Ramen Bowl Practice Upgrade

Ingredients

Gather the food for ramen bowl practice upgrade before the clock starts crowding the kitchen.

• 1 package instant ramen (the flavor your teen already likes)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup baby spinach or chopped bok choy
• 1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken or 4 oz firm tofu
• 1 green onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce or sriracha (optional)

How to Make It

Keep ramen bowl practice upgrade focused on cooked food, simple assembly, and one clear stopping point.

• Boil the ramen in 2 cups water, but add only half the seasoning packet so it is less salty.
• Crack the egg into the simmering broth and let it poach for about 2 minutes.
• Stir in the spinach and chicken in the last minute until the greens wilt and the chicken is warm.
• Pour into a bowl, top with green onion, and add soy sauce or sriracha to taste.

Make It Work for Picky Kids

Ramen is the safe base for a lot of teens, so let them add the egg and greens at their own pace.

• Serve the spinach and chicken on top, not stirred in, so they are easy to skip
• Use only half the seasoning packet and let them add more if they want it
• Keep the sriracha on the side for a teen who is not into heat

Pack or Store

Best made fresh and eaten hot, but the parts can be prepped ahead.

• Cook the egg and chicken ahead and add them to fresh-boiled noodles
• Pack hot ramen in a thermos for a warm meal between classes and practice
• Skip storing leftover noodles, since they soak up the broth and turn soft
• Serve with: orange slices, a glass of milk

Parent Tip

Hold back half the seasoning packet so you control the salt and the broth tastes cleaner.