Tired of bland instant noodles? We’ve cracked the code to transforming 50-cent ramen into a gourmet microwave meal with one simple ingredient: an egg.
This upgrade adds 6 grams of protein and creates a richer broth texture while keeping costs under $0.25 per serving. Who knew dorm-room cooking could taste this good?
Below, we break down three egg techniques, safety checks, and flavor boosts to turn your basic noodles into a crave-worthy bowl.
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Cheap Microwave Ramen Upgrade with Egg
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: Main CourseCuisine: Asian1
5
minutes3
minutes350
kcal8
minutesIf you often find yourself reaching for a pack of instant ramen, this quick upgrade will change your noodle game. With just one egg, you can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your ramen without breaking the bank. In just a few simple steps, you'll have a hearty meal that feels more like a restaurant-quality dish.
Ingredients
of instant ramen
egg
water
onion (chopped
optional)
sauce (to taste
optional)
(to taste
optional)
oil . optional
Directions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add 2 cups of water and the instant ramen noodles.
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes, then stir the noodles and microwave for another minute until cooked.
- Crack an egg into the bowl and gently swirl it into the noodles.
- Return to the microwave and cook for an additional 30-60 seconds until the egg is set.
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, and let it sit for a minute before adding soy sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil if desired.
- Top with chopped green onions for extra flavor and serve hot..
Notes
- Adjust the cooking time based on your microwave wattage. If you prefer a soft yolk, reduce the cooking time when adding the egg. Feel free to customize your ramen with additional toppings such as vegetables or meat leftovers to create a more filling meal. This microwave recipe is perfect for those who want a quick and satisfying dish without much effort!
Why Add an Egg to Microwave Ramen?
My Aunt Clarice taught me this trick at a family potluck when Uncle Peter challenged her to “make that college kid food fancy.” The egg transforms watery broth into silky luxury while adding substance. It’s like giving your ramen a tiny protein cape – 6 grams per egg! This simple addition not only elevates the dish but can also be part of a budget-friendly meal solution. Cheap microwave ramen egg drop is an easy way to create a satisfying dish that students love.
Nutritional and Flavor Benefits
Eggs thicken broth through protein coagulation (science-speak for “makes it creamy”). The yolk’s fat carries flavors better than water alone. Compared to plain ramen’s 4g protein, adding one egg nearly triples it – all for roughly 12 cents.
We’ve tested all egg forms: fresh, carton liquid, even powdered. Fresh eggs win for texture, but we’ll share Uncle Peter’s powdered-egg camping hack later. Pro tip: slightly undercook the egg for restaurant-style richness without the $18 price tag.
Ingredients for Microwave Ramen With Egg
You need three basics: ramen bricks (any brand), water, and eggs. But let’s talk upgrades. Aunt Clarice once used leftover rotisserie chicken broth instead of water – game changer. A simple twist like that can turn your basic ramen into a flavorful meal. Adding ingredients like vegetables or sriracha can elevate your easy ramen upgrade in just two minutes.
Ramen & Egg Alternatives (Fresh, Liquid, or Powdered)
- Fresh eggs: Best texture. Pierce yolk before microwaving to prevent explosions.
- Liquid eggs: Pour 3 tbsp (1 egg equivalent). Stir halfway for even cooking.
- Powdered eggs: Uncle Peter’s move. Mix 2 tbsp powder + 2 tbsp water first.
Broke college kid pro tip: Swap eggs with mayo (1 tbsp). Sounds wild, but the emulsified oil mimics egg creaminess. This makes it a great alternative for those seeking quick meal solutions. In fact, using microwave mayo can take convenience to the next level, allowing you to whip up tasty dishes in no time.
Ready to nuke safely? Let’s zap those eggs without apocalyptic microwave splatter…
Can You Microwave Ramen With Egg Safely?
We’ve all seen eggplosions – that terrifying pop followed by yolk shrapnel. Through trial and error (RIP my freshman dorm microwave), we cracked the code. Yes, you can safely microwave eggs in ramen with three precautions. This method can lead to delightful dishes like microwave egg ramen, a quick meal that satisfies cravings. By following the right steps, you can enjoy perfectly cooked eggs blending seamlessly with flavorful ramen.
