Serving: 1
Prep time: Literally none. You’re welcome.
Cooking time: Directly proportional to how pretentious you’re willing to get with this!

Let’s get started.

Okay. This is A-levels. You’re going to have your fair share of all-nighters and breakdowns. There’s no shame in wanting to enjoy some comfort food every now and then, and there is probably no comfort food that’s as delectable, easy-to-cook and readily available as instant noodles. So, without further ado, here are some tips on how to make the perfect bowl of noodles every time.

1. Stop Following the Pack!

Honestly, just ignore the instructions on the packet. If you really want to be the Gordon Ramsey of ramen, you need to be more innovative. Try these two better ways to cook your instant noodles instead:

• Steam the noodles! Begin boiling them in a regular manner and add the taste-maker when they’re just a tiny bit underdone. Then, turn off the heat and cover the pot. The noodles will keep cooking for a while. After 1-2 minutes, remove the lid and your noodles should be ready.
  
• For a more crunchy and vibrant texture, stir fry! To do so properly, boil the noodles in only water first, then drain. Throw these noodles in a frying pan with a small amount of oil and stir continuously over low heat until they’re a pale-yellow colour. Put them back in hot water, add the taste-maker and mix.

          2. Get Sauced!

If the generic taste-maker that comes with your pack of instant noodles or ramen is not enough to satisfy you, try adding some soy sauce for a dash of saltiness and sourness. Just be careful not to use too much; soy sauce has a particularly strong taste and even a few drops per serving are usually enough to bring out that authentic flavor. Or, if you prefer your midnight snack (or breakfast, we’re not judging) to be extra spicy, try some Tabasco or Sriracha. For a better, more consistent taste, add the sauce while the noodles are cooking rather than afterward, and just use a fork or spatula to stir while you do so.

3. Don’t Forget the Cherry on Top!

Toppings are great for instant noodles. They’re delicious, healthy and really help customise your meal. Try some protein: chicken chunks, pepperoni, or if you really hate yourself, even tofu! Or you could go with some fresh or frozen veggies. Just toss in some peas, chopped carrots and maybe a bit of broccoli too. The best part about doing so is that you might even be able to get away with calling it a salad then.

Musa Ali
Class of 2020