The Tangy Ingredient That Will Upgrade Your Instant Ramen

Whether you're looking for a quick and easy meal or scrimping on a tight budget, instant ramen is a popular choice from college students to anyone craving a fast, flavorful dinner. And the best part? There are endless ways to customize the noodles to your needs. Even though instant ramen includes a flavor packet with a range of selections, it's fun to ditch it and play with your own flavor combinations to give it an upgrade.

For a tangy, tasty and unexpectedly amazing bowl of ramen, just add ranch seasoning. Ranch powder is a nonperishable alternative to the salad dressing favorite, often featuring buttermilk, onion, and garlic powders, as well as dried chives, parsley, and dill. This mix of ingredients pairs wonderfully with the blank canvas of a quick ramen noodle soup because the seasoning powders easily dissolve in liquids and imbue the broth with the garlic and herb excellence of ranch in just a few seconds.

It could make the perfect addition to an avocado miso ramen recipe or even a crunchy ramen noodle salad that has crunchy vegetables like cabbage and edamame. And, of course, the tangy flavor profile pairs well with a pork, chicken, or veggie based broth — but it's not just about the spices. When the buttermilk powder in ranch seasoning dissolves in liquid, it also thickens ramen broth, giving you an even heartier, more filling bowl of noodles.

The herbaceous power of ranch powder makes a little go a long way. For a single bowl, start with a teaspoon of ranch seasoning, and add more as needed. If you're cooking up several packs of ramen, you can add a whole ranch powder packet. You can find several types of ranch seasoning at most grocery stores, but if you're extra ambitious in the kitchen, you can even make your own ranch powder at home.