Save 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 first made this Spicy Ramen Lasagna on a chilly weekend to surprise my friends with something unexpected. Combining ramen with lasagna was a hit and the dish quickly became a favorite at our dinner gatherings.
Ingredients
- Noodles: 4 packs ramen noodles (instant, 85 g each discard seasoning)
- Meat Sauce: 500 g ground pork (or ground chicken or beef), 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp ginger (grated), 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste), 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste), 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Cheese Layer: 250 g ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 100 g mozzarella cheese (shredded), 50 g parmesan cheese (grated), 2 green onions (thinly sliced for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook Noodles:
- Cook ramen noodles in boiling water for 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Brown Meat:
- Add ground pork and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon.
- Simmer 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 slightly thickened.
- Mix Cheese:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, half the mozzarella, and half the parmesan until combined.
- Layer Dish:
- In a large baking dish (about 22x30 cm), spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of ramen noodles (use approximately one pack per layer, arranging to fit). Spread a third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then top with a third of the meat sauce. Repeat layers twice more, finishing with the remaining meat sauce.
- Top and Bake:
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish:
- Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Save Making this dish together brought plenty of laughter in our kitchen. It quickly turned into a friendly competition to see who could create the best ramen lasagna slice, with extra cheese and spice.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the pork if you prefer leaner meat. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or spinach between layers for more vegetables. Serve hot, paired with a crisp lager or lightly chilled red wine.
Tools You'll Need
Large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk or fork, 22x30 cm baking dish, aluminum foil, knife, cutting board.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 510 calories, 24 g total fat, 44 g carbohydrates, 31 g protein.
Save This fusion dish makes any weekday feel special and is sure to spark conversation around your table.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can instant ramen noodles be substituted in this dish?
Yes, instant ramen noodles are used here; just discard the seasoning packets and cook the noodles slightly less than directed to prevent overcooking during baking.
- → What protein alternatives work well for the meat sauce?
Ground chicken or beef can replace pork. For a lighter version, try turkey or add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- → How do you adjust the spice level?
Use less gochujang and red pepper flakes for a milder taste. Add chili oil on top for additional heat if desired.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
The main version contains meat, but you can omit it and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables for a vegetarian adaptation.
- → What cheeses are best for layering?
Ricotta provides creaminess, mozzarella melts beautifully, and parmesan adds savory depth. Feel free to adjust ratios to taste.
- → Do you need to pre-cook the noodles?
Yes, briefly boil ramen noodles for about two minutes less than package instructions since they will finish cooking in the oven.