Spicy Ramen Cheese Recipe – Sriracha Cheddar Noodles

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Ramen Cheese Recipe – Sriracha Cheddar Noodles

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need comfort food, and you need it fast. This Spicy Ramen Cheese recipe is exactly that – a super quick, incredibly satisfying bowl of cheesy, spicy goodness. I first whipped this up on a particularly chilly evening when I was craving something warm and flavorful, and it’s been a go-to ever since. It’s seriously addictive!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be real, who doesn’t love ramen and cheese? This recipe takes those two loves and smashes them together in the best way possible. It’s ready in under 10 minutes, requires minimal effort, and delivers a serious punch of flavor. Plus, it’s totally customizable – add more spice, different cheeses, or even some veggies! It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you’re short on time but big on cravings.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Sriracha Cheddar Ramen:

• 2 packets instant ramen noodles
• 2 cups water
• 0.5 cup whole milk (about 120ml)
• 1 tsp salted butter
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 4 cheddar cheese slices
• 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce (or more, to taste!)
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference here:

• Instant Ramen Variations: Feel free to experiment with different ramen flavors! Chicken or beef ramen work particularly well, but even shrimp or vegetable ramen can be delicious. Just remember the seasoning packet is not used in this recipe.
• Sriracha Heat Levels: Sriracha varies in heat. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more to reach your desired spice level. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can also use a milder chili sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese Types: I prefer using medium cheddar for a good balance of flavor and meltiness. Sharp cheddar will give you a more intense cheese flavor, while mild cheddar will be a bit more subtle. You can even mix different types!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s seriously easy.

1. First, bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Add the ramen noodles and cook until they’re al dente – usually around 3 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside. Don’t rinse them, though! A little starch helps the sauce cling.
2. Now, in the same pan you used for the noodles (or a clean one), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic powder and sauté for about 10 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Pour in the milk and bring it to a gentle simmer. You don’t want it boiling, just nice and warm.
4. Add the cheddar cheese slices, black pepper, and Sriracha sauce. Stir constantly until the cheese is completely melted and you have a smooth, creamy sauce. This usually takes a couple of minutes.
5. Add the cooked ramen noodles to the cheese sauce and toss until they’re fully coated. Make sure every strand is covered in that glorious cheesy goodness!
6. Finally, mix in the chopped green onions and cook for another minute. This just helps them wilt slightly and release their flavor.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned while making this recipe:

• Don’t overcook the noodles! Al dente is key, as they’ll continue to cook a bit in the sauce.
• Stir the sauce constantly while the cheese is melting to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, cook it for a bit longer to reduce it.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter, milk, and cheddar cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor! My friend, Priya, swears by this version.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Or, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Sriracha.
• Gluten-Free Ramen Options: Use gluten-free ramen noodles for a gluten-free version.
• Quick Weeknight Meal: This recipe is already super quick, but you can save even more time by prepping the green onions ahead of time.

Serving Suggestions

This ramen is fantastic on its own, but you can also add some extra toppings!

• A sprinkle of extra cheese
• A dash of chili flakes
• A fried egg (trust me on this one!)
• Some chopped cilantro

Storage Instructions

This is best enjoyed immediately! However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The noodles will absorb some of the sauce, so it might be a bit drier when you reheat it. You might need to add a splash of milk to loosen it up.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack would all be delicious.
• How can I make this recipe less spicy? Reduce the amount of Sriracha sauce or use a milder chili sauce.
• Can I add vegetables to this ramen? Definitely! Broccoli, peas, carrots, or spinach would all be great additions.
• What’s the best way to prevent the noodles from sticking together? Don’t rinse the noodles after draining them, and toss them with the sauce immediately.
• Can this be made ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can cook the noodles ahead of time and store them separately. Then, just reheat them and add them to the sauce when you’re ready to eat.