Kimchi cheese ramen – Bex’s Kitchen

As a food enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting dishes to try. One particular dish that caught my attention was kimchi cheese ramen. 

Combining the bold and spicy flavors of kimchi with the creamy richness of cheese, this fusion dish is a mouthwatering delight. 

In this blog post, I will delve into what exactly kimchi cheese ramen is, explore its flavor profile, share step-by-step instructions to recreate it at home, provide valuable tips and tricks, and answer some frequently asked questions.

What is Kimchi Cheese Ramen?

Kimchi cheese ramen is a unique fusion dish that combines traditional Korean flavors with the comforting elements of ramen. It is a delightful blend of spicy and savory, with the tanginess of kimchi cutting through the richness of cheese. 

This dish has gained popularity not only in Korea but also in many other parts of the world due to its irresistible taste.

Flavor Profile:

The flavor profile of kimchi cheese ramen is a harmonious symphony of spicy, tangy, and creamy sensations. The kimchi and its juice add a robust and fiery kick, while the cheese provides a velvety smoothness. 

The combination of these contrasting flavors creates a truly memorable dining experience that is both comforting and exciting.

Why You’ll Love This:

There are several reasons why you’ll fall in love with kimchi cheese ramen. Firstly, it offers a unique twist on the classic ramen dish, elevating it to new heights with the addition of kimchi and cheese. 

The spicy and tangy flavors of kimchi add depth and complexity, while the cheese adds a delightful creaminess that is hard to resist. Secondly, it is incredibly easy to make, making it a convenient option for a quick and satisfying meal. 

Lastly, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kimchi enthusiasts and ramen lovers.

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Ingredients:

• Kimchi juice: Kimchi juice adds a tangy, umami-rich flavor to the kimchi cheese ramen. It infuses the dish with the distinctive taste of fermented cabbage and spices, enhancing its overall depth of flavor.
• Sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and rich flavor to the kimchi cheese ramen. It complements the spicy and sour notes of the kimchi, while also contributing to the savory richness of the broth.
• Sugar: Sugar balances the acidity and spiciness of the kimchi and other ingredients in the ramen. It adds a touch of sweetness to the dish, rounding out the flavors and creating a more harmonious taste profile.
• Reserved ramen water: Reserved ramen water, or the water used to cook the noodles, adds starchiness and body to the broth. It helps thicken the soup slightly and allows the flavors of the other ingredients to meld together more effectively.
• Kimchi: Kimchi is the star ingredient of the dish, providing bold and complex flavors. Its spicy, tangy, and fermented taste adds depth to the broth, while the crunchy texture of the cabbage adds contrast to the soft noodles.
• Green onions, chopped: Chopped green onions add freshness and a mild onion flavor to the kimchi cheese ramen. They provide a pop of color and texture to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal and adding a subtle aromatic element.
• Instant ramen noodles: Instant ramen noodles serve as the base of the dish, providing a comforting and familiar texture. They absorb the flavors of the broth and other ingredients, becoming soft and chewy while still retaining a slight firmness.
• Chicken bouillon: Chicken bouillon adds richness and depth to the broth, intensifying its flavor profile. It provides a savory backbone to the dish, enhancing the overall taste and ensuring a satisfying umami experience.
• Vegetable oil: Vegetable oil is used for sautéing the aromatics and other ingredients, adding richness and helping to distribute flavors evenly throughout the dish.
• Bacon, cut into small pieces: Bacon adds smoky, savory flavor and a meaty texture to the kimchi cheese ramen. It complements the other ingredients in the dish and adds depth to the broth.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese melts into the broth, creating a creamy and indulgent texture. It adds richness and depth of flavor to the ramen, while also providing a comforting and satisfying element.
• Red onion, diced: Diced red onion adds a sharp and slightly sweet flavor to the kimchi cheese ramen. It provides a crunchy texture and vibrant color to the dish, enhancing its overall visual appeal.
• Garlic cloves, finely chopped: Finely chopped garlic adds pungent and aromatic flavor to the ramen. It enhances the savory notes of the broth and other ingredients, adding complexity and depth to the dish.

