Instant ramen. Sad dorm room dinner or comfort food deluxe? Whether it’s a diet staple or a quick dinner go-to, most of us are familiar with the familiar conglomeration of dehydrated noodles and a flavor packet. With a couple of different options out there, it’s easy to choose your own adventure.

However, this blank, block-of-noodle canvas has the propensity to get boring if you’re a little too familiar with it. The good news is, there are quite a number of ways you can elevate this dish and really make it your own. Follow along for some excellent ramen inspiration!

1. Soy Sauce

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By now, we’re familiar with the incredibly salty and savory flavor packet that comes as a companion to the ramen noodles. For some, it’s too much. If you still want flavor but want to ditch the excess sodium, try substituting half of the seasoning with soy sauce.

2. Scallions and Sesame Seeds

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Next time you prepare your ramen as normal, top it with some scallions for a welcomed green addition and throw in some sesame seeds for texture and crunch.

3. Kimchi

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If you’re looking for a serious level up, try adding some kimchi into the mix. Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish, commonly made from fermented cabbage. You can find it prepared in the grocery store, either mild or spicy. Not only will it boost the flavor of your noodles, but it’s also great for your gut!

4. Dried Seaweed

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Why not top your bowl off with a little nori? These sheets of dry seaweed are available at most grocery stores. Crumble a couple of sheets on top of your bowl for an added salty crunch.

5. American Cheese

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Chef Roy Choi stole the hearts of the internet when he shared his recipe for a perfectly doctored up bowl of ramen. Among the ingredients? American cheese. Also included is a pat of butter and a softly-poached egg.

6. Miso Paste

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Maybe you’d care to go rogue and ditch the flavor packet altogether? We’ve got you covered. Next time swap out the seasoning for a scoop of miso paste. Just like kimchi, miso is also very good for you as an added bonus.

7. Fresh or Frozen Vegetables

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Elevate your monotonous bowl of ramen with some color from fresh vegetables. When your noodles are almost done boiling, throw in some leafy greens of your choice (spinach, bok choy). You could also throw in frozen vegetables such as peas or carrots.

8. Bacon

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They say bacon goes with anything and everything, so why not instant ramen? Traditional ramen is commonly served with pork belly, but if you’re looking for a shortcut, thick-cut bacon can certainly step in. Add a soft-boiled egg and you’re well on your way.

9. Chasu Pork

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If you do have the time, look into topping your ramen with braised pork belly, also known as chasu pork. Find an excellent recipe to prepare it here.

10. Furikake or Togarashi

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Amp up the flavor and umami in your bowl with a sprinkling of popular Japanese seasoning. Next time, try furikake, a combination of seaweed, sesame seeds, and fish flakes. Also, you make look into togarashi, which contains dried pepper flakes, dried seaweed, and sesame.

11. Peanut Butter

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Hack your cup of noodles into a nutty, Thai-inspired deliciousness with peanut butter. Instead of adding the flavor packet, whisk together a combination of sesame oil, peanut butter, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Check out this tantalizing recipe here.

12. Eggs

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Perhaps by now, you’ve become familiar with the common addition of eggs to ramen. Usually poached or softly boiled, the silky yolk coats the noodles in an irresistible way.

13. Sriracha

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How could our list be complete without it? This spicy condiment of red chili and garlic suits almost anything in the kitchen. Add it to your ramen for a quick and easy upgrade.

14. Yakisoba Stir-fry

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Maybe that bowl of noodle soup just isn’t your cup of tea tonight! For our final tip, consider making a different dish completely! Boil the noodles as normal, then drain them, and fry them up in a skillet with your choice of vegetables and protein. Check out the full method here.

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Sources: Insider, Epicurious