The ramen burger is a fun and creative twist on a classic burger. It replaces traditional buns with crispy ramen noodles, adding a unique texture to every bite. This dish is perfect for anyone who loves to try new flavors and ideas. It’s simple to make at home and brings together the best of both worlds—burgers and noodles. Whether for a casual meal or a special treat, the ramen burger is sure to impress.
History of the Ramen Burger
The Creation of the Ramen Burger
Keizo Shimamoto, a Japanese-American chef who is a ramen lover, invented the ramen burger in 2013. He developed his love for ramen at a very tender age and went on to develop his skills over the years in becoming a renowned ramen chef. Inspired by the desire to bring together his Japanese heritage with American food culture, he came up with the idea of using crispy ramen noodles instead of traditional burger buns.
It first appeared in Smorgasburg, a large open-air food market in Brooklyn, New York. It became an instant success because of its originality and visual appeal. Instead of bread buns, crispy ramen replaced them, and that was something nobody had ever tasted before. His idea was to bring fun twists to comfort foods but keep the main elements of comfort foods intact.
The Rise to Fame
The ramen burger wasn’t merely a popular thing; it went beyond that; it became something of a food sensation. Upon the day when it was out, hundreds of foodies in the streets camped to experience this new dish. Its uniqueness sent word-of-mouth going viral and all over through social media as well as blog food posts and food blogs. Pictures of the ramen buns – crispy and golden with a meaty burger inside caught the imagination of food fans worldwide.
Soon after it was introduced to the public, the ramen burger started popping up in restaurants and food trucks from all over the United States to even other international locations. Other chefs added their own twists and used local flavors and ingredients, but the fundamental idea remained that of culinary imagination and innovation.
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Cultural Significance of the Ramen Burger
A Fusion of Cultures
The ramen burger is more than just a meal; it symbolizes the combination of two rich traditions in food. Ramen is a Japanese staple that people cherish for its versatility and comforting nature. Burgers are a part of American fast food culture and appreciated for their simplicity and universality. When combined, these two iconic foods form a dish that bridges cultural gaps and finds an audience in almost every corner of the globe.
Symbol of Modern Food Trends
This dish also symbolizes the changing nature of global food culture. This burger exemplifies how chefs are constantly experimenting with old ingredients in new ways. It shows the increased interest in fusion cuisine, which combines flavors and techniques from various cultures to produce something entirely new.
Celebrating Creativity and Adaptability
The ramen burger is a very creative dish found in the kitchens. It inspires even the most dedicated chefs and homely cooks into thinking out-of-the-box and getting into new concepts. The creation also shows just how food adjusts to changing times and trends within the cultural boundary.
The ramen burger is a reimagining of two comfort food classics. Now, it continues to inspire food enthusiasts and chefs everywhere to experiment in the kitchen because sometimes, excitement is born of blending the known with the unknown.
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Fun Facts and Interesting Tidbits About the Ramen Burger
1. A Global Craze
The ramen burger didn’t stay in one location long. From when it was introduced in Brooklyn, it quickly sprouted in various cities such as Los Angeles, Tokyo, and even London. It became the next global food craze wherein food trucks and restaurants began putting their own spins on the food.
2. Social Media Promoted Its Success
A large part of its success can be attributed to social media. The ramen burger experienced a viral boom through food bloggers and Instagram influencers who shared their experiences of having the ramen burger. This is what fuelled long lines in food markets and raised awareness around the world of this dish.
3. Inspired by Keizo Shimamoto’s Love for Ramen
Keizo Shimamoto has been making ramen for more than a decade before coming up with the idea of ramen burger. The concept of ramen buns came because of his immense love for ramen.
4. The variations can be infinite
Although the original ramen burger contains a beef patty, there are no limits to the possibilities. You can use chicken, fish, or even a portobello mushroom for the patty, and you’re not limited in your creativity for toppings such as pickled ginger or avocado and sauces like miso mayo or sriracha.
5. The Ramen Bun Is the Key
The ramen bun is what truly makes the ramen burger. It’s made by cooking the ramen noodles, mixing it with egg, and then frying it so that it creates a crispy golden crust. That gives a perfect crunch that would contrast well with the juicy patty.
