10 Amazing Ramen Recipes to Stretch Your Grocery Budget

The cost of food has risen dramatically since 2020, putting a strain on many household budgets. From 2019 to 2023, the all-food Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by a staggering 25.0 percent, outpacing the overall inflation rate of 19.2 percent during the same period. The COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and other inflationary pressures have all contributed to this surge in food prices.

Grocery prices have been hit particularly hard, with the cost of food at home jumping 24.6 percent since March 2020. Even as inflation shows signs of cooling, food prices remain stubbornly high, with supermarket prices now 25 percent higher than in January 2020. This has left many consumers struggling to make ends meet and searching for ways to stretch their food budgets.

Luckily, my family has a deep love affair for ramen. Ramen is a type of Japanese noodle soup that has become popular worldwide due to its convenience, low cost, and delicious taste. A single serving of instant ramen typically costs less than a dollar, making it an excellent value for budget-conscious shoppers.

Ramen is also shelf-stable and easy to store, making it a convenient option for those with limited kitchen space or cooking skills. Of course, it's important to remember that while ramen can be a helpful addition to your diet, it should not be relied upon as a sole source of nutrition. Instant ramen is often high in sodium and low in essential vitamins and minerals, so it's best to balance it with other healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

The key is to use the instant noodles as a base and customize them with your favorite ingredients and flavors. My kids and I have a blast making up new and different ways to enjoy our noodles. Saving money never tasted so good. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your ramen creations!

Crack an egg into the boiling ramen for added protein and creaminess. You can either whisk the egg for an egg-drop effect or poach it directly in the broth.

Incorporate fresh or frozen vegetables like baby bok choy, spinach, corn, carrots, or zucchini to boost the nutritional value and texture of your ramen.

Elevate the flavor by adding ingredients like soy sauce, chili oil, sriracha, garlic, ginger, miso paste, or sesame oil.

Replace the water with chicken, beef, or vegetable broth for a richer taste.

Top your ramen with cooked meats like chicken, pork, beef, or tofu for a more substantial meal.

Garnish your bowl with chopped scallions, cilantro, sesame seeds, nori sheets, or furikake seasoning for extra flavor and texture.

Stir in coconut milk, cream cheese, or a slice of American cheese for a creamy and indulgent twist.

Cook the noodles separately, then stir-fry them with vegetables, protein, and sauce for a yakisoba-style dish.

Spice up your ramen with sriracha, chili flakes, or hot sauce to your desired level of heat.

Try adding peanut butter, curry paste, kimchi, or bacon for unique flavor combinations.