Ramen Remix – Where Instant Noodles Meet Imagination

I thought I knew ramen. Boil water, dump packet, wait three minutes. That was the extent of my relationship with those crinkly blocks of instant noodles. Then I received Jessica Harlan’s Ramen Remix, and everything changed.

The book opens with a promise that feels almost absurd: over 50 creative ramen recipes using instant ramen for soups, salads, snacks, and—wait for it—desserts. Desserts made from ramen? I was skeptical but intrigued.

Harlan wastes no time proving her point. The recipes move far beyond adding an egg or some vegetables to your bowl. She transforms humble instant noodles into unexpected dishes that actually make sense. Ramen becomes the base for crunchy salads, crispy snacks, and comfort food casseroles. The instructions are clear and approachable, perfect for college students or anyone working with limited kitchen space and equipment.

With pages filled with titles like; Ramen-N-Cheese, Ramen with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella and Coconut-Lime Bars, I’m excited to try the creative energy of these recipes.

This isn’t a book for ramen purists seeking authentic Japanese techniques. It’s for experimenters, budget cooks, and anyone who looks at a 25 cent packet of noodles and thinks, “What if?” Harlan understands that instant ramen is more than emergency food – it’s a canvas.

The recipes range from simple creations to more involved dishes that require actual cooking skills. Some call for additional ingredients beyond what’s in your pantry. But most stay true to the premise of instant Ramen noodles: accessible, creative, and fun.

Ramen Remix reminds us that limitations breed creativity. When your main ingredient costs less than a dollar, you’re free to experiment without fear. This book celebrates that freedom with every page.