Cheap Microwave Ramen With Canned Tuna in Minutes!

Craving a filling meal but stuck with a tight budget and even tighter time? This microwave ramen with tuna costs under $2 and cooks in 5 minutes flat—no stovetop required.

We’re talking savory broth, tender noodles, and protein-packed tuna colliding in a single mug. Let’s just say your pantry staples are about to become heroes.

Here’s everything you need to nail this lazy-day recipe (and make it taste like you tried).

What Does Tuna Ramen Taste Like?

Imagine savory broth hugging springy noodles, with flakes of tuna adding a salty, meaty punch. The umami from the ramen seasoning mingles with the ocean-rich flavor of canned fish—it’s like comfort food with a cheeky protein boost.

My aunt Clarice first made me try this combo during a college visit. “It’s dorm-room gourmet,” she winked, tossing in sriracha from her purse. The briny tuna cuts through the ramen’s richness, while optional add-ins like lime or chili crisp let you riff on the flavor. Think of it as your microwave’s greatest hits album.

Ingredients for Microwave Tuna Ramen

You likely have most items already. John once made this with 7-Eleven ramen and gas-station tuna packets during finals week. We survived—and so will your wallet.

Essential Ingredients

• 1 packet instant ramen (any flavor—we’ll hack the seasoning)
• 1 can tuna in water (oil-packed works but drains poorly)
• 1.5 cups water (hot tap water speeds things up)

Optional upgrades: soy sauce (1 tsp), frozen peas, or a squirt of mayo for creaminess. Aunt Clarice insists on adding kimchi “for character.”

Budget-friendly Substitutes &Amp; Alternatives

• Ramen swap: Use Top Ramen Soy Sauce flavor ($0.35/pack) instead of pricier brands.
• Tuna alternatives: Canned chicken or rinsed beans work if fish isn’t your thing.
• Veggie hacks: Use frozen mixed veggies ($1.29/bag) instead of fresh.

John once used free fast-food soy packets instead of buying a bottle. Drain your tuna well—excess liquid makes broth murky. And if you’re sodium-shy, use half the seasoning packet. This approach to tuna can be easily paired with lazy microwave recipes, like canned tuna instant freekeh. Combining these quick ingredients creates a nourishing and convenient meal in no time.

Ready to turn these humble ingredients into something magical? Let’s nuke this thing properly.

How to Make Microwave Ramen With Canned Tuna

Let’s transform those pantry staples into a meal that’ll make your microwave blush with pride. Pro tip: use a large microwave-safe bowl—ramen has a sneaky way of bubbling over in mugs. For a quick and convenient meal, many people choose to put cup ramen in the microwave. This method makes it easy to enjoy a warm, satisfying dish in just a few minutes.

Step 1: Microwave the Ramen Noodles Safely

Break the ramen block into quarters (trust us—it fits better). Add noodles to your bowl with 1.5 cups water. Microwave uncovered for 2 minutes at 1000W. Stir, then nuke another 1.5 minutes. Cooking ramen noodles in the microwave is a quick and convenient option for those busy days. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy your meal in no time.

I learned the hard way: overfilling water = sad, mushy noodles. If your microwave’s weaker (700-800W), add 30 seconds. Noodles should be flexible but not fully soft yet. The right preparation can lead to a satisfying dish, and if you’re in the mood for something quick and delicious, easy 2 minute garlic noodles are a fantastic option. Just a little garlic and butter can elevate your meal without the fuss.

Step 2: Mixing &Amp; Heating the Tuna

Drain tuna thoroughly—press the lid against the fish to squeeze out excess liquid. In a separate mug, mix tuna, ramen seasoning, and any add-ins (soy sauce, mayo). Microwave the tuna for 30 seconds to marry flavors.

John once dumped undrained tuna straight into broth. We don’t talk about The Great Ramen Swamp Incident of 2019. Hot tip: flake tuna with a fork post-heating for better texture. This experience shows how important it is to handle canned tuna properly. For a quick and easy meal, a lazy microwave canned tuna casserole can be a delicious solution.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

Pour tuna mixture over noodles. Stir gently—those noodles are fragile! Let sit 1 minute so broth absorbs properly. This simple preparation can lead to a delicious meal that’s quick and satisfying. For an even easier option, consider lazy microwave canned tuna rice, a dish that combines convenience with a burst of flavor.

Aunt Clarice insists on chopsticks for “authentic noodle vibes.” I use a fork. We’re both right. Bonus move: Top with a soft-boiled egg if you’re feeling fancy-pants. For a quick and delicious meal, consider adding cheap microwave instant noodles with an egg. This combination is not only budget-friendly but also satisfies hunger in no time.

Also See: Easy 2-minute Garlic Noodles Ready in No Time!

Common Mistakes &Amp; How to Fix Them

We’ve made every error so you don’t have to. Here’s how to dodge ramen regret.

Avoiding Soggy Noodles

Problem: Noodles turning into a limp mess. Fix: Stick to 1.5 cups max water and precise cook times. Undercook slightly—they’ll soften while resting. When cooking noodles in a microwave, it’s essential to monitor the water ratio and timing closely. This way, you can achieve perfectly cooked noodles without the mess.

My roommate microwaved hers for 5 minutes once. It looked like alien tentacle soup. 900W microwaves? Start with 3 minutes total, check, then add 15-second bursts. Microwaves can get really hot during cooking, so it’s crucial to monitor the food closely. The higher the wattage, the hotter microwaves get. which can lead to surprising results.

Balancing Canned Tuna’s Saltiness

Problem: Overly salty broth from tuna + seasoning. Fix: Rinse tuna (yes, really) or use low-sodium packets. Use only ¾ seasoning packet. When preparing a quick meal, consider adding instant barley and canned tuna to your shopping list. This combination creates a lazy microwave-friendly dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Table of flavor rescuers:

Issue	Solution
Too salty	Add 1 tsp vinegar or lime juice
Too fishy	Stir in ½ tsp sesame oil
Too bland	1/4 tsp garlic powder or MSG

Also See: Crispy 2-minute Microwave Sweet Potato Chips (No Oil)

How to Store Leftover Tuna Ramen

Let broth cool to room temp (max 2 hours). Store noodles + broth together in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat tip: Add 2 tbsp water before microwaving 1-2 minutes to revive broth.

Noodles will absorb liquid overnight—they’ll be softer but still edible. Freezing? Don’t. Tuna gets grainy, and noodles turn to mush upon thawing. Learned that one during the Great Kitchen Experiment of 2022.

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s talk about kicking things up a notch with zero extra effort…

Now It’s Your Turn to Whip Up Tasty Tuna Ramen!

We’ve covered everything from avoiding soggy noodles to balancing flavors—your microwave tuna ramen adventure starts now. This budget-friendly meal proves you don’t need fancy equipment or expensive ingredients for something delicious.

Got a favorite twist? Try adding sriracha for heat or mayo for creaminess. Just remember to microwave tuna in short bursts (15-20 seconds) to prevent rubbery texture. Happy microwaving!