Why This Ramen Burger Recipe Works
This eggless ramen burger recipe creates a bun that truly captures the essence of ramen. By pressing cooked instant noodles into a can (with both ends removed) and frying them in oil, you achieve a cohesive noodle structure that holds up beautifully.
If you’ve come across reviews of ramen burgers and are curious about trying one yourself, you’re not alone. My first encounter with this culinary trend was at the San Francisco Street Food Festival. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to sample one due to the long wait time, but feedback from others suggested it was an underwhelming experience.
Instead of waiting in line for something that might not live up to expectations, why not try making your own version at home? This way, you can determine if this unique concept is worth your time.
While some interpretations of ramen burgers replace traditional beef patties with noodles—essentially creating a noodle sandwich—this recipe focuses on using ramen as the bun itself. This approach is more enticing as it swaps out one carbohydrate for another while infusing Japanese flavors into your meal.
Typically, ramen burgers feature a seasoned burger patty glazed with sauce and served between buns made from eggs and noodles cooked on a flat-top grill. In my version using instant ramen, I skip the glaze in favor of seasoning directly from the packet and eliminate eggs altogether for an authentic noodle bun experience.
The challenge lies in maintaining the shape of these buns without eggs for structure. Instead of molding them in plastic containers like traditional recipes suggest, we’ll use an innovative method: pressing noodles into both ends-opened cans before frying until they bind together perfectly.
Once your noodle patties are ready, simply cook your seasoned burger (using that delicious ramen seasoning), add toppings as desired—and enjoy! You could go all-in with Japanese toppings like scallions and sweet soy sauce or opt for classic Western additions; I chose to keep it simple yet satisfying.
In conclusion? As Erin pointed out after her tasting experience: while intriguing visually and conceptually, eating a ramen burger may leave you craving either traditional burgers or bowls of steaming ramen instead—a quirky novelty rather than a fulfilling meal option!
Ramen Burger Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pack instant ramen noodles
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 8 ounces freshly ground beef (two 4-ounce patties)
- 2 slices American cheese (or Cheddar/Swiss)
- Toppings as desired
Instructions:
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Prepare Noodles: Cook instant noodles according to package instructions but drain them one minute early. Spread them out on a rimmed baking sheet to cool slightly before seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Form Noodle Buns: Divide cooled noodles into four equal portions. Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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Mold Noodle Patties: Place an empty can or ring mold on one side of the pan; fill it with one portion of noodles and press down gently using a rubber spatula to create an even layer.
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Cook Buns: Carefully remove the mold after about three minutes when browned on one side; flip each patty carefully after browning for another three minutes until golden brown all around.
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Season Beef Patties: While cooking buns, season beef patties with contents from the seasoning packet along with additional salt & pepper if desired.
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Cook Burgers: Wipe excess oil from skillet then heat over high heat until lightly smoking before adding seasoned patties—pressing down immediately so they sear well without moving them initially (about two minutes). Flip carefully once seared; top each patty with cheese during final minute based on preferred doneness level.
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Assemble Your Burger: Layer toppings onto bottom noodle bun followed by cooked patty then finish off by placing second noodle bun atop everything else! Serve hot!
Special Equipment Needed:
- A 4-inch ring mold or empty 28-ounce can
Explore more creative ways to enjoy instant ramens such as fried rice variations or learn essential principles behind perfecting any burger topping combination!