Microwave Safety Tips for Eggs
- Fresh eggs: Pierce yolk with fork before cooking. Trapped steam causes explosions.
- Liquid eggs: Stir every 15 seconds. Cook at 50% power to prevent rubbery texture.
- All methods: Use deep, microwave-safe bowls. Leave 1-inch space below rim.
Eggs reach safe temps (160°F) faster in broth than alone. We tested with a food thermometer – poached eggs hit 165°F in 1:30 at full power! One popular method to achieve this is to poach eggs in the microwave, which simplifies the process greatly. Microwaving an egg can save time while still delivering that perfectly soft yolk.
Also See: Easy Microwave Cinnamon Roll Dip (Microwave Swirl)
How to Make Microwave Ramen With Egg: Step-by-step
Grab your favorite $0.30 ramen brick. Let’s turn sad noodles into a luxe meal Aunt Clarice would steal. A quick and easy ramen noodle recipe in the microwave can elevate your meal even further. With just a few extra ingredients and a minute or two of cooking, you can transform those plain noodles into a delicious dish.
Preparing the Ramen Base
- Break noodle block in bowl (no seasoning yet!).
- Add water: 1.5 cups for soupy, 1 cup for thicker broth.
- Microwave 1:30. Stir in seasoning after cooking.
Why cook noodles first? Seasoning contains salt that toughens egg proteins. Learned this after three chalky failed batches. Cooking noodles in the microwave can be a quick solution to avoid these mistakes. In just a few minutes, you can achieve perfectly cooked noodles that are ready to be seasoned.
Microwave Poached Egg Method
- Crack egg into ramen broth.
- Pierce yolk. Cover bowl with damp paper towel.
- Microwave 30 seconds. Check – white should be opaque.
Perfect for Instagram. The broth gently coddles the egg – like a spa day for your ramen.
Egg Drop Swirl Technique
- Whisk 1 egg in separate cup.
- Stir cooked noodles clockwise.
- Drizzle egg in while spinning broth.
Creates ribbon-like strands. Pro tip: Add 1/4 tsp cornstarch to egg for thicker “strings.”
Soft-cooked Egg Addition
My lazy Sunday move:
- Microwave egg in water-filled cup 1:00.
- Peel (carefully – it’s hot!). Slice over ramen.
Runny yolk alert! Use older eggs – fresh ones stick to shells when microwaved.
Also See: Quick Microwave Garlic Kale: A Tasty Side in Minutes!

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
We’ve wept over rubbery eggs and salt-bomb broths. Save your tastebuds with these fixes.
Avoiding Overcooked Eggs
Microwaves vary. Start with 15-second intervals after initial cook time. Eggs continue cooking in hot broth – aim for “custardy” rather than firm.
If you overdo it, stir in 1 tsp butter. Fat masks dryness better than water.
Adjusting Liquid Ratios
- Too watery: Add 1/2 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water. Microwave 30 sec.
- Too thick: Splash in broth or milk (dairy/plant-based).
Ramen brick sizes differ. Maruchan needs 1.25 cups water vs. Nissin’s 1.5 cups. Check packaging before microwaving Maruchan for that cheap microwave ramen upgrade with egg.
Now that you’re a microwave ramen-egg wizard, let’s tackle the big question: can you save leftovers without snotty reheated eggs? The key to successful reheating lies in the method and timing. When it comes to reheating eggs in the microwave, doing it gently can help maintain their texture and flavor.
Now It’s Your Turn to Upgrade That Ramen!
We’ve cracked the code on transforming basic microwave ramen into a protein-packed, flavor-loaded meal with just an egg. Whether you prefer it poached, swirled, or soft-cooked, this simple trick turns a 3-minute meal into something worth savoring.
Got your own ramen upgrade hack? Try ours first—then experiment with spices, veggies, or different proteins. Your microwave just became the ultimate ramen bar.