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When I’m looking to quickly elevate my instant ramen with protein, shrimp is often my top choice because it cooks so fast. In just minutes, you can transform these shellfish into a flavorful topping or a satisfying dish on their own.
Why Shrimp is Delicious in Instant Ramen
Shrimp is wonderful addition to instant ramen for a few key reasons. First off, it cooks incredibly fast, just like the noodles themselves, making it a super convenient protein upgrade. It also offers a delicate sweetness that complements both savory and spicy ramen broths.
Plus, the slightly firm yet tender texture of cooked shrimp provides a satisfying contrast to the soft noodles. And because shrimp has a relatively mild flavor, it soaks up the deliciousness of the broth and any other seasonings you add.
Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to pan-sear shrimp perfectly every time:
- Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Season: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with a sprinkle of salt. Add any optional seasonings you like.
- Sear: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque about halfway up the side of the shrimp before flipping.
- Serve: You can stir-fry the pan-seared shrimp directly into your cooked instant ramen for the last minute of cooking to coat it with the broth, or simply add the shrimp as a delicious topping to your finished bowl. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve immediately.
How to Pan-Sear Shrimp
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with salt and black pepper. Add any optional seasonings you like.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- You can stir-fry the pan-seared shrimp directly into your cooked instant ramen or add it as a topping to your finished bowl.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
