Creamy Ramen
Pan-Fried SPAM and Soft-Boiled Egg
Elevate your instant ramen into a gourmet bowl with this creamy, rich broth technique. Combining egg yolk, mayo, and aromatics creates a luxurious restaurant-style base in minutes.
This hack transforms humble instant ramen into a deeply comforting meal. By emulsifying an egg yolk and mayonnaise with the seasoning packet and hot water, you create a rich, butter-like broth that coats every strand of noodle. Topped with golden-brown pan-fried SPAM and a perfect jammy egg, it strikes the ultimate balance between salty, savory, and creamy textures.
Ingredients
- 1 package instant ramen
- 1 large egg
- 2 slices SPAM
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 stalk green onion, chopped
- to taste chili oil
- to taste dried seaweed strips
Instructions
- 1Prepare the egg base

Carefully separate the egg yolk and add it into a clean white bowl. The yolk serves as the essential, rich foundation for the ramen soup base.
Tip: Ensure the bowl is dry to prevent the yolk from sticking or breaking prematurely. - 2Combine aromatics and seasoning

To the bowl with the egg yolk, add minced garlic, chopped green onions, the ramen seasoning packet, and a squeeze of mayonnaise. These ingredients combined with the yolk create a creamy, deeply flavorful base for the soup.
Tip: Use a generous squeeze of mayonnaise; it is the secret to achieving a silky, butter-like consistency in your broth. - 3Whisk into a fragrant paste

Using a spoon, thoroughly mix the egg yolk, garlic, green onions, seasoning, and mayonnaise together. Stir until the mixture is uniform and resembles a thick, aromatic paste.
Tip: Mix vigorously to ensure the seasoning powder is fully dissolved into the yolk and mayonnaise mixture. - 4Boil the eggs

Gently place eggs into boiling water and cook for exactly six minutes. Once finished, use a mesh strainer to carefully lift them out of the hot water.
Tip: Use a timer to ensure the six-minute mark is hit precisely for that perfect molten yolk. - 5Chill the eggs

Immediately transfer the hot, boiled eggs into a bowl filled with ice water. This ice bath stops the cooking process instantly, keeping the yolk soft and creamy.
Tip: Leave the eggs in the ice water for at least a few minutes to make them easier to peel later. - 6Sear the SPAM

Place slices of SPAM into a hot skillet. Pan-fry over medium-high heat until both sides turn a beautiful golden brown color.
Tip: Aim for slightly charred edges to provide a nice textural contrast to the soft noodles and creamy soup. - 7Boil the noodles

Add the ramen noodles to a pot of boiling water. Cook them for three minutes if you prefer an al dente texture, or up to five minutes for a softer bite.
Tip: Keep an eye on the time to ensure your noodles reach your preferred consistency. - 8Create the creamy broth

Carefully pour the hot noodle water into the bowl containing the pre-mixed egg yolk, garlic, green onions, seasoning packet, and mayonnaise. Stir continuously until the mixture emulsifies into a rich, creamy, and fragrant soup base.
Tip: The combination of the egg yolk and mayonnaise is key to achieving that signature butter-like, creamy texture. - 9Combine noodles and soup

Once the broth is perfectly creamy, lift the cooked ramen noodles from the pot and transfer them directly into the prepared soup bowl.
Tip: Make sure to drain excess water from the noodles before adding them to the bowl to keep the soup flavor concentrated. - 10Assemble and serve

Finish the dish by topping the noodles with pan-fried SPAM slices and a soft-boiled egg cut in half. Drizzle with chili oil for extra depth, and garnish with fresh green onions and dried seaweed.
Tip: The crispy edges of the SPAM provide a great contrast to the soft noodles and creamy soup.