Name: Creamy Garlic Brown Sugar Ramen with Egg and Green Onions Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 Pack Instant Ramen (no seasoning packet); 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter; 2 cloves Garlic, finely minced; ¼ teaspoon Red Chili Flakes; 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar; 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce; ¼ cup Reserved pasta water; 1 Egg, lightly beaten; Toasted Sesame Seeds; Green Onions, thinly sliced; Dash of Lime

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Introduction

This simple and flavorful ramen recipe transforms instant noodles into a delicious, restaurant-quality meal. With a buttery garlic sauce, a hint of sweetness, and a creamy egg finish, it’s perfect for a quick yet satisfying dinner.

A white bowl holds a single layer of cooked, shiny brown noodles forming the base, topped with a lightly browned, folded yellow egg layer that has a soft texture, sprinkled generously with small black and white sesame seeds and reddish seasoning flakes. Scattered bright green chopped scallions add color contrast and freshness on top. The bowl sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pack instant ramen
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
¼ cup reserved pasta water
1 egg, lightly beaten
Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Dash of lime (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the ramen noodles for 2–3 minutes without using the seasoning packet. Drain the noodles, reserving about ¼ cup of the starchy cooking water for later.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes, stirring until the garlic softens and becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Pour in the soy sauce and sprinkle the brown sugar into the skillet. Let the mixture bubble and turn syrupy, which will take just a few seconds.
Step 4: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Use tongs to toss the noodles in the glossy sauce until they are well coated. If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it by adding a bit of the reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Push the noodles to one side of the pan. Pour the lightly beaten egg into the empty side and stir quickly to cook the egg, forming a silky, golden coating over the noodles.
Step 6: Turn off the heat. Add a dash of lime juice, toss everything together once more, and finish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra protein, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu when tossing the noodles in the sauce.
Adjust the red chili flakes to your preferred heat level or substitute with a dash of hot sauce.
Use vegetable or chicken broth instead of butter for a lighter, broth-based version.
Adding fresh ginger along with garlic can enhance the aroma and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover ramen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of water to restore moisture. The egg coating is best enjoyed fresh, so consider preparing the egg separately when reheating.

How to Serve

A bowl of cooked ramen noodles forms the base layer, showing a glossy, light brown color with a soft, curly texture. On top, there is a single cooked egg with a yellow and white mix, slightly browned and unevenly spread across the noodles. The top layer is sprinkled with finely chopped green onions, adding bright green spots, along with black and white sesame seeds and red chili flakes that give extra textures and hints of color. The bowl is white and set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh noodles instead of instant ramen?

Yes, fresh noodles work well, but adjust cooking time according to package instructions since they cook faster than instant noodles.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply omit the egg or replace it with scrambled tofu, and use vegetarian soy sauce or tamari to keep the flavors intact without animal products.