Description
This Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese is a quick and flavorful Korean-inspired fusion dish featuring tender noodles tossed with sautéed cabbage, garlic, and a spicy kick from red pepper flakes and gochujang or sriracha. Melted mozzarella cheese on top adds a comforting, gooey finish, making it an easy yet satisfying meal perfect for a main course or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 1 (3 oz) package instant ramen noodles (any flavor, discard seasoning packet)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon gochujang or sriracha (optional for extra spice)
- 1/4 cup water
Cheese & Garnishes
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the ramen noodles according to package directions, but undercook slightly by boiling for about 2 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside to prevent overcooking in the next steps.
- Sauté Cabbage: Heat vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced cabbage and cook for 3–4 minutes until it softens and starts to brown, bringing out a slight caramelized flavor.
- Add Garlic and Spice: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute to release their aromas and infuse the cabbage with heat.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles back into the skillet along with soy sauce, gochujang or sriracha if using, and water. Toss everything well to combine and heat through for 1–2 minutes until the flavors meld.
- Melt Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the noodle mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 1–2 minutes so the cheese melts into a gooey blanket over the noodles.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the lid, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired, and serve the dish hot for a deliciously spicy and cheesy experience.
Notes
- You can swap mozzarella with shredded cheddar cheese or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- For extra protein, add a fried egg or tofu on top before serving.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and gochujang/sriracha.
- Use vegetarian ramen noodles to keep the dish vegetarian.
