Save The microwave hummed at 2 AM during finals week. My roommate stumbled in with instant ramen and a grilled cheese craving, and somehow we ended up pressing ramen patties in a skillet instead of using bread. The crunch when that first bite hit changed everything.
My now-husband pretended to be horrified when I served these for dinner, then ate three in a row and asked when I was making them again. The way hot sauce cuts through rich cheese makes these disappear at parties faster than anything else I cook.
Ingredients
- 1 package instant ramen noodles: The flavor packet can go in your spice cabinet for later use, but these noodles need to cook only two minutes so they hold together as patties
- 1 large egg: This is the binder that turns loose noodles into something that behaves like a bun
- 4 slices cheddar cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully but pepper jack or mozzarella work if you want to play with the flavor profile
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce: Pick something with flavor you actually like because it will cut through all that richness
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Unsalted lets you control the seasoning, and butter creates better browning than oil
Instructions
- Parcook the noodles:
- Boil water and cook noodles exactly two minutes, then drain well and let them cool just enough to handle
- Bind the mixture:
- Beat the egg and toss it with the noodles, some salt, and pepper until everything feels evenly coated
- Form the patties:
- Divide into four portions and press each into a tight disc about the size of bread slices, using parchment to help compact them
- Crisp the noodle buns:
- Melt half the butter in a nonstick skillet and cook patties over medium heat until golden and crisp on both sides, working in batches if needed
- Build the sandwiches:
- Top two patties with cheese and hot sauce, then crown with the remaining patties to form complete sandwiches
- Melt it all together:
- Wipe the skillet, melt the remaining butter, and return the sandwiches to cook over low heat until the cheese melts completely and the exterior gets extra crispy
Save Snow was falling the first time I made these for my kids. They were skeptical about the whole concept until they took that first bite, and now they request these on snow days every single winter.
Make It Your Own
Kimchi tucked inside with the cheese creates the most incredible tangy crunch that balances the richness. Bacon slices work if you want something smoky and savory, and sliced scallions add fresh bite that brightens everything up.
Cheese Choices
Mozzarella makes these feel like pizza grilled cheese, while pepper jack brings actual heat that plays nicely with the hot sauce. Provolone melts into something milder and creamier if you want less sharpness.
Serving Ideas
These work as midnight snacks, lunch, or even dinner with a simple soup on the side. The combo of textures means every bite hits different notes from crunch to creaminess.
- Pair with tomato soup for dunking
- Extra hot sauce on the side never hurts
- Let them rest a minute before slicing
Save Hope these bring you the same joy they brought our dorm room that first night. Happy cooking.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you prevent ramen noodles from becoming soggy?
Cook the noodles just until tender, then drain thoroughly and let them cool slightly before combining with egg to ensure they hold together when fried.
- → Can I use different cheeses for the filling?
Yes, cheddar works well, but mozzarella or pepper jack can add different flavor profiles and textures according to preference.
- → What is the role of the egg in the noodle buns?
The egg acts as a binder to hold the cooked noodles together when formed into patties and fried, creating a sturdy bun.
- → How spicy is the final dish with hot sauce?
The level of spice depends on the amount and type of hot sauce used; adjust to taste for mild to spicy heat.
- → Can this be made vegetarian or vegan?
Using vegetarian cheese makes it suitable for vegetarians, and swapping the egg and cheese for vegan alternatives allows a fully plant-based version.
- → What cooking tools are needed for this dish?
A pot for boiling, mixing bowl, nonstick skillet for frying, and optionally a ring mold to shape patties are recommended.