Craving a warm bowl of ramen but short on time and cash? This recipe transforms basic ramen and canned mushrooms into a savory meal in under 5 minutes.
We’re talking under $2 per serving and zero cooking skills required—just a microwave and hunger for something hearty.
Below, we break down everything from choosing the right microwave-safe bowl to unlocking maximum flavor from those humble canned fungi.
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Cheap Microwave Ramen with Canned Diced Mushrooms
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Asian2
3
minutes5
minutes350
kcal8
minutesThis simple microwave ramen recipe utilizes canned diced mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutrition of a standard ramen dish. Ideal for those busy days, this recipe can be made in under 10 minutes. Just combine the ingredients and let the microwave do all the work, making it perfect for students or anyone seeking a quick meal on a budget.
Ingredients
of instant ramen noodles
of diced mushrooms drained
of water
soy sauce
of garlic powder
of onion powder
green onions optional for garnish
oil . optional for flavor
Directions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the water, drained canned diced mushrooms, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stir well to combine.
- Next, add the instant ramen noodles to the bowl, breaking them in half if necessary to fit.
- Microwave the bowl on high for 3 minutes, then carefully stir the noodles to separate them.
- Microwave for an additional 2 minutes, watching to ensure it doesn't overflow.
- After cooking, let the bowl sit for 1 minute to cool slightly.
- Stir the noodles again, adding a drizzle of sesame oil and chopped green onions if desired, before serving..
Notes
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other canned vegetables or leftover proteins. Adjust the seasonings to your taste, and for extra flavor, you can top it with a soft-boiled egg or seaweed.
Can You Microwave Canned Mushrooms?
Absolutely! Canned mushrooms are pre-cooked during canning, making them microwave-safe. We microwave them weekly—my Uncle Peter calls them “the lazy chef’s secret weapon” (he’s not wrong).
How to Cook Canned Mushrooms in the Microwave
- Drain the can thoroughly—no one wants swampy mushrooms.
- Toss them into a microwave-safe bowl. Grandma uses her vintage Pyrex dish from 1972, but any ceramic/glass container works.
- Microwave on high for 45-60 seconds. Stir halfway to avoid hot spots.
Pro tip: Add a splash of soy sauce pre-microwaving for extra umami. Uncle Peter swears by this hack, though he’ll deny it if you ask him.
What Does Microwave Ramen With Mushrooms Taste Like?
Imagine your favorite instant ramen, but with a meaty depth from those mushrooms. The broth turns richer, almost like you simmered it for hours (we won’t tell anyone it took 3 minutes). You can easily enhance your meals with delicious ingredients, like easy 2 minute stuffed mushrooms, which deliver great flavor in no time.
At a family potluck last winter, Grandma accidentally served this to her bridge club—they demanded the “gourmet recipe.” The canned mushrooms add an earthy savoriness that plain ramen lacks, while the quick cook keeps noodles springy. Speaking of quick meals, lazy microwave canned chicken ramen offers an effortless way to enjoy a hearty bowl without much fuss.
Craving heat? Throw in chili flakes. Want freshness? A lime wedge brightens the bowl. This recipe’s a blank canvas for your inner 5-star dorm room chef. You can easily elevate your snacking experience with quick microwave chili lime nuts. These flavorful bites combine the zest of lime and a spicy kick that’s ready in no time!
Ready to raid your pantry? Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need…
Ingredients for Microwave Ramen With Canned Mushrooms
You likely have most items already—this recipe thrives on pantry staples. We need 1 packet instant ramen (any flavor), 1 can diced mushrooms (4 oz/113g), and 1.5 cups water. The seasoning packet’s our flavor backbone, but we’ll elevate it. Adding some cheap microwave ramen canned mushrooms can bring a delightful texture and additional umami flavor to the dish, making it even more satisfying.
Optional upgrades: soy sauce (Uncle Peter’s umami booster), chili oil, or a soft-boiled egg. My broke college self once added crushed Doritos—surprisingly decent, but let’s stick to basics today. One of the simplest and most satisfying upgrades is adding butter and soy sauce to cheap microwave ramen. This combo not only enhances the flavor but also makes for a comforting and quick meal.
Ramen Noodle Alternatives
No ramen? No panic. Use rice noodles (microwave 3 mins) or broken spaghetti (snap into 2-inch pieces). Udon noodles work too—just adjust cooking time by 30-second increments. Microwaving noodles is a quick and efficient way to prepare them when you’re in a hurry. Just make sure to add enough water for steaming, so they come out perfectly cooked every time.
- Gluten-free? Buckwheat soba noodles (2.5 mins)
- Low-carb? Shirataki noodles (rinse well, microwave 1 min)
Mushroom Substitutes
Out of canned mushrooms? Fresh work—slice thin and microwave 2 mins first. Canned bamboo shoots add crunch, or microwave canned beans (kidney, black) bulk it up. For a quick meal, microwave canned beans as they heat evenly and are ready in minutes. Once, I used chickpeas—texture was odd, but protein wins!
Also See: Microwave Berry Crumble Mug in Just 5 Minutes!
How to Make Microwave Ramen With Canned Mushrooms
This isn’t rocket science—it’s ramen science. We’ve made this 47 times (yes, we counted) while binge-watching baking shows. Perfection achieved.
Step-by-step Cooking Instructions
- Drain mushrooms in a colander. Shake hard—like polaroid pictures.
- Add mushrooms to microwave-safe bowl. Nuke 1 minute uncovered.
- Stir in ramen noodles and water. Microwave 2 minutes.
- Mix seasoning packet into broth. Let sit 1 minute—noodles keep absorbing.
Top with green onions or sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy. Chopsticks optional—sporks acceptable.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- Soggy mushrooms? Drain longer. Press with paper towels.
- Overcooked noodles? Reduce cooking time by 30 seconds.
- Bland broth? Add ¼ tsp chicken bouillon or 1 tsp miso paste.
Once, I forgot the water. The fire alarm disagreed with my “crispy noodle experiment.” Learn from my shame. If you’re looking for a quicker and safer way to enjoy noodles, a microwave can work wonders. A simple ramen noodle recipe in the microwave can save time and reduce the risk of kitchen disasters.
Now that your ramen’s steaming hot, let’s talk about keeping leftovers (if any exist)—because even broke chefs deserve next-day goodness. If you’re wondering how to reheat that ramen in the microwave, it’s a quick and easy option. Just add a splash of water before heating to keep it from drying out.
Also See: Microwave Polenta Recipe – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
Microwave ramen with canned diced mushrooms is a budget-friendly, quick meal that packs flavor without the fuss. We’ve covered everything from prep tricks to creative twists—so grab those ingredients and get microwaving!
Let us know how your mushroom ramen turns out. Did you add extra spices or swap in different veggies? Your kitchen experiments might just inspire our next recipe upgrade!
