Broke But Hungry? Ramen Recipes for Any Budget

Ramen noodles are cheap, fast, and easy to make—perfect when you’re low on money or time. Most of us usually stick to chicken or shrimp flavor, but eating the same thing all the time gets boring.

To add some fun, let’s try new ways to make ramen more exciting without spending much. These recipes are simple, budget-friendly, and way more flavorful than plain noodles.

Here are three ramen recipes we tried. They’re all worth trying if you want to enhance your taste buds.

Recipe #1: Ramen Veggie & Egg Stir-Fry

A quick and cozy meal for busy or cold days. Simple, tasty, and perfect for students!

Ingredients:

• 1 pack Ramen noodles (any flavor that you love more)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ½ pound boneless beef (thinly sliced)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ onion, chopped
• 1 cup beef broth 
• 1 ttablespooncornstarch
• 1 cup broccoli (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup grated carrot
• ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 can (15 oz) baby corn, drained
• 2 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¼ cup peanuts (for topping)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp water
• A pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Boil the noodles:
   Cook ramen for 3 minutes. Drain and keep the seasoning packet.
2. Cook the beef:
   Mix cornstarch with a little broth. In a pan, heat oil. Stir-fry beef for 3–4 minutes. Add soy sauce.
3. Add veggies & noodles:
   Add cooked noodles, broccoli, corn, bell pepper, carrot, and green onions. Sprinkle the seasoning packet.
4. Make the sauce:
   Pour in the cornstarch-broth mix. Stir well. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
5. Cook the eggs:
   In a bowl, beat eggs with salt. Push the food to one side of the pan. Scramble eggs on the empty side until fully cooked.
6. Mix & serve:
   Stir everything together. Top with peanuts and parsley if you like.

Recipe # 2: Spicy Chicken or Meat Ramen Stir-Fry

A warm and spicy noodle dish with soft noodles, crispy meat or chicken, creamy sauce, and crunchy toppings. It’s quick, filling, and perfect when you want something tasty and different.

Ingredients:

For Chili Oil:

• ½ cup cooking oil
• 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns (optional)
• 2 tbsp red chili flakes
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• ½ tsp five-spice powder

For Meat or Chicken:

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• ¾ lb ground chicken or meat
• 1 ttablespoon oisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce

For Sauce:

• ⅓ cup tahini or peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons water
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 ttablespoonssoy sauce
• 2 tablespoons grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons chili oil
• 1 ttablespoonhoney
• 1 tatablespoonesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vinegar

How to Make It

1. Chili oil:
   Heat oil with peppercorns. Turn off the heat. Add chili flakes, sesame seeds, and five-spice. Let it cool.
   
2. Cook the meat or chicken:
   Heat oil in a pan. Add ground meat or chicken and shred it. Cook until brown and crispy. Add hoisin, vinegar, and soy sauce. Cook until the liquid is gone.
   
3. Make the sauce:
   Mix tahini, water, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, chili oil, honey, sesame oil, and vinegar in a bowl.
   
4. Cook the noodles:
   Boil noodles as written on the packet. Drain and mix with the sauce.
   
5. Put it all together:
   Place noodles in a bowl. Top it off with cooked meat or chicken, then sprinkle some chopped cilantro, green onions, and crushed peanuts for a flavorful finish. Add more chili oil if you like it spicy.

Recipe # 3: Mashed Potatoes with Ramen and Sausage

A warm and simple dish made with soft mashed potatoes, tasty ramen noodles, and sausage (if you like). Quick to make, easy on the pocket, and perfect for busy days.

 Ingredients:

• 1 serving of instant mashed potatoes
• 1 pack of ramen noodles (any flavor)
• A few slices of cooked kielbasa or any sausage (optional)
• A pinch of black pepper (for extra taste)

How to Make It:

1. Prepare the mashed potatoes:
   Follow the instructions on the box to make your mashed potatoes. Set them aside once done.
   
2. Cook the ramen noodles:
   Boil water and cook ramen noodles. Once done, drain most of the water (leave a little), then stir in the flavor packet.
   
3. Optional sausage:
   If you want to add kielbasa or any sausage, boil or heat it separately. Slice it and keep it ready.
   
4. Put it all together:
   Place mashed potatoes on a plate. Top with the ramen noodles and sausage. Add some black pepper for extra flavor if you like.

Conclusion

Ramen doesn’t have to be boring or plain. With just a few simple ingredients, you can turn cheap noodles into tasty meals that feel homemade and comforting. Whether you like your ramen with vegetables and eggs, spicy meat, or even mashed potatoes, there’s something here for every taste and budget.

These recipes are quick, easy, and perfect for students who are away from home for studies and don’t know how to cook, or anyone else who is trying to save money. Try all these and see how flavorful ramen can be.