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Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
If you thought ramen was just a broke college kid’s last resort, think again. This Creamy Garlic Ramen recipe will have you slurping like you’re dining at a trendy noodle bar—but for less than two bucks a bowl. Yep, we’re about to turn your sad packet of noodles into a creamy, savory, comfort meal that tastes shockingly fancy and won’t break the bank.
Why You’ll Love This Ramen
- Costs under $2 per serving
- Ready in 10 minutes
- Rich, creamy garlic flavor
- Minimal ingredients
- No fancy kitchen gadgets needed
Whether you’re ballin’ on a budget or just craving something quick and cozy, this is your new go-to.
Ingredients Breakdown
Ingredient | Approx. Cost | Notes |
---|---|---|
Instant Ramen | $0.30 | Any kind—ditch the seasoning packet |
Garlic (3 cloves) | $0.20 | Fresh for max flavor |
Butter (1 tbsp) | $0.15 | Or olive oil if you prefer |
Milk (1/2 cup) | $0.25 | Dairy or unsweetened plant-based |
Grated Cheese | $0.50 | Parmesan or shredded blend works great |
Salt & Pepper | Negligible | Pantry staples |
Optional: Egg | $0.25 | For protein and richness |
Total Estimated Cost: $1.65
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil the noodles
Cook your ramen according to the package instructions—but skip the flavor packet. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the garlic butter base
In a saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and slightly golden. Don’t burn it—garlic burns fast!
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Step 3: Add milk and cheese
Pour in your milk and stir until warmed. Slowly add in your grated cheese while stirring until it melts into a luscious sauce.
Step 4: Combine
Add the drained noodles to your sauce and mix until fully coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you’re adding an egg, you can poach it separately or stir it in while the sauce is hot to create a creamy, carbonara-like texture.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Top with more cheese, herbs, or a drizzle of chili oil if you’re feelin’ fancy.
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Money-Saving Kitchen Tips
- Buy garlic in bulk and freeze minced portions in ice cube trays.
- Use shredded cheese you already have—cheddar, mozzarella, or even vegan cheese works.
- Reuse leftover ramen noodles for stir-fry like our One-Pot Spicy Cajun Chicken Rice.
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Nutrition Boosters
Want to sneak in more nutrients? Add:
- A handful of spinach (toss it in with the sauce)
- Frozen peas or corn
- A scoop of protein powder (unflavored) in the sauce
More Recipes You’ll Love from KateFi:
- Savory Oatmeal with Eggs & Spinach
- Crispy Honey Garlic Tofu
- 5 Dinners, 10 Budget Meals That Taste Expensive
Want More Than Just Dinner Tonight?
If saving money on food is your thing, you’re gonna love saving money everywhere else too.
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Final Thoughts
You don’t need a fancy pantry or a high-end salary to eat deliciously. This Creamy Garlic Ramen proves that under $2 meals can be dreamy, satisfying, and dare we say… a little bougie.
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So next time you’re staring at that sad packet of instant noodles, just remember—you’re one garlic clove and a splash of milk away from a budget-friendly bowl of bliss.
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P.S. Got your own ramen remix idea? Drop it in the comments—sharing is saving!