Since the kids are back in school I only had to make lunch for myself today. I wanted something quick, easy and hot to eat since it was cold out today. Browsing my pantry I saw a childhood favorite of mine, Ramen Noodles. Yes, you heard me correctly....Ramen Noodles! I remember making Ramen noodles as a kid after school for a snack. I never followed the directions, I just threw things in and it always came out pretty good. Well, except for the time I threw in sunflower seeds and that was not so good. I was only 11 years old... so I call that a learning experience. Today, I decided to pump up this inexpensive packet of noodles with lots of vegetables, Thai flavors and shrimp. The soup came together in less than 15 minutes and as I savored each bite, I told myself, "I may be eating Ramen, but I'm eating in style".
Ingredients:1 packet of chicken flavored Ramen Noodles
1/4 of a yellow onion chopped
1 chili sliced (any spice level)
small handful of frozen green beans
small handful of carrots sliced
small handful of grape tomatoes sliced
1 stalk of scallions sliced
1 clove of garlic grated *see note
1tsp of ginger grated *see note
1-2 Tbs of fish sauce
2-3 Tbs of coconut milk
1/8 tsp ground turmeric
1 smal handful of Thai Basil leaves
3-4 cups of water
5-6 large shrimp cleaned (frozen is fine) or any leftover chicken, pork, beef
Lime wedges
Notes: Any of the vegetables and protein are optional. You can mix and match to what you have in your fridge.
Directions:In a large pan or skillet on high heat, add your water, fresh vegetables, whites of scallions, chicken seasoning (from Ramen), fish sauce, turmeric, garlic, ginger and bring to a rapid boil.
When the vegetables and onions are almost cooked add your noodles from the Ramen packet. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Next add your raw shrimp or cooked leftover meat and the frozen green beans and scallions greens. Cook until the shrimp start to turn pink (about 1-2 minutes). Taste for seasoning. If you need more salt flavor add a little more fish sauce or less salt flavor add a little more water.
Then add your basil leaves and stir gently. When the shrimp are fulling cooked turn off the stove and add a squeeze from a lime wedge. You can add more lime at the table.
Enjoy.
