing vigorously to coat evenly. Add the reserved hot water gradually to achieve a silky sauce consistency.
04 - Incorporate the chopped cooked bacon or pancetta if desired. Transfer to a serving bowl.
05 - Top with extra grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately to enjoy optimal texture and flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This recipe transforms 3 dollar instant ramen into restaurant worthy comfort food in just 15 minutes
  • The creamy egg sauce creates the same luxurious texture as traditional carbonara without requiring pasta making skills
  • You probably have everything in your kitchen right now especially after a long workday
02 -
  • Working quickly after draining the noodles is crucial because residual heat cooks the eggs gently without scrambling them
  • The reserved pasta water acts as insurance against a broken sauce and helps everything cling to the noodles
  • Your eggs must be at room temperature to prevent them from turning into scrambled eggs when they hit the hot noodles
03 -
  • Crispy bacon bits on top add crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy noodles underneath
  • A splash of pasta water works magic if your sauce looks too thick or separated while tossing
  • The dish tastes best eaten immediately while the sauce is still silky and hot
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