6. Keizo Shimamoto Is Still a Fan
Even after years of the rise of ramen burgers, Keizo Shimamoto still enjoys preparing and serving it. He still showcases the dish at food events and cooking demonstrations, taking the love for these burgers wherever he brings the dish.
7. It’s both a burger and a noodle dish
The ramen burger brings the best of both worlds together. While it’s clearly a burger, the presence of ramen noodles as the buns means you’re eating a noodle dish, too. It’s a unique hybrid that satisfies the craving for both comfort food and Asian flavors.
8. Ramen Noodles Aren’t Just for Soup
In the ramen burger, the ramen noodles go beyond being an ingredient in a soup. Instead, the noodles are used to make buns for the dish, thus showing the versatility of ramen and how it can be turned into something totally unexpected and delicious.
9. The Dish Is Fully Customizable
One of the reasons why the this burger is popular is because it can be customized. You can make it as spicy or mild as you like, choose your favorite protein, and add toppings like cheese, fried eggs, or grilled vegetables. It’s a burger that truly reflects your personal taste.
10. It’s a Culinary Experiment
While not the most conventional idea, the ramen burger was a product of Shimamoto’s desire to experiment and think outside the box. To him, putting two beloved foods together in an unusual way brought about a dish that continues to amaze people worldwide.
Ramen Burger Recipe: A Crispy Noodle Twist on a Classic Favorite
Description
This ramen burger combines the savory taste of a traditional burger with the innovative texture of crispy ramen noodles as buns. Perfect for food enthusiasts looking to try something different!
Ingredients
For the Ramen Buns:
For the Burger Patty:
Optional Toppings:
For the Sauce:
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ramen Buns
Cook the Ramen Noodles:
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Boil 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan.
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Add the ramen noodles and cook for 2–3 minutes or until just tender (al dente). Avoid overcooking as the noodles need to hold their shape.
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Drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside to cool slightly.
Mix with Egg and Seasoning:
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the slightly cooled noodles with 1 beaten egg.
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Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the mixture. Stir well to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the egg.
Shape the Ramen Buns:
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Divide the noodle mixture into two equal portions.
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Line two ramekins, small bowls, or circular molds with plastic wrap to prevent sticking.
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Press one portion of the noodle mixture into each mold, firmly packing it down to create a flat, compact bun shape.
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Cover the molds and refrigerate the noodle buns for at least 10–15 minutes to allow them to set. For better results, chill for up to 30 minutes.
Cook the Ramen Buns:
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Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
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Carefully remove the chilled noodle buns from their molds or bowls.
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Place the buns into the skillet and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even browning.
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When both sides are golden brown and crispy, remove the buns from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 2: Cook the Burger Patty
Season the Patty:
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Take a fresh burger patty (beef, chicken, or plant-based) and sprinkle both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Heat the Skillet or Grill:
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Use a clean skillet or preheat a grill over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the Patty:
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Place the patty in the hot skillet or on the grill.
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Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side for medium doneness, or adjust the cooking time for your preferred level (medium-rare, well-done, etc.).
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If adding cheese, place a slice on top of the patty during the last minute of cooking and cover with a lid to melt the cheese.
Rest the Patty:
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Once cooked, remove the patty from the heat and let it rest for 2–3 minutes. This helps retain its juices.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce (Optional)
In a small bowl, mix the following ingredients:
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1 tablespoon mayonnaise
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1 teaspoon soy sauce or teriyaki sauce
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1 teaspoon sriracha or chili sauce (optional for spice)
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Stir well until smooth. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
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Step 4: Assemble the Ramen Burger
Set Up Your Workstation:
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Have all your components ready: ramen buns, cooked patty, sauce, and toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, etc.).
Assemble the Base:
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Place one crispy ramen bun on a plate, flat side down.
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Spread a thin layer of the sauce (if using) on top of the bun.
Layer the Toppings:
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Add a lettuce leaf and a slice of tomato to the base ramen bun.
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Place the rested burger patty (with or without melted cheese) on top of the toppings.
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Add pickles or any other preferred toppings.
Top with the Second Ramen Bun:
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Spread more sauce on the inside of the second ramen bun (optional).
