When you’re short on time but still craving something indulgent, this Spicy Carbonara Instant Ramen recipe is a game-changer. Combining the creamy richness of carbonara with the spicy kick of instant noodles, this dish is not only easy but also packed with flavor and protein. In less than 15 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal that checks all the boxes—quick, tasty, and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Serves 2: A perfect recipe to share, or keep some for leftovers!
- 577 Calories per serving: A hearty, comfort-filled meal that doesn’t feel too heavy.
- 31g of Protein per serving: Thanks to the bacon and optional chicken thighs, you’ll get a healthy dose of protein to keep you full.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 100g bacon lardons: The salty, crispy base for the sauce that adds richness and flavor.
- 1 packet of instant ramen: I used the @nongshim_uk gourmet spicy variety, but any instant ramen works! The spicier, the better.
- 3 egg yolks: These form the creamy sauce for the noodles.
- 20g grated Parmesan: Adds a nutty, cheesy richness.
- 1 tsp gochujang: This Korean chili paste gives the dish a spicy and slightly sweet kick.
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed: A must-have for a rich, savory flavor.
- 2 spring onions, finely sliced: For some freshness and crunch.
- 2 cooked chicken thighs, sliced: Optional, but a great way to boost the protein content.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare the egg yolk mixture:
Start by combining the egg yolks, grated Parmesan, and the seasoning packets from your instant ramen in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and set aside. This will be the base for your creamy, carbonara-style sauce. - Crisp up the bacon lardons:
Place the bacon lardons in a cold pan, then turn the heat to medium-high. This method allows the fat to render out, making the bacon crispy and flavorful. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the bacon is golden and crispy. Remove some excess fat if needed, but keep enough in the pan to fry the garlic and onions later. - Cook the ramen noodles:
While the bacon is cooking, boil a pot of water and cook the instant ramen noodles according to the package instructions (usually about 3 minutes). Once done, drain the noodles, but make sure to reserve some of the cooking water—you’ll need it to create the sauce. - Add flavor to the bacon:
After 5 minutes, add the crushed garlic, gochujang, and spring onions to the pan with the bacon. Fry everything together for about 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the gochujang is well combined with the bacon fat. This step adds a spicy, umami-packed layer of flavor to the dish. - Combine the noodles and sauce:
Add the drained noodles to the pan with the bacon and aromatics, along with a small splash of the reserved cooking water. Stir everything together to coat the noodles in the spicy, garlicky goodness. - Create the carbonara sauce:
Ladle a small amount of the hot noodle water into the egg yolk mixture, whisking quickly to temper the eggs (this prevents them from scrambling when mixed with the hot noodles). Then, pour the egg mixture over the noodles in the pan and stir continuously over low heat. The heat from the noodles will thicken the egg mixture into a silky, creamy sauce that clings to the noodles. - Top with chicken and garnish:
Once the noodles are coated in the creamy sauce, top with sliced cooked chicken thighs for extra protein. Sprinkle over some fresh chives or spring onions, and, if you like a little more heat, add a drizzle of chili oil. - Serve and enjoy:
That’s it! In just a few steps, you’ve created a creamy, spicy, and incredibly flavorful carbonara ramen. Dive in and enjoy!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a perfect fusion of flavors. The creamy carbonara-inspired sauce gets a spicy twist from the gochujang and the instant ramen seasoning, while the crispy bacon adds richness and crunch. The reserved cooking water from the ramen is key to achieving a smooth, velvety sauce without it becoming too thick. Optional toppings like chicken thighs or a drizzle of chili oil help elevate the dish, making it more substantial and even more flavorful.
Extra Tips:
- Customizable proteins: While the chicken thighs are a great addition, you can easily swap them for other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or leftover steak. Or, skip the extra protein altogether and enjoy the noodles as is.
- Adjust the spice: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, reduce or omit the gochujang, or use a milder variety of instant ramen.
- Add veggies: Feel free to throw in some spinach, mushrooms, or even peas to bulk up the meal and add more nutrients.
Final Thoughts:
This Spicy Carbonara Instant Ramen is a must-try for anyone who loves quick, easy, and comforting meals with a bit of a kick. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, spicy, protein-packed bowl of noodles that feels like the perfect balance of indulgence and nourishment. Give it a go, and don’t forget to top it with your favorite extras!
Happy Cooking!