10 Easy Ways to Improve 2-Minute Instant Noodles

You might think your favourite 2-minute noodle brand is already as close to perfection as a R3 packet of convenience food is going to get but there are a few small things you can do to take your noodles from student staple to gourmet group in a few seconds flat. Sure, most instant noodles have more salt than two Big Macs and are loaded with MSG but they’re delicious and when a man’s got to eat in a hurry, a man turns to instant noodles. Here are all the ways to style everyone’s favourite, slightly questionable meal replacement.

Peri-Peri sauce

You don’t need to be a Michelin-star chef to know that adding peri-peri sauce to any edible substance automatically increases its deliciousness. The humble instant noodle’s flavour profile is greatly increased by adding a good quality peri-peri sauce during or after cooking. A dab or two of the hot stuff will add a nice spicy zing to an otherwise flat flavour profile and once you try it you’ll never go back.

Coriander

We told you these hacks were going to be easy – in fact, the toughest part about this hack is forcing yourself to go to the shops and purchase some fresh coriander. If you don’t have fresh coriander then the box stuff will probably do as well. 2-minutes can seem like a lifetime when you’re hungry but the next time you’re staring at a bowl of instant noodles as they go round-and-round in the microwave why not chop some fresh coriander and throw it into the mix. In fact, go crazy, throw some basil in there too!

Coconut milk

A little coconut milk will make a wonderfully creamy soup – this is a must-try for coconut fans and is a great winter warmer. Adjust the creaminess to your liking by adding just a little bit of coconut milk at a time when cooking the noodles.

Cheese

We’ve never met a block of cheese we didn’t like. Just like bacon, cheese makes everything taste like a million bucks. If you’re looking for something warm, cheesy, and delicious and all you have is a packet of instant noodles and a block of cheese then simply grate over some tasty cheese once your noodles are done cooking.

Bacon

Speaking of bacon; if you’re looking to add some protein to your meal then you can’t go wrong with a few rashers of bacon. It will take more than a few seconds to cook them but boy will it be worth it! For this hack add 2 slices of bacon cut into thin strips to the pot 2 minutes before the noodles finish cooking. Even you eat all the bacon in the dish in 2 seconds the bacon juices left behind will add a smoky richness to the broth of the noodles taking the flavour to new heights.

Butter

A spoonful of golden delicious butter is sure to get your taste buds racing next time you whip up a bowl of noodles. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous try stirring in a spoonful of garlic butter instead.

Pickled Ginger

You know that suspicious looking light pink stuff you get served with sushi? Ask for some to go next time you’re at a sushi spot (or buy a jar from a local Japanese supermarket) and add it to your instant noodles. It’s the perfect accompaniment to the umami richness of instant noodles.

Truffle Oil

Chances are you have no idea what we’re on about but visit your local Woolworths olive oil aisle and everything will become clear to you when you discover a tiny bottle of delicious Truffle Oil just waiting to up your noodle game. Now, this stuff isn’t exactly cheap but it will change your life. Use sparingly when cooking your noodles and the oil should add a delicious smoky earthiness to your dish.

Sesame Oil

This easy hack is going to change the way you see 2-minute noodles. Add a few precious drops of this stuff and your mouth will be doing the tango in no time. Just know, we don’t take any responsibility for an increase in instant noodle consumption after trying this trick.

Tahini Paste

If you want an added level of creaminess to your noodles then you can’t go wrong with Tahini. To whip up a bowl o delicious, creamy noodles simply make a regular batch of instant noodles and then stir through a tablespoon of tahini as your final step.