Pin It A bold and inventive fusion dish that layers ramen noodles, spicy ground pork, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy cheese for a comforting, flavor-packed meal.
I was inspired to blend two favorite comfort foods after craving both ramen and lasagna on a chilly evening. The punchy spices and rich cheese together create an unforgettable twist that my friends begged me to make again.
Ingredients
- Ramen noodles: 4 packs instant ramen noodles (85 g each) discard seasoning
- Ground pork: 500 g (or ground chicken or beef)
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
- Onion: 1 medium finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced
- Ginger: 2 tbsp grated
- Gochujang: 2 tbsp (Korean chili paste)
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1 tsp adjust to taste
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (400 g)
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
- Rice vinegar: 1 tbsp
- Sugar: 1 tsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Ricotta cheese: 250 g
- Egg: 1 large
- Mozzarella cheese: 100 g shredded
- Parmesan cheese: 50 g grated
- Green onions: 2 thinly sliced for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Set oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook noodles:
- Boil ramen noodles for 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics:
- Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Brown the meat:
- Add ground pork. Cook until browned, breaking up meat as needed.
- Make meat sauce:
- Stir in gochujang, red pepper flakes, crushed tomatoes, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Prepare cheese mixture:
- In bowl, combine ricotta, egg, half the mozzarella, and half the parmesan.
- Layer ingredients:
- Spread thin layer of meat sauce in baking dish (22x30 cm). Add a layer of ramen noodles. Spread a third of ricotta mixture over noodles. Top with a third of meat sauce. Repeat layers twice, finishing with remaining meat sauce.
- Add cheese topping:
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Rest and serve:
- Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Pin It When my cousin visited from Tokyo, we baked this ramen lasagna together and shared it with the whole family. It sparked laughter and stories about merging cultures around the table.
Required Tools
Large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk or fork, 22x30 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish, aluminum foil, knife, and cutting board are all you need.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 510, Total Fat 24 g, Carbohydrates 44 g, Protein 31 g.
Notes
Try ground chicken or turkey for lighter flavor. Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables, or drizzle with chili oil for more heat.
Pin It Serve Spicy Ramen Lasagna piping hot for maximum comfort and bold flavor. Share with friends and enjoy the fusion goodness.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can ramen noodles be replaced with another type?
Yes, you can substitute cooked lasagna sheets or other sturdy noodles for ramen, but instant ramen noodles give a springy texture.
- → How can I make it less spicy?
Reduce the amount of gochujang and red pepper flakes, or use sweet chili paste for a milder flavor.
- → Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and plant-based ground meat to create a satisfying vegetarian version.
- → What cheeses work best for layering?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan are recommended for their creamy texture and flavor, but cottage cheese can be substituted if desired.
- → Can this dish be made ahead?
Assemble in advance and refrigerate; bake just before serving or reheat gently. Flavors improve with time.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave or oven.