Yes, you can cook Shin Ramen in the microwave – and it’s one of the easiest ways to turn a packet of instant noodles into a quick lunch or late-night meal without using the stovetop. This microwave Shin Ramen recipe takes things one step further with an egg and slices of American cheese, which melt into the spicy seasoning to create creamy, cheesy noodles. Everything cooks in one microwave-safe bowl in about 5 minutes, so there’s barely any washing up either.
Shin Ramen is something we almost always have stocked at home, and adding cheese and egg has long been one of my favourite ways to upgrade it. This version uses less water than traditional soupy Shin Ramyun, resulting in saucy, creamy noodles rather than a full bowl of broth.
Disclaimer: This recipe was originally created in collaboration with Toshiba Lifestyle UK on Instagram.
What is Shin Ramen
Shin Ramen is a globally beloved instant noodle produced by Nongshim, one of the largest food brands in South Korea. It’s well-loved for its signature springy noodles and savoury, spicy broth. The name “Shin” (ì‹ ) means “spicy” or “hot” in Korean, reflecting the ramen’s fiery broth, and it also happens to be the surname of Nongshim’s founder, creating a clever double meaning.
Why You’d Love This Microwave Cheese Shin Ramen Recipe
- Ready in minutes. From packet to creamy noodles in around 5 minutes.
- No stovetop needed. Everything cooks in one microwave-safe bowl, making it handy for quick lunches, late-night meals or anywhere you don’t have access to a hob.
- Creamy and spicy. American cheese melts into the Shin Ramen seasoning and cooking water to create a creamy sauce that balances the spicy noodles.
- Easy to customise. Add an egg, vegetables or your favourite cooked protein to turn instant ramen into something more substantial.
Can You Microwave Shin Ramen?
Yes. Shin Ramen can be cooked in the microwave as long as you transfer the noodles to a microwave-safe bowl and add enough water for the noodles to cook properly.
Nongshim’s standard microwave directions use 500ml (about 2 cups) of water and recommend cooking Shin Ramyun for around 7 minutes in a 1000W microwave when starting with room-temperature water, or around 4 minutes when using hot water. This recipe is slightly different because we’re making creamy cheese Shin Ramen rather than traditional noodle soup. I use just enough hot water to cover the noodles, then cook them in two stages for a total of about 5 minutes. The remaining liquid mixes with the seasoning and melted cheese to create a creamy sauce. Microwave wattages vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly for your appliance.
If you are using Shin Ramen Cups, do not microwave the cup directly. As mentioned, always use a microwave-safe bowl.
How Long Do You Microwave Shin Ramen?
For this recipe, Shin Ramen takes about 5 minutes in the microwave when using hot water. I microwave the noodles for 2½ minutes first, then add the egg, cheese and toppings before cooking for another 2½ minutes. The exact cooking time can vary depending on your microwave wattage, the temperature of the water and how soft you like your noodles.
For regular soupy Shin Ramyun, Nongshim recommends the following timings for a 1000W microwave:
| Water | Microwave Time |
|---|---|
| Room-temperature water | About 7 minutes |
| Hot water | About 4 minutes |
| This creamy cheese ramen recipe | About 5 minutes |
For the best texture, check the noodles towards the end of cooking and add a little extra time if necessary.
How to Make Cheese Shin Ramen in a Microwave
The essential idea of this recipe is to have just enough water to cook the noodles in the microwave. Then you add your toppings and cheese to further cook in the microwave until the cheese starts to melt. Simply mix it, and you’ll get a creamy sauce! I also love to crack an egg into it as well and “poach” it in the microwave. To achieve that, make sure you cover the bowl after adding the egg to cook in the microwave. If you need any visual guidance, I’ve also included a short video at the bottom of the recipe card.
Ingredients You Need
- Nongshim Shin Ramen – the classic spicy Korean instant noodles from Nongshim. You’ll need the noodle block, soup seasoning and dried vegetable packet.
- Hot Water – using hot rather than cold water helps the noodles cook faster in the microwave. This recipe intentionally uses less water than standard Shin Ramyun because we’re aiming for creamy noodles rather than soup.
- American Cheese Slices – the key to getting that creamy texture. Processed cheese melts particularly smoothly into the spicy ramen sauce.
