Instant ramen is a popular convenient meal or snack for many people. The packaged noodles cook up quickly, making it easy to prepare a hot meal in just a few minutes. While instant ramen often comes with a seasoning packet, some people like to customize or enhance the flavor by adding ingredients like vegetables, eggs, meat, or different sauces.
One sauce that could pair well with instant ramen is teriyaki sauce. The sweet and salty flavor of teriyaki complements many savory foods. But does teriyaki sauce actually taste good mixed into instant ramen? Here is a look at the pros and cons of adding teriyaki sauce to instant ramen and opinions on whether it makes for a tasty combination.
The potential benefits of adding teriyaki sauce to instant ramen
There are a few reasons why teriyaki sauce could be a nice addition to instant noodles:
- Adds sweetness – The sugar in teriyaki sauce balances out the saltiness of instant ramen seasoning. This can enhance the flavor.
- Thicker, saucier texture – Stirring in teriyaki sauce gives the broth a thicker consistency and a more substantial mouthfeel.
- Extra flavor dimension – Teriyaki sauce has a distinct sweet-salty taste from soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, and other ingredients. It layers on more complexity of flavor.
- Easy to customize – Having a bottle of teriyaki sauce makes it simple to quickly elevate basic instant noodles.
- Ingredients on hand – Many homes already stock teriyaki as a staple sauce, so using it requires no extra shopping.
The rich, thick texture and sweet, tangy flavor of teriyaki sauce could potentially take instant ramen to the next level. Adding it in could create a more complex, sauce-coated noodle dish fast.
Potential drawbacks of adding teriyaki sauce
On the other hand, there are a few reasons why teriyaki sauce might not improve instant ramen:
- Overpowers the flavor – Teriyaki sauce is very strong, which may drown out or clash with the original ramen seasoning.
- Too salty – Between the ramen seasoning and soy sauce in teriyaki, the sodium level may get uncomfortably high.
- Too sweet – If too much teriyaki sauce is added, it can make the broth cloyingly sweet.
- Alters the consistency – Instant ramen broth is meant to be relatively light. Teriyaki sauce can make it heavy and thick.
- Need to find right ratio – Getting the balance of teriyaki sauce takes trial and error, which defeats the convenience of instant ramen.
Since teriyaki sauce is such a bold, sweet flavor, it may not meld well with the seasoned packet made for instant noodles. Finding the right ratio could take away the simplicity of instant ramen. Too much teriyaki could negatively impact taste and texture.
Opinions on adding teriyaki sauce to instant ramen
When it comes to the question of whether teriyaki sauce makes a good addition to instant noodles, opinions seem to be divided. Here is what some people have to say on the topic:
| Person | Opinion on Teriyaki Sauce with Instant Ramen |
|---|---|
| Mike | I think teriyaki sauce complements instant ramen really nicely. It gives it a thicker texture and a sweetness that cuts the saltiness. I usually add just a spoonful or two once the noodles are cooked. |
| Sarah | I tried it once but thought the teriyaki overpowered the original seasoning too much. If I were to do it again, I’d add just a small drizzle. |
| Chris | It’s not my favorite combination – I feel like the flavors conflict instead of blending well. I’d rather just customize my ramen with some vegetables or a poached egg. |
| Anna | I think it can be really good depending on the brand of instant ramen. I wouldn’t add teriyaki to something that already has a strong seasoning packet, like Shin Ramen. But for a milder or saltier ramen, it adds nice sweetness. |
| Ryan | I add some teriyaki to my Maruchan ramen sometimes. It gives it more of a takeout food type flavor. I think the key is just not going overboard on the teriyaki or it’ll be too sweet. |
The consensus seems to be that teriyaki sauce can be a tasty addition if used sparingly. Strong flavored ramen or too much teriyaki may overpower or clash. But a bit of teriyaki adds sweetness and thickness that enhances some instant noodle brands and flavors.
Tips for using teriyaki sauce in instant ramen
Based on popular opinions, here are some tips for successfully incorporating teriyaki sauce into instant ramen:
- Start with 1-2 teaspoons teriyaki sauce per packet of ramen.
- Add teriyaki sauce to the noodles after cooking. Don’t cook ramen in teriyaki broth.
- Use less seasoning packet or dilute seasoned packet with some water if worried about over-salting.
- Select a basic ramen flavor like chicken or original – avoid bold flavors like spicy or kimchi.
- Stir sauce gently to coat noodles. Don’t over-mix and break up the noodles.
- Top finished ramen with extra ingredients like sautéed vegetables, sesame seeds, sriracha, etc.
Following these tips should help the teriyaki sauce and instant noodles combine into a tasty finished dish. Start with moderate amounts of sauce then adjust to taste preferences. Toppings can provide crunch and extra flavor depth.
Simple Teriyaki Ramen Recipe
Here is an easy recipe for instant ramen with teriyaki sauce:
Ingredients:
- 1 packet instant ramen (chicken or original flavor)
- 1 cup water
- 1-2 tsp teriyaki sauce
- Optional toppings: sliced scallions, sesame seeds, sriracha
Instructions:
- Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a small pot.
- Add instant ramen noodles and seasoning packet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat, drain excess water if needed.
- Stir in 1-2 teaspoons (or to taste) of teriyaki sauce until noodles are evenly coated.
- Transfer ramen to a bowl. Top with scallions, sesame seeds, sriracha, or other desired toppings.
- Enjoy immediately while hot.
This easy upgrade gives you a restaurant-style teriyaki ramen in minutes. The teriyaki adds flavor complexity while the toppings provide extra texture. Adjust the amount of teriyaki and mix in your favorite additions to customize it to your tastes.
Other sauce options for instant ramen
While teriyaki sauce is one popular ramen additive, there are lots of other sauce options to consider:
| Sauce | Flavor Notes | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Soy Sauce | Salty, savory, umami | Boosting flavor in mild ramens |
| Oyster Sauce | Rich, caramelized, sweet-salty | Adding body and slight sweetness |
| Sesame Oil | Nutty, aromatic | Finishing drizzle for nutty aroma |
| Sriracha | Spicy, sweet, garlicky | Bringing heat and tang |
| Peanut Sauce | Creamy, nutty, sweet | Adding a nutty, creamy texture |
Sauces help add extra dimensions of flavor to instant noodles. Go beyond just teriyaki to experiment with other tasty mix-ins!
Conclusion
Teriyaki sauce can add appealing sweetness, thickness, and flavor complexity to instant ramen. However, its strong taste means it must be used judiciously to avoid overpowering the original seasoning. Opinions are somewhat mixed, with some feeling it combines beautifully while others think it clashes. Using a moderate amount of teriyaki sauce, opting for a basic ramen flavor, and adding other toppings can lead to an elevated noodle dish with minimal effort. While teriyaki is one of the most popular additions to instant ramen, don’t forget to try out other sauces too. A little creativity can transform basic packaged ramen from boring to gourmet in minutes.