Wake The Lakes “Lifehack for the Week”:  A Few Basic Ramen Noodle Hacks

–Cook it dry. Yes, you have to boil the noodles first. But then, just drain the water, add the seasoning packet and fry up the whole mess. Add some sriracha for that extra oomph.

–Call in Mister Peanut. Add a Thai spin with a simple peanut sauce made of two tablespoons of peanut butter, one tablespoon of chili garlic sauce, one tablespoon of soy sauce and one tablespoon of brown sugar.

–Veg out! Cook some frozen or fresh veggies like peas, carrots, mushrooms, string beans or onions and stir them into your cooked and seasoned ramen.

–Get cheesy. It may sound weird, but add a couple of slices of cheese to your mix just before serving. You’ll get a nice, creamy texture and a tangy taste to boot.

–Eggs are a great way to add protein and flavor to instant ramen in order to make it a more filling meal. Some people prefer whisking an egg into the ramen for a creamier texture, but others like to poach the egg by cracking it right into the bowl.

–Add some thick-cut bacon and a soft-boiled egg to your basic ramen recipe to instantly add flavor.

–And, to really “get fancy,” make instant ramen as usual, and then top it with diced scallions and toasted sesame seeds. You’ll be surprised how flavorful these tiny toppings are.