Instant noodles: three chef-approved ways to turn packet ramen into a semi-fancy meal

Chefs Susu Chuen, Reif Othman and Charoensit Maliton share their noodle hacks

Some of the top chefs in the UAE share their recipes on how to make instant noodles into a gourmet dish. 

You'll find packets of instant noodles in most kitchen cabinets – and while you may be tempted to write them off as a quick fix, thanks to these tips from some top chefs in the UAE, you can quickly convert them into a gourmet, restaurant-worthy meal that'll impress any dinner guest.

Indomie beef noodles from chef Susu Chuen of 3 Fils

A beef chorizo dish made from an instant noodle packet. Courtesy of 3 Fils 

1 packet Indomie noodles

1 tbsp of oil

150g beef chorizo, diced

150g snow peas, chopped

150g asparagus, sliced

Pinch of salt

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce, oil and seasoning found inside the Indomie noodles packet. 

Boil water in a pot and cook the noodles for three minutes. Remove the water to reduce the starch, then add more water and boil again. Drain well.

Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the diced beef chorizo, chopped snow peas and sliced asparagus and cook for three to four minutes. Season with salt. Add the noodles and the sauce and stir for another two to three minutes. Serve immediately.

Wagyu Maggi from chef Reif Othman of Reif Japanese Kushiyaki

A Wagyu noodle dish made with Maggi. Courtesy of Reif Othman

1 packet of instant noodles

1 tbsp grapeseed oil

½ tsp minced garlic

1 shallot, sliced

75g Wagyu beef

1 tbsp oyster sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

5 pcs small broccoli florets

1 whole egg

Directions

Boil water in a pot. Add the instant noodles and cook for one minute or less (do not overcook as they need to be cooked again in a pan).

At the same time, heat up a pan, add grapeseed oil, and sweat the garlic and shallots until lightly browned. Add the Wagyu beef and cook until nicely seared. Season the meat with oyster sauce, and salt and pepper, then add the broccoli. Add the lightly cooked instant noodles and toss until evenly coated.

Once cooked, place on your desired plate or bowl. Using the same pan, fry an egg (according to taste). Place on top of the instant noodles and serve.

Soupy noodles by executive chef Charoensit Maliton of Fuchsia Urban Thai

A soupy noodle recipe. Courtesy of Fuchsia Urban Thai

Ingredients

1 packet Indomie noodles

A pinch of coriander root

½ tbsp soya sauce

2 tbsp mushroom oyster sauce

1 tbsp coconut sugar

½ tbsp chicken stock powder

120g thinly sliced beef tenderloin

Directions:

Cook the Indomie according to instructions on the packet. Drain the noodles once boiled.

Bring more water to boil to make the soup. Using the powder sachet that comes with the noodles, add coriander root, soya sauce, mushroom oyster sauce, coconut sugar, and chicken stock. Stir for five minutes until fragrant.

Add thinly sliced beef tenderloin to the soup. Approximately five minutes should be enough to make the beef tender and juicy but you can cook for longer, depending on how you like your meat. Add the cooked noodles and serve hot.

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Read more:

Family dinners under Dh35: four easy recipes you can make at home

The most creative cooking kits available for delivery in the UAE

What do the UAE’s top chefs actually cook at home? Four easy recipes to recreate

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