Craving a steaming bowl of ramen but short on time? Your Instant Pot is about to become your new best friend. Making ramen noodles in the Instant Pot is fast, simple, and delivers the perfect texture every time. Whether you’re a college student, busy parent, or just a noodle lover, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to whip up delicious ramen noodles in minutes—no stovetop required!
Contents
Why Make Ramen Noodles in the Instant Pot?
- Speed: The Instant Pot cooks ramen noodles in just a few minutes.
- Consistency: Get perfectly tender noodles every time—no more overcooked or mushy ramen.
- Convenience: No need to watch a pot boil; the Instant Pot does all the work for you.
- Versatility: Easily customize your ramen with proteins, veggies, and seasonings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 package of instant ramen noodles (with or without seasoning packet)
- 2 cups water or broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable for extra flavor)
- Optional add-ins: sliced green onions, cooked chicken, eggs, mushrooms, spinach, corn, tofu, or your favorite toppings
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add Liquid: Pour 2 cups of water or broth into the Instant Pot insert. If you prefer a richer flavor, use broth instead of water.
- Add Noodles: Break up the ramen noodles slightly if needed so they fit in the pot. Place them directly into the liquid. (No need to stir yet!)
- Add Seasoning: If you’re using the seasoning packet, sprinkle it over the noodles. You can also add your own spices or sauces for extra flavor.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook mode for 0 minutes. Yes, zero! The pressure build-up is enough to cook the noodles.
- Quick Release: As soon as the timer beeps, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve. Open the lid when it’s safe.
- Stir & Serve: Give everything a good stir to separate the noodles. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy immediately!
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Ramen
- Don’t Overcook: The noodles cook quickly under pressure. Setting it to 0 minutes prevents them from getting mushy.
- Add Veggies Last: Stir in delicate vegetables like spinach or corn after cooking so they stay fresh and crisp.
- Protein Options: Add pre-cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp after pressure cooking for a heartier meal.
- Boost the Broth: Mix in miso paste, soy sauce, sriracha, or sesame oil for extra depth and flavor.
- No Burn Warning: There’s enough liquid with this method to avoid the “burn” message on your Instant Pot.
How to Make Ramen Noodles with Eggs in the Instant Pot
If you love adding eggs to your ramen, here’s how to do it easily:
- Add your water or broth and ramen noodles as described above.
- Crack one or two eggs directly on top of the noodles before sealing the lid.
- Pressure cook for 0 minutes as usual. The eggs will poach perfectly during the pressure build-up!
- If you prefer soft-boiled eggs, cook them separately using the “Steam” function for 3-5 minutes before slicing and adding to your bowl.
Flavor Variations & Customization Ideas
- Spicy Ramen: Add chili oil, sriracha, or red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
- Miso Ramen: Stir in a spoonful of miso paste after cooking for umami richness.
- Creamy Ramen: Add a splash of coconut milk or a soft-boiled egg yolk for creaminess.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Ramen: Use vegetable broth and add tofu, mushrooms, and greens.
- Packed with Veggies: Toss in carrots, baby spinach, bok choy, corn, bean sprouts, or snap peas after cooking.
- Savory Protein: Top with leftover rotisserie chicken, pulled pork, or cooked shrimp.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Noodles Too Soft? Reduce natural release time and serve immediately after quick release. Avoid letting noodles sit in hot broth too long.
- Noodles Not Cooked Enough? Use smaller noodle bricks or break them up more before cooking. If needed, use “Sauté” mode for an extra minute.
- Bland Flavor? Try using broth instead of water and boost with additional seasonings like garlic powder, ginger, miso paste, or soy sauce.
- No Burn Warning? This recipe uses enough liquid to avoid burn warnings. If you get one, make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom of the pot before sealing.
Instant Pot Ramen Noodle FAQ
Can I cook more than one pack of ramen at once?
Yes! Just double (or triple) both the noodles and liquid. The cook time remains at zero minutes; the Instant Pot will take slightly longer to come to pressure due to the increased volume.
Can I use fresh ramen noodles?
You can! Fresh ramen usually cooks even faster. Use “Manual” mode for zero minutes and quick release immediately after pressure builds. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Can I make ramen noodles gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute gluten-free ramen or rice noodles. Adjust liquid as needed and keep an eye on cooking times since gluten-free options may cook faster.
Is it safe to cook instant ramen in the Instant Pot?
Yes! As long as you use enough liquid (at least 2 cups per packet), it’s perfectly safe and convenient. Always follow manufacturer safety guidelines for your specific model.
Can I add raw meat to my ramen in the Instant Pot?
If adding raw meat (like thinly sliced beef or chicken), cook it first using the “Sauté” function before adding your noodles and liquid. This ensures even cooking and food safety.
The Bottom Line
The Instant Pot makes preparing ramen noodles quick, easy, and nearly foolproof. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have a comforting bowl of ramen ready in minutes—customized exactly how you like it. Experiment with different broths, toppings, and seasonings to make every bowl uniquely yours. Happy slurping!