Instant Pot Ramen

This Instant Pot Ramen is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. With tender chicken, luscious ramen eggs, and vibrant veggies in a savory broth, this recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction in just 15 minutes. It’s an easy way to enjoy hearty flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Instant Pot Ramen can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic days.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of chicken broth, soy sauce, and chili oil creates a depth of flavor that warms the soul.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily adjust the toppings and veggies to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
• Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein from chicken and nutritious bok choy, this ramen is a wholesome choice.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it a great option for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Small pot (for ramen eggs)
• Mixing bowls
• Forks (for shredding chicken)
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: This multi-cooker speeds up the cooking process while developing rich flavors in the broth.
• Small pot: Perfect for boiling eggs, ensuring they’re cooked to perfection without hassle.
• Cutting board & Knife: Essential for safely slicing ingredients like bok choy and scallions without mess.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb. (500g) chicken tenders (or chicken breasts)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper

For the Broth

• 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water

For the Ramen Eggs

• 4 eggs

For the Noodles

• 3 packages ramen noodles (discard the seasonings)

For the Veggies

• 8 oz. (230g) bok choy (stem removed and sliced into pieces)
• 4 stalks scallion (white parts into 2-inch (5cm) length and green part into rounds)

For Flavoring

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or Japanese soup base, add more to taste)
• Black and white sesame (optional)
• Chili oil (S&B La-Yu Chili Oil)

How to Make Instant Pot Ramen

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken with salt and ground black pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Turn on the Saute mode on the Instant Pot. Once heated, add vegetable oil. Pan sear the chicken until both sides are golden brown.

Step 3: Prepare the Broth

Add chicken broth, water, and white parts of scallions into the pot. Cover it up and select Manual mode; set it to High pressure for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Make Ramen Eggs

In a small pot, fill with cold water deep enough to cover eggs completely. Bring to a boil, then gently add eggs and cook for 7 minutes. After cooking, plunge them into ice water for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Peel Eggs

Carefully peel off egg shells while submerged in water; ensure you remove all membrane covering egg whites. Slice each egg in half and set aside.

Step 6: Shred Chicken

Once Instant Pot beeps, perform Quick Release. Open carefully; discard scallion whites and scoop out chicken. Let cool slightly before shredding using two forks.

Step 7: Cook Ramen Noodles

Switch back to Saute mode. Once soup boils, add shredded chicken and ramen noodles. Push noodles down so they’re fully submerged.

Step 8: Add Bok Choy & Sauce

As soon as noodles soften (no longer in block form), stir in bok choy and soy sauce. Mix well but avoid overcooking as noodles will continue cooking after removal.

Step 9: Serve Your Dish

Divide ramen into four bowls. Top with ramen eggs, chopped scallions, sesame seeds if desired, and a drizzle of chili oil. Serve immediately for best texture!

How to Serve Instant Pot Ramen

Serving Instant Pot Ramen can be as creative as you want. This dish is versatile and can be customized with various toppings and sides to enhance its flavor and presentation.

Classic Toppings

• Chopped Scallions: Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Offers a nutty crunch and enhances visual appeal.
• Chili Oil: Drizzle for a spicy kick if you enjoy heat.

Flavor Enhancers

• Soy Sauce: A dash can deepen the savory taste.
• Sriracha or Hot Sauce: Spice it up further with your favorite hot sauce.
• Lime Wedges: Squeeze some lime juice for a zesty finish.

Additional Proteins

• Tofu Cubes: For a plant-based option, add soft or fried tofu for texture.
• Grilled Chicken Slices: Enhance the protein content by adding sliced grilled chicken on top.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Ramen

Creating the perfect Instant Pot Ramen involves attention to detail in both cooking technique and ingredient selection.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality chicken make all the difference in flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Keep an eye on the timing; noodles should be tender but not mushy.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Start with less soy sauce and adjust according to your preference.
• Let Eggs Cool Before Peeling: This helps prevent the whites from sticking to the shell, giving you perfect ramen eggs.
• Add Ingredients in Stages: Add veggies at the right time to keep them crisp and vibrant.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Ramen

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Ramen can create a well-rounded meal experience. Here are some delightful options.

1. Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt provides a simple yet nutritious side.
2. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and sesame oil adds crunch.
3. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies offer a light and crispy complement.
4. Seaweed Salad: A tangy seaweed salad brings umami flavors that pair nicely with ramen broth.
5. Tempura Vegetables: Lightly battered and fried veggies add a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with ramen.
6. Pickled Vegetables: Serve pickled daikon or carrots for a tangy bite that cleanses the palate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Instant Pot Ramen can be simple, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the seasoning – Neglecting to season the chicken properly can result in bland ramen. Always season all components before cooking for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the noodles – If you let the ramen noodles cook too long, they become mushy. Keep an eye on them and remove from heat as soon as they’re tender.
• Ignoring broth proportions – Using too little broth can make your ramen dry. Ensure you have enough liquid to keep everything moist and flavorful.
• Not using fresh ingredients – Stale vegetables or old chicken can ruin your dish’s taste. Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
• Waiting too long to serve – Letting ramen sit in the pot will cause it to become soggy. Serve immediately after cooking for optimal texture and enjoyment.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Instant Pot Ramen in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instant Pot Ramen

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It is best consumed within 1-2 months for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating Instant Pot Ramen

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the ramen in a baking dish covered with aluminum foil until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered with a damp paper towel, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop – Reheat over medium heat in a saucepan, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Ramen?

Instant Pot Ramen is a quick and easy noodle dish cooked under pressure, offering rich flavors and tender ingredients in minimal time.

Can I make Instant Pot Ramen vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How long does it take to make Instant Pot Ramen?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes of cooking time after prep, making it a perfect quick meal option.

Can I customize my Instant Pot Ramen?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, proteins, or adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Ramen recipe is not only quick but also comforting and versatile. With options for personalization, you can adapt it to fit any taste preference while enjoying its delicious flavors. Give it a try for an easy weeknight dinner!