Not So Instant Ramen with Garlicky Roasted Pork
ASK YOURSELF REPEATEDLY: “AM I ABOVE INSTANT NOODLE BOWLS?”
I DON’T THINK SO . . .
What does ‘instant ramen noodles’ mean for you? Whatever your answer would be, instant noodles in many countries (and some continents), is associated with being broke. Not for me it’s not! I grew up in Asia eating instant ramen and we were definitely not poor, … or broke. And just so you guys know, a lot of instant noodle brands are endorsed by celebrities over in that side of the world until this day! Really, I’m not kidding. When you think about it, what’s not to love about this precooked noodle block? It’s easy, convenient, cheap, an absolute pantry staple, and back in my day didn’t even have an expiration date. Yep, and I’m still breathing 😀
So, I’d consider instant ramen my childhood, lazy, comfort food – like Kraft Mac & Cheese for my cute hubby Eric. Except my mom – (the drill sergeant meets super dietitian freak) – always made us put some nutritional value added sumthin’ sumthin’ in it. Eggs, spinach, green onions, cooked tofu, chicken… Anything that basically made the term ‘instant’ lost its significance.
When ramen made a comeback the last couple of years here, I was glad. I had dropped those tasty packets of noodles – whether they be from Japan, Korea, South East Asia or the U.S., – for a long time. But since they’re somewhat ‘hot’ again, I picked up a large box of Nissin Hot & Spicy Bowl Noodles which were on sale at Costco. Yes, I’m sure it would last us quite awhile, but hey … the weather has turned cold in these autumn days! So, it’s perfect for snacking, slurping and childhood reminiscing. Oh, I so love you Instant Ramen Noodle Bowl!
Wait, did I just say instant? It’s never instant, really. Remember the nutritional value added sumthin’ sumthin’ I cited? My mother is talking to me in my head — right at this moment: “At least put an egg on it. Flavor it up with some greens.” Ugh, I can’t escape…
So, here it is: my left over tender garlicky roasted pork shoulder, and a slice of medium sharp cheddar cheese relaxedly laying on top of the already flavored noodles, garnished with scallion and toasted black sesame seeds. And if you need some more heat on top of the nutritional value added sumthin’ sumthin’, splash a little bit of hot sauce: Tabasco, Sriracha, anything.
Have an awesome ‘Not So Instant’ Ramen Day!
- 1 packet instant ramen noodless of your choice
- 1 2" roasted pork shoulder, sliced (see recipe below)
- 1 slice medium cheddar cheese
- 1 sprig scallion, green part only
- 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
- For Garlicky Roasted Pork Shoulder:
- 1. Cook instant noodless according to its package instructions along with scallion.
- 2. Lie down cheese and your beautiful roasted pork. Cover for a good minute.
- 3. Garnish with black sesame seeds.
- 4. Enjoy!
- Cook instant noodless according to its package instructions along with scallion.
- Lie down cheese and your beautiful roasted pork. Cover for a good minute.
- Garnish with black sesame seeds.
- Enjoy!
- For Garlicky Roasted Pork Shoulder:
- Set the oven to 4250.
- Mix together oil, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
- Cut 1 ½"-wide, ¼" deep slits into the pork shoulder and rub the garlic oil all over it.
- Place the meat on a rack and into a roasting pan. Roast for 20 minutes, and then reduce the heat to 3250. Cook until a thermometer inserted into the shoulder reads 1850, or about 4 hours. Remove the pork from the oven and let stand until cool enough to handle, about 30 minutes.
After reading that and looking at the pictures, I
am hungry!