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Steak was one of the first things I learned how to cook during my cooking journey, and it taught me so much about heat control, meat doneness, seasoning, and how different pans affect the cook. Naturally, it’s become one of my favorite foods to prepare. That rich, beefy flavor and its slightly firm texture hold up well in ramen, making it a great addition to any bowl.
Why is Strip Steak Good With Ramen?
I get asked this question a lot: “Lisa, what’s your favorite cut of steak?” If you’d asked me a few years back, I was all about that rich, marbled ribeye. Loved how that fat just melted into the meat.
But these days, I’ve really come to appreciate the leaner side of a strip steak, especially for ramen. It’s got this great texture that’s got a good bite to enjoy with all those noodles. Plus, I love that steak is something you can easily cook for a crowd, which is a big win in my book! If you’re looking for tips on cooking steak for guests, check out this video:
Beyond its flavor, strip steak earns extra points for its versatility as a leftover. When I cook a whole steak, I usually plan for an encore. Storing the other half in the fridge means a ready-to-go, high-quality topping for my instant ramen later in the week.
Different Ways to Prepare Strip Steak for Ramen
There are many ways to prepare strip steak that are perfect for your instant ramen:
- Pan-Sear: This is my go-to for speed and ensuring a good crust.
- Grill: For a smoky flavor, quickly grill thin slices or a whole steak over high heat. The char adds another layer of deliciousness.
- Sous Vide: For thicker pieces, I like to use an immersion circulator for precise doneness. I just give it a quick sear in a hot pan afterwards.
- Stir-Fry: Thinly slice the steak and quickly stir-fry it with your favorite seasonings and sauces. I like to add chili flakes and soy sauce for Spicy Sauteed Beef.
Check out my recipe for this Creamy Carbonara Buldak with Seared Steak & Mushrooms.
My Instant Ramen Suggestions
Honestly, I don’t think there are any instant ramens out there that I wouldn’t add steak to. If you feel like it, do it. Here are some of my suggestions:
- Nongshim Shin Ramyun Noodles
- Lucky Me Pancit Canton Hot Chili
- Ichiran Ramen
Have you ever added steak to your ramen? What are your favorite cuts to use? Let us know below in the comments!