Step by Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

– Gather all the ingredients listed above.

– Chop the kimchi into bite-sized pieces.

– Finely chop the garlic cloves.

– Dice the red onion and chop the green onions.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

– Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a large pan.

– Add the bacon pieces and cook until crispy.

– Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Flavors

– In the same pan, add the extra 2 teaspoons of sesame oil.

– Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.

– Add the diced red onion and cook until translucent.

Step 4: Add Spicy Kimchi and Chicken Bouillon

– Add the kimchi and kimchi juice to the pan.

– Stir in the chicken bouillon.

– Sprinkle in the sugar to balance the flavors.

Step 5: Cook the Ramen Noodles

– Prepare the instant ramen noodles according to the package instructions.

– Reserve 1/3 cup of the ramen water.

Step 6: Combine the Ingredients

– Add the cooked noodles to the pan with the kimchi mixture.

– Toss the noodles to coat them evenly with the flavors.

– Pour in the reserved ramen water to create a saucy consistency.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Garnish

– Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, gradually adding more if desired.

– Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces and chopped green onions on top.

– Drizzle with additional sesame oil for extra depth of flavor.

Tips & Tricks:

1. Use high-quality kimchi: The quality of kimchi can greatly impact the overall taste. Look for kimchi with a good balance of flavors and a vibrant red color.

2. Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder version, rinse the kimchi before adding it to the dish. This will help reduce the spiciness while retaining the signature kimchi flavors.

3. Customize your toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Add sliced mushrooms, tofu, or a fried egg to enhance the dish’s texture and flavor.

4. Experiment with different cheeses: While cheddar cheese is commonly used in this recipe, don’t be afraid to try other types of cheese such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.

5. Serve it hot: Kimchi cheese ramen tastes best when served piping hot. Ensure that the dish is properly heated before serving to fully enjoy the flavors.

Nutrition Information:

Here is the approximate nutrition information for one serving of kimchi cheese ramen:

– Calories: 480

– Fat: 22g

– Carbohydrates: 59g

– Protein: 14g

– Sodium: 1540mg

– Fiber: 4g

How Can You Store This Kimchi Cheese Ramen?

If you have leftovers or want to prepare meals, you can store kimchi cheese ramen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, note that the texture of the noodles may change slightly upon reheating.

Alternative Ingredient Choices:

If some of the ingredients required for kimchi cheese ramen are not available in your pantry, here are three alternative choices you can consider:

1. Vegetarian Option:

– Replace the bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version.

– Use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon to maintain the savory taste.

2. Seafood Twist:

– Add cooked shrimp or small scallops to the dish to create a seafood-infused kimchi cheese ramen.

– Enhance the seafood flavor by using seafood broth instead of chicken bouillon.

3. Vegan Adaptation:

– Replace the cheddar cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.

– Use miso paste to replace the chicken bouillon for a richer umami flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use fresh ramen noodles instead of instant ramen?

– Yes, fresh ramen noodles can be used instead of instant ramen. Cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the dish.

2. Is kimchi cheese ramen spicy?

– It can be spicy depending on your preference and the spiciness level of the kimchi. Adjust the spiciness by rinsing the kimchi or adding less kimchi juice.

3. Can I make kimchi cheese ramen without cheese?

– Yes, if you’re lactose intolerant or simply don’t enjoy cheese, you can omit it from the recipe. The dish will still have the signature kimchi flavors.

4. Can I freeze kimchi cheese ramen?

– It is not recommended to freeze kimchi cheese ramen as the texture of the noodles may become mushy upon thawing and reheating.

5. Can I use other types of noodles?

– While ramen noodles are traditionally used, you can experiment with other types of noodles such as udon or rice noodles for a different twist.

Conclusion:

Kimchi cheese ramen is a truly delightful fusion dish that combines the best of Korean and comfort food flavors. Its unique and vibrant taste profile, coupled with its ease of preparation, make it a must-try for any food enthusiast. 

With the step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and alternative choices provided in this article, you can easily recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen. 

So go ahead and indulge in the magical blend of spicy kimchi and creamy cheese that this dish has to offer – you won’t be disappointed!

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