If you’re craving a bold and utterly comforting meal that comes together in minutes, Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender ramen noodles, punchy green cabbage, a garlicky kick, and the irresistible heat of gochujang all crowned with a gooey blanket of melted mozzarella. It’s spicy, savory, and cheesy in every bite, with just the right crunch from fresh garnishes. Whether you need a weeknight pick-me-up or a cozy lunch, this dish delivers the ultimate flavor-packed slurp in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple, using staples you probably already have on hand, yet each ingredient plays a starring role in the taste, texture, and colorful appeal of Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese. Don’t skip the garnishes—they make every bowl feel restaurant-worthy.
- Instant ramen noodles: Choose your favorite brand, but be sure to discard the seasoning packet since we’re making our own flavorful sauce.
- Water: Just enough to cook the noodles and cabbage without drowning the flavors.
- Green cabbage (shredded): Adds crunch, sweetness, and a fresh green pop that balances the heat.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a warm, aromatic foundation to the broth.
- Gochujang or sriracha: Delivers that iconic spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet kick—adjust to your heat preference.
- Soy sauce: Adds the perfect dose of umami and saltiness to round out the flavors.
- Sesame oil: Just a touch brings out a nutty, toasty aroma that makes the dish feel extra special.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little extra fire, sprinkle them in or leave them out to keep things milder.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a creamy, stretchy topping that’s pure comfort food magic.
- Green onion (sliced, for garnish): Brings freshness and a pop of color to every bowl.
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Add a subtle crunch and a nutty finish that’s so satisfying.
How to Make Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese
Step 1: Simmer the Cabbage and Garlic
Start by adding the water, shredded cabbage, and minced garlic to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Let everything simmer together for about 3 to 4 minutes. The cabbage should just start to soften, soaking up that garlicky steam and turning bright green—this is what gives Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese its signature fresh bite.
Step 2: Cook the Ramen Noodles
Add your ramen noodles directly into the simmering cabbage mixture. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they’re just tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks together. The noodles will absorb some of that flavorful broth, making every bite extra tasty.
Step 3: Stir in the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the gochujang (or sriracha), soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if you want more heat. This is where the magic happens—the sauce coats everything in a spicy, umami-rich glaze, thickening just a bit as you stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you need a little more kick or saltiness.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese in an even layer over the noodles. Cover your pan with a lid for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese is deliciously melty. You can gently stir the cheese through for creamy, cheesy noodles, or leave it on top for a gooey, stretchy finish—it’s totally your call!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer everything to your favorite bowl and top with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if you like. Serve your Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese piping hot and enjoy that first cheesy, spicy slurp!
How to Serve Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese
Garnishes
The right garnish can take Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese from tasty to truly unforgettable. Pile on extra green onions for freshness, a dash of sesame seeds for crunch, or even a drizzle of chili oil for an extra pop of color and heat. If you’re feeling fancy, try a sprinkle of furikake or a few nori strips for a Japanese-inspired twist.
Side Dishes
This ramen is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with quick Korean pickles, a small bowl of kimchi, or a crisp cucumber salad. If you want something extra filling, serve it with a simple fried egg or some steamed dumplings on the side—perfect for soaking up any leftover broth and cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese in a deep, wide bowl and let guests swirl in their own cheese and garnishes at the table. Or, turn it into a ramen bar with a few topping options: soft-boiled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy tofu cubes. Individual stone pots or mini Dutch ovens keep the noodles hot and the cheese perfectly gooey.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), simply transfer the cooled Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. The noodles will soften a bit but will still soak up all that spicy, cheesy flavor.
Freezing
While ramen noodles can become a bit mushy after freezing, you can freeze the cabbage, sauce, and cheese mixture separately from freshly cooked noodles. When ready to eat, just reheat the sauce and add freshly cooked noodles for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the ramen in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth over low heat. Stir gently until everything is warmed through and the cheese is melty again. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring halfway through, but stovetop gives the best results.
FAQs
Can I make Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese less spicy?
Absolutely! Just use less gochujang or sriracha, and skip the red pepper flakes. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the garlic, cabbage, and cheese without all the heat.
What other vegetables work well in this recipe?
Feel free to add thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, spinach, or even a handful of bean sprouts for extra crunch and color. The recipe is super flexible, so use whatever you have on hand!
Is there a vegan version of Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese?
Yes! Swap out the mozzarella for a vegan cheese that melts well, and use plant-based instant ramen noodles. Make sure your gochujang or sriracha is vegan too, and you’re good to go.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Stir in some cooked ground meat, tofu cubes, or even a poached egg for extra protein. Kimchi or a soft-boiled egg on top are also amazing additions that complement the spicy, cheesy flavors perfectly.
What’s the best way to make the cheese extra gooey?
Let the cheese sit on top of the hot noodles and cover with a lid for a minute or two. The steam will melt it beautifully, so you get those luscious cheese pulls with every bite of Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bowl of Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese—it’s fiery, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, all in just 15 minutes. If you’re looking for a quick meal that feels like a treat, give this recipe a try. You might just find yourself making it on repeat!
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Spicy Cabbage Ramen with Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Korean-inspired spicy cabbage ramen topped with melted mozzarella cheese, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ramen Base
- 1 package instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup green cabbage (shredded)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 green onion (sliced, for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Simmer Vegetables: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add water, shredded cabbage, and minced garlic. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the cabbage softens slightly, releasing its natural sweetness into the broth.
- Cook Noodles: Add the instant ramen noodles to the saucepan. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until the noodles are just tender but still retain a slight chew.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the gochujang or sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Reduce the heat to low and stir until the sauce blends evenly and thickens slightly, coating the noodles and vegetables.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the ramen. Cover the pan with a lid and let the cheese melt for 1 to 2 minutes. You can either stir the cheese into the noodles gently or leave it melted on top for a cheesy crust.
- Garnish & Serve: Transfer the ramen to a serving bowl. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch. Serve hot and enjoy your spicy cheesy ramen!
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by reducing the gochujang or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes.
- For added protein, consider adding a cooked egg, ground meat, or tofu.
- Incorporate kimchi for a tangy, spicy variation to deepen the flavor profile.
- Use vegetarian-friendly ramen noodles and cheese to keep the recipe vegetarian.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
