We totally get it: it can be hard to feel motivated to cook fresh, delicious meals during the cold, dark winter months – but it shouldn’t be a major source of stress or anxiety. Simply gather together some budget-friendly ingredients and create sanity-saving hearty ramen noodle dishes that are low-maintenance and high in flavour.
![Rabokki bowls decorated](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ramen-rice-cakes-1280.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Rabokki/Tteokbokki (Spicy Ramen and Rice Cake)
For the uninitiated, tteokbokki is a spicy rice cake recipe commonly sold at Korean street markets. We’ve tossed in some “rabokki” (ramen noodles) for an evolved version of a classic Korean dish that is both hearty and easily shareable. If you’re looking for more ideas, try these healthy meal-prep lunches.
![budae-jjigae in a bowl on a decorated table](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/korean-army-stew-1280.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew)
This mouth-watering, spicy “stew” features sausage, kimchi, cheese – and Spam. Invented by Korean-based American soldiers, this twist on the ramen classic is populated with plenty of Western-inspired ingredients. It’s so popular, in fact, that you can easily find it in restaurants across Korea. You can also cozy up with The Pioneer Woman’s best soups and stews.
![Two bowls of dan dan noodles](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dan-dan-1280.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Shortcut Dan-Dan Noodles
This quick and easy version of the popular Chinese dish elevates easy-to-find instant ramen noodles to the next level. Simply gather ground pork, fresh ginger and soy sauce for a speedy meal you’ll have on the table in 20 minutes. You can also try one of these genius ways to hack a pack of ramen noodles.
![A casserole dish with ramen noodles, broccoli and cheese](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ramen-noodle-casserole-1280.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Chicken Ramen Noodle Dump Dinner
Low maintenance and packed with flavour, this creamy casserole transforms dorm-friendly ramen noodles into a satisfying casserole for a crowd.
![Food Network Kitchen's 10-minute Chicken, Corn and Kimchi Ramen](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/FN_10-Minute-Chicken-Corn-and-Kimchi-Ramen_feat-scaled-e1643227971754.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
10-Minute Chicken, Corn and Kimchi Ramen
Life doesn’t get much easier thanks to this quick ramen masterpiece you need to introduce into regular rotation. Use a large skillet to cook everything at once, and in the 10 minutes it takes for the broth to come to a boil, it’s done! It reminds us of these college meal ideas that beat the cafeteria.
![Close up of shrimp ramen in a bowl](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/shrimp-ramen-1280.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Shrimp Ramen
These packaged ramen noodles are dressed up with poached shrimp and bacon bits for a pork-infused broth that tastes more delicious the longer you leave it simmering in the pot. Ramen isn’t the only popular food trend that dominated the decade.
![Noodle bowl wrap on an orange plate](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Untitled-design-2021-12-06T134521.138.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Shortcut Noodle-Bowl Lettuce Wraps
This twist on a traditional Vietnamese noodle bowl includes scrumptious bites of vegetables, charred pork loin and ramen noodles – all of which are neatly tucked into a crunchy lettuce leaf for a sweet-savoury meal that is heartier than the average salad. Opt for pre-cut or frozen vegetables for a dinner that will come together in minutes. For more hacks, try Ina Garten’s quick recipes using store-bought ingredients.
![Ramen Pho](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/915bfbb6-cc8c-4730-9711-d76dab6b0362_ramen-pho_webready.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Ramen Pho
Easy as 1,2,3, this 10-ingredient ramen bowl combines the rich flavours of beef, red onion, ginger and thinly sliced steak for a soothing recipe that will become a staple in your household. It also makes for a healing go-to if you’re feeling under the weather.