Ramen noodles are a quick, easy, and cheap meal that many people turn to when they need something fast. While ramen can be delicious on its own, some people like to jazz it up by adding different seasonings or ingredients. One seasoning that has become popular to use on ramen is Cajun seasoning.
What is Cajun seasoning?
Cajun seasoning is a spice blend that originated in Louisiana. It typically contains a mix of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and more. The blend creates a bold, spicy, and flavorful seasoning that is a hallmark of Cajun and Creole cuisines. Cajun seasoning packs a punch of heat and flavor.
Does Cajun seasoning work on ramen noodles?
Cajun seasoning can absolutely be used to add flavor to plain ramen noodles. The blend of spices brings heat and depth to the noodles, enhancing the savory umami flavor. Using Cajun seasoning is an easy way to make basic ramen more exciting. Here are some tips for using it effectively:
- Use an appropriate amount – Start with just a dash or sprinkle and add more to taste. Too much Cajun spice can overwhelm the noodles.
- Mix it in well – Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the noodles.
- Add other ingredients – Pairing Cajun seasoning with vegetables, proteins, eggs, etc can provide texture and contrast.
- Use a flavorful broth – The spices will complement and enhance chicken, beef, or shrimp broth.
- Adjust the heat level – Use less cayenne or chili powder for a milder Cajun flavor.
What flavors pair well with Cajun seasoning on ramen?
There are many tasty flavor combinations that go great with Cajun-spiced ramen noodles:
- Chicken – Shredded rotisserie or poached chicken.
- Shrimp – Pre-cooked shrimp or imitation crab meat.
- Sausage – Cut up pieces of smoked sausage or kielbasa.
- Vegetables – Onions, bell peppers, corn, spinach, etc.
- Cheese – Grated cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.
- Eggs – Scrambled, hard boiled, or soft boiled eggs.
- Hot sauce – Louisiana style hot sauces like Tabasco or Crystal.
- Seafood – Clams, mussels, crab meat, or crawfish tails.
The spices in the Cajun seasoning pair especially well with chicken, sausage, shrimp, and bold hot sauces. The vegetables and cheese also complement and cool down the heat. Adding protein and texture makes for a heartier, more complete meal.
What are the benefits of adding Cajun seasoning to ramen?
There are several benefits that come from using Cajun seasoning in ramen noodles:
- Adds flavor – The blend of herbs and spices punches up the flavor.
- Provides heat – The cayenne and chili powder bring a spicy kick.
- Enhances umami – Heightens the savory flavor of the broth.
- Includes antioxidants – From herbs/spices like oregano, basil, garlic.
- Allows customization – Tailor the flavor to your tastes.
- Uses pantry staple – Most people have Cajun seasoning on hand.
- Quick and easy meal upgrade – Takes just minutes to prepare.
The biggest benefits are the burst of flavor, heat, and umami it provides. Just a dash of Cajun seasoning can take ramen from bland to full of spice and character. It’s an easy way to customize your ramen experience.
What are the downsides of adding Cajun seasoning to ramen?
There are a few potential downsides to using Cajun seasoning in ramen:
- Can be too spicy – The cayenne and other spices might be overwhelming.
- Overpowers the broth – The strong spices could cover up the subtle broth flavors.
- Unpleasant texture – Dry spices sprinkled on wet noodles.
- Makes it less kid-friendly – Too spicy for children’s tastes.
- Less versatile – Locks you into a bolder, Cajun-style flavor.
- Need to adjust recipe – May require tweaking broth, noodles, and toppings to find right balance.
The main concerns are the spice level being too intense and the seasonings overtaking the more delicate noodle and broth components. This can lead to textural and flavor issues. It also makes the ramen much more boldly flavored, which is not for everyone. Some tinkering with the recipe may be needed to achieve the optimal result.
Conclusion
Cajun seasoning can absolutely transform a package of basic ramen noodles. The blend of herbs and spices, especially the cayenne pepper and chili powder, adds vibrant flavor, heat, and complexity to an otherwise simple meal. It heightens the savory umami taste and allows for easy customization based on your preferences. The keys are using a measured amount of seasoning, evenly incorporating it throughout the noodles, and pairing it with ingredients that complement that bold Cajun flair. While it may require adjusting the broth and toppings to achieve the right balance, Cajun spice takes ramen to the next level in terms of taste. So if you like some heat and excitement in your noodle bowl, give Cajun seasoning a try!
References:
[1] https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/articles/50-easy-ramen-recipes
[2] https://www.allrecipes.com/gallery/best-cajun-seasoning-recipes/
[3] https://www.mccormick.com/spices-and-flavors/spice-blends/cajun-seasoning
[4] https://www.budgetbytes.com/2014/02/spicy-cajun-chicken-ramen/
[5] https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/recipes/cajun-ramen-noodle-recipes/
[6] https://www.organicauthority.com/inspiration/cajun-ramen-noodle-bowl-recipe
[7] https://www.theflavorbender.com/cajun-ramen-noodle-soup/