If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors, comfort, and a little unexpected twist, the Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This Korean-inspired noodle bowl combines the satisfying bite of ramen with the gentle crunch of cabbage, a spicy kick from gochujang, and the melty, creamy goodness of mozzarella cheese all in one bowl. It’s quick, fuss-free, and utterly delicious—perfect for those evenings when you want to treat yourself to something warm and exciting without spending hours cooking. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for cozy meals that never fail to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the key here. Each item adds a unique touch—whether it’s the vibrant green cabbage bringing crunch and freshness or the rich cheese melting into a creamy finish, these ingredients work in harmony to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets): The heart of the dish, providing that classic chewy noodle experience.
- 2 cups green cabbage (thinly sliced): Adds crunch, color, and a mild sweetness to balance the spice.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Helps sauté the garlic and cabbage perfectly without overpowering other flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Offers a fragrant base that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste): Brings authentic Korean heat and a subtle sweetness that’s essential here.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds saltiness and depth to the broth.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A nutty aroma that finishes the dish beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want to turn up the heat even more.
- 2 cups water or chicken broth: Creates the savory soup base for the noodles.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts on top, creating an irresistibly creamy layer.
- 1 green onion (sliced): Adds a fresh, sharp bite as a garnish.
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a subtle crunch and extra nuttiness to the presentation.
How to Make Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Cabbage
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. The fragrant garlic hits the hot oil, filling your kitchen with that irresistible savory aroma. After about 30 seconds, toss in the thinly sliced green cabbage. Cook it for 4 to 5 minutes until it begins to soften and wilt just enough to maintain a pleasant crunch. This step builds the foundation for the dish’s texture and flavor.
Step 2: Add the Spicy Sauce
Stir in the vibrant gochujang, the salty soy sauce, and the nutty sesame oil, mixing them thoroughly with the cabbage to coat every piece. If you love spice, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes at this point. This sauce step is where the magic begins—it turns simple cabbage into something savory, spicy, and downright addictive.
Step 3: Bring the Broth to a Boil and Cook Noodles
Pour in the water or chicken broth to the pan and turn up the heat until it reaches a rolling boil. Drop in the ramen noodles and cook them according to package directions, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together and to ensure they soak up the flavorful broth evenly.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
When the noodles are tender and the liquid has mostly reduced, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pan with a lid for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt into a luscious, gooey layer that ties everything together beautifully. This cheesy finish makes the Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese Recipe stand out from any other ramen you’ve tried.
How to Serve Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl, scatter the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. The green onions add a fresh pop of flavor and vibrant color, while the toasted sesame seeds contribute a subtle nutty crunch that complements the melty cheese and spicy broth perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your ramen with Korean pickled kimchi or a light cucumber salad to cut through the richness and spice. Simple steamed dumplings or even a hard-boiled egg are also fantastic companions that add more interest and heartiness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the ramen in individual deep bowls with a drizzle of extra sesame oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes for guests who like more heat. Alternatively, layer the ramen and toppings beautifully in a glass bowl or a rustic cast-iron skillet to impress family and friends visually before they even taste the deliciousness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because of the cheese and noodles, the texture may soften, but the flavor will remain vibrant, making it a perfect quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
Freezing ramen with cheese is not ideal, as the noodles tend to become mushy and the cheese can separate when thawed. If you want to freeze, it’s better to keep the ramen and broth separate from the cheese and add fresh cheese when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the ramen gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles if necessary. If the cheese has hardened, cover for a minute or two to let it soften again, giving you that gooey, melty experience on the second go.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella gives a mild creaminess, you can swap it for cheddar, pepper jack, or even a shredded provolone depending on your preference for flavor and spice.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, if you use water or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, this dish is perfectly vegetarian. It’s a flavorful option for anyone avoiding meat but still craving a hearty noodle bowl.
How spicy is this ramen?
The heat level is versatile—gochujang adds a moderate spice, but you can control the kick by adjusting or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes. It’s easy to make this dish as mild or fiery as you like.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Adding a beaten egg towards the end of cooking or topping with grilled chicken or tofu works beautifully, making the meal more filling and balanced.
What is the best way to slice cabbage for this recipe?
Thinly slicing the cabbage ensures it cooks quickly, maintains a nice slight crunch, and evenly absorbs the flavorful sauce. Using a sharp knife or mandoline makes this task quick and easy.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese Recipe is one of those magical meals that feels indulgent yet comes together in under 15 minutes. It’s perfect for when you want something that’s both comforting and exciting, with layers of spice, crunch, and creamy cheese that dance in every bite. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you might just find your new favorite comfort food that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
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Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese is a flavorful Korean-inspired noodle dish featuring tender instant ramen cooked with crisp cabbage, aromatic garlic, and a spicy gochujang sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a creamy finish. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal with a delightful balance of heat, savory depth, and cheesy richness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 2 cups green cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 green onion (sliced)
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Garlic: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Sauté Cabbage: Stir in the thinly sliced cabbage and cook for 4–5 minutes until the cabbage is slightly wilted but still retains some crunch.
- Add Seasonings: Add gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to evenly coat the cabbage with the spicy, savory sauce.
- Add Liquid and Bring to Boil: Pour in water or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil, preparing the liquid base for cooking the noodles.
- Cook Ramen Noodles: Add the instant ramen noodles to the boiling liquid and cook according to package instructions, approximately 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally to separate the noodles and combine them well with the sauce.
- Melt Cheese: Once the noodles are cooked and most of the liquid has reduced, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover with a lid and let it melt for 1–2 minutes until gooey and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot for a comforting, spicy, cheesy ramen bowl.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a beaten egg during the last minute of cooking to create a silky texture.
- Use kimchi as an additional ingredient for an extra punch of Korean flavor and tanginess.
- Swap mozzarella cheese with cheddar or spicy pepper jack to increase the heat and flavor complexity.