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Place it on top of the assembled burger to complete the sandwich.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
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Presentation:
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Serve the ramen burger immediately while it’s warm and crispy.
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Pair with fries, a light salad, or pickled vegetables for a balanced meal.
Tips for Eating:
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The ramen buns can be a little fragile, so hold the burger firmly while eating.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25g39%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Trans Fat 0.5g
- Cholesterol 100mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 25g50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Why This Recipe is Special
The ramen burger combines two beloved comfort foods into one exciting dish. The crispy ramen noodle buns replace traditional bread buns, adding a delightful crunch and a unique twist. It’s a playful and creative way to enjoy burgers, making it perfect for casual meals, parties, or a treat-yourself dinner. The recipe is versatile, so you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. It’s also a conversation starter—something fun to serve to guests or family.
Tips for Making Perfect Ramen Buns
The ramen buns are what make this burger special, so getting them right is important. Start by cooking the ramen noodles just until tender; overcooking them can make them too soft to hold together. Mixing the noodles with a beaten egg helps them bind and firm up. Chill the noodles after shaping them into buns—this step is essential for keeping their shape when frying. Fry the buns in a non-stick skillet with a little oil until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides. The buns should be firm and easy to handle, yet still soft enough to bite into comfortably.
Choosing the Right Patty
The patty is the heart of the burger, so choose one that you love. A juicy beef patty is a classic choice, but you can also use chicken, turkey, or a plant-based alternative. Season the patty simply with salt and pepper, or add garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite spices for extra flavor. Cook the patty to your preferred doneness and let it rest for a minute or two before assembling the burger. For added indulgence, melt a slice of cheese on top of the patty during the final minutes of cooking.
Customizing the Toppings
The beauty of a ramen burger is that it’s endlessly customizable. Keep it simple with lettuce, tomato, and cheese, or go bold with toppings like caramelized onions, avocado slices, or kimchi. Pickles, jalapeños, or sautéed mushrooms can add extra flavor and texture. Sauces are key to bringing the flavors together—try teriyaki sauce, sriracha mayo, or even a spicy hoisin glaze. You can mix and match toppings to create your perfect bite every time.
Serving and Enjoying
Serve the ramen burger as soon as it’s assembled, while the buns are still warm and crispy. To complete the meal, pair it with simple sides like fries, a fresh salad, or even a small bowl of soup. Eating a ramen burger can be a bit messy, so have napkins handy and enjoy the process! Each bite is a mix of crispy, savory, and juicy flavors that will leave you wanting more. It’s an experience as much as a meal—fun, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
Cautions to Keep in Mind
Handling Hot Oil Safely
When frying the ramen buns, be cautious of the hot oil. Use a non-stick skillet and avoid overcrowding the pan. Always keep your hands and face at a safe distance while flipping the buns to prevent oil splatters.
Preventing Ramen Buns from Falling Apart
Ramen buns can be delicate if not handled properly. Ensure the noodles are mixed thoroughly with the egg to bind them well. Chilling the shaped buns before frying is crucial to help them stay intact during cooking. Use a spatula to flip them gently.
Cooking Meat Safely
If using raw meat for the patty, cook it thoroughly to a safe internal temperature. For beef, aim for at least 71°C (160°F) for medium doneness. For chicken or turkey patties, ensure they reach 74°C (165°F). Use a food thermometer if needed.
Avoiding Overcooking
Overcooked ramen buns can become too hard and lose their chewiness. Similarly, overcooking the patty can make it dry. Monitor the cooking process closely and adjust the heat as necessary.
Allergen Awareness
This recipe contains common allergens like eggs, gluten (from the ramen noodles), and possibly dairy (if using cheese). Be mindful of dietary restrictions and consider substitutions like gluten-free noodles or egg alternatives if needed.
Serving Fresh for Best Results
Ramen buns lose their crispness if left out for too long. Serve the burger immediately after assembly to enjoy the best texture and flavor. Avoid refrigerating the fully assembled burger as the buns may become soggy.
Handling Messiness While Eating
Ramen burgers can be messy to eat, as the noodles aren’t as firm as regular bread buns. Hold the burger firmly and use a plate to catch any drips or toppings that might fall out.