- Egg – adds richness and protein. The egg cooks directly with the noodles during the second round in the microwave.
- Seafood Sticks – for topping. Feel free to switch it up and add anything like sausages, ham/turkey rashers, leftover shredded chicken, etc.
- Spring Onions / Scallions – for garnish
Recipe Tips for the Best Microwave Shin Ramen
- Use a large microwave-safe bowl. The water can bubble up quite a bit as the noodles cook, so use a bowl with plenty of extra room to prevent it from overflowing.
- Adjust the cooking time for your microwave. Microwave wattages vary, so treat the cooking time as a guide. If the noodles are still too firm after the suggested time, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until they reach your preferred texture.
- Use hot water for quicker cooking. Starting with hot water helps the Shin Ramen noodles soften and cook more evenly in the microwave.
- Don’t add too much water. Unlike traditional soupy Shin Ramen, this recipe uses less water to create creamy, saucy noodles once the seasoning and cheese are mixed in. Add just enough hot water to cover the noodles.
- Adjust the spice level to taste. Shin Ramen is fairly spicy, so you don’t have to use the entire seasoning packet. Start with less if you prefer a milder bowl and add more to taste.
- American cheese gives the creamiest result. It melts particularly smoothly into the hot noodles and seasoning. You can experiment with other melting cheeses, but the final flavour and consistency will be slightly different.
- Cook the egg to your preferred doneness. Microwave cooking times can vary, so check that the egg is cooked to your liking before serving and add a little extra cooking time if needed.
- Customise the toppings. Seafood sticks and spring onions are my go-to additions, but sweetcorn, mushrooms, bok choy, nori or leftover cooked chicken would all work well too.
- Serve immediately. Microwave ramen is best eaten straight away while the noodles are springy and the cheese sauce is hot and creamy. The noodles will continue absorbing the liquid as they sit.
Browse for More Noodles Recipes
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Ingredients
- 1 pack Shin Ramen
- 1 cup Hot Water
- 2 slices American Cheese
- 1 Egg
- 2 Seafood Sticks or any other toppings you like
- Scallions for garnish
Instructions
- Place uncooked Shin Ramyun instant ramen into a microwavable bowl. Add the seasoning packet and dried toppings.
- Pour just enough water to cover the ramen. Microwave for 2 minutes 30 seconds until the noodles are halfway cooked.
- Top with chopped seafood stick or any other topping you like. Make a small well at the centre of the bowl and crack an egg.
- Half the American cheese slices and layer on top of the noodles (do not cover the egg).
- Cover and cook in the microwave for another 2 minutes & 30 seconds until the egg has been cooked and the cheese melted.
- Garnish with chopped scallions. Mix everything until creamy and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a large microwave-safe bowl. The water can bubble up quite a bit as the noodles cook, so use a bowl with plenty of extra room to prevent it from overflowing.
- Adjust the cooking time for your microwave. Microwave wattages vary, so treat the cooking time as a guide. If the noodles are still too firm after the suggested time, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until they reach your preferred texture.
- Use hot water for quicker cooking. Starting with hot water helps the Shin Ramen noodles soften and cook more evenly in the microwave.
- Don’t add too much water. Unlike traditional soupy Shin Ramen, this recipe uses less water to create creamy, saucy noodles once the seasoning and cheese are mixed in. Add just enough hot water to cover the noodles.
- Adjust the spice level to taste. Shin Ramen is fairly spicy, so you don’t have to use the entire seasoning packet. Start with less if you prefer a milder bowl and add more to taste.
- American cheese gives the creamiest result. It melts particularly smoothly into the hot noodles and seasoning. You can experiment with other melting cheeses, but the final flavour and consistency will be slightly different.
- Cook the egg to your preferred doneness. Microwave cooking times can vary, so check that the egg is cooked to your liking before serving and add a little extra cooking time if needed.
- Customise the toppings. Seafood sticks and spring onions are my go-to additions, but sweetcorn, mushrooms, bok choy, nori or leftover cooked chicken would all work well too.
- Serve immediately. Microwave ramen is best eaten straight away while the noodles are springy and the cheese sauce is hot and creamy. The noodles will continue absorbing the liquid as they sit.
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