Gourmet instant noodles have often been labeled as an easy, go-to meal when you’re short on time. But what if I told you these humble packets could be transformed into something elegant, satisfying, and full of flavor? While some might find the idea of upgrading instant noodles surprising, these gourmet instant noodles recipes will definitely change your mind.
After years of experimenting with instant noodles, I’ve discovered three amazing ways to make them taste incredible. Stir-frying instant noodles was once my number one method, but after trying the tomato sour soup with spicy ramen, I found it to be just as good, if not better. Today, I’m sharing both of these recipes along with a favorite among my colleagues: Tuna Cheese Baked Instant Noodles, which received the highest score in an office poll.
These recipes are so simple that even a beginner in the kitchen can make them perfectly. Enjoy! 🙂 
Recipe 1: Tomato Beef Soup Instant Noodles
Ingredients：
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 small onion
- 1-2 small chili peppers (optional)
- A handful of spinach
- 1 pack of instant noodles (I recommend spicy ramen for this)
- 100g beef slices
- 1/2 cup of shiitake mushrooms (or any mushrooms you prefer)
- Instant noodle seasoning (I use the spicy ramen packet for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp oil
Instructions：
1、Score an “X” on the top of each tomato. Place them in a pot of hot water and cook for 30 seconds. Remove and peel off the skin, then cut the tomatoes into small chunks.
2、Heat a small amount of oil in a pan, and sauté some chopped onions and chili peppers until fragrant.
3、Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they release their juices. Then, add a large bowl of water and bring it to a boil.
4、Add the shiitake mushroom slices and the instant noodle block. Cook until the noodles are about 80% done.
5、Add the beef slices and spinach, cooking them until tender. Finally, add the seasoning packet and stir to combine.
Your tomato beef soup instant noodles are ready to serve!
Recipe 2: Stir-Fried Instant Noodles
Ingredients：
- 1 pack of instant noodles (I recommend Fire Noodles for a spicier dish)
- A few slices of onion
- A few chili rings
- A handful of leafy greens (spinach or bok choy works well)
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 2 slices of cooked sausage (or any protein you like)
- Soy sauce (3 tbsp)
- Sichuan pepper oil (2 tbsp)
Instructions：
1、Heat a pan with a little oil, and sauté the onion and chili rings until fragrant.
2、Add the leafy greens, carrots, and sliced sausage. Stir-fry for a few minutes.
3、Add the cooked noodles (make sure they’re about 80% cooked before adding them to the pan) and toss everything together.
4、Stir in half of the sauce packet from the Fire Noodles, soy sauce, and Sichuan pepper oil. Continue to stir-fry until everything is well-coated.
Serve hot, and enjoy your stir-fried instant noodles!
Recipe 3: Tuna Cheese Baked Instant Noodles
Ingredients：
- 1 pack of instant noodles (I recommend Fire Noodles for their chewy texture)
- 1 can of tuna
- A small jar of kimchi (optional)
- A handful of spinach
- 2 slices of cheese
- A small handful of mozzarella cheese
- Instant noodle seasoning
- A bit of sesame seeds
- Nori flakes (optional)
Instructions：
1、Boil the Fire Noodles until they’re about 80% cooked. Drain and let them cool under cold water.
2、In a pan, sauté spinach until just wilted.
3、Add the cooled noodles to the pan with the seasoning packet and mix well.
4、Stir in some kimchi and half a can of tuna, mixing until everything is evenly combined.
5、Transfer the noodle mixture into a microwave-safe dish, and top with 2 slices of cheese and a small handful of mozzarella cheese.
6、Microwave on high for 5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Garnish with sesame seeds and nori flakes, and your Tuna Cheese Baked Instant Noodles are ready to be devoured!
Final Thoughts
With these three easy-to-make gourmet instant noodles recipes, you can enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal without much effort. Whether you’re craving something savory, spicy, or cheesy, these upgraded noodle dishes offer a great variety of flavors to suit every craving. Perfect for a quick bite after a long day or when you’re in the mood for something comforting and indulgent, gourmet instant noodles prove that convenience and taste can go hand in hand. Enjoy!
