Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Ramen is a comforting, flavorful twist on classic instant ramen. Featuring melty American cheese, tender grilled Spam, fresh spinach, sweet corn, and a spicy kick from pickled jalapeños, this recipe combines convenience and indulgence in one satisfying bowl. Perfect for a quick lunch or cozy dinner, it blends creamy, savory, and fresh ingredients for a balanced and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 package Maruchan® Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup
- 3 American Cheese Slices
- 2.5 ounces Spam
- 2 ounces Canned Sweet Corn, drained
- 3 ounces Fresh Spinach, washed
- 1 bunch Scallion, chopped
Additional Ingredients & Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons Pickled Jalapeño Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Fried Shallots
- Ice, as needed for blanching spinach
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Drain the canned sweet corn and wash the fresh spinach thoroughly to remove any grit or dirt before cooking.
- Slice Spam: Open the can of Spam and cut off a thick 2cm-wide slice or more according to your preference for grilling.
- Blanch Spinach: Bring a pot of water to a boil and prepare a bowl with ice water. Place the spinach into the boiling water for 30 seconds to blanch, then quickly remove with a spider or slotted spoon and immerse in the ice water to stop cooking and preserve the vibrant color.
- Partially Cook Noodles: Add the ramen noodles to the boiling water for about 30 seconds until they start to loosen. Remove and set aside as they will finish cooking later in the soup.
- Grill Spam: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and grill the Spam slice for 3 minutes on each side until nicely browned and slightly crispy. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes for a similar result.
- Prepare Soup Base: Refill the pot with fresh water following the ramen package directions and bring to a boil. Stir in the soup base and any seasoning packets included until fully dissolved.
- Assemble Soup: Add the partially cooked noodles, blanched spinach, and drained sweet corn into the pot of soup.
- Add Cheese: Push the noodles down into the soup and cover with the American cheese slices. Turn off the heat and cover the pot to allow the residual heat to melt the cheese, which also finishes cooking the noodles perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped scallions, fried shallots, and pickled jalapeño peppers over the top. Serve the grilled Spam on the side to keep it crispy. Enjoy immediately while hot.
Notes
- Blanching the spinach preserves its bright color and texture without overcooking it.
- You can substitute American cheese slices with processed cheese of your choice for a similar creamy effect.
- Grilling Spam adds a crispy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft noodles and melted cheese.
- Adjust the amount of pickled jalapeños to control the spice level.
- Using ice water after blanching spinach stops the cooking process and keeps the greens fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesy ramen, one-pot recipe, instant ramen makeover, grilled Spam, comfort food, quick dinner, creamy ramen
