5 Best Instant Ramens, According to Food Network Staffers

I grew up on these! In Cantonese, we call them 'doll noodles' since you can always spot a pack by looking for the doll-like character. This sesame oil flavor is a classic -- savory and satisfying. It's also a pretty neutral base that feels easy to add toppings to. I like to eat them as they are, and when I'm in a pinch, they always remind me of home.

-Maggie Wong, Editor

While these aren't exactly ramen, these instant noodle packs made by A-Sha Noodles in partnership with David Chang's Momofuku brand are the perfect meal when I don't know what to cook. After three minutes in boiling water, the noodles are perfectly tender and ready to be sauced to perfection. For a complete meal, I top them with some stir-fried veggies and a protein (chicken or tofu are go-tos) and dinner is served.

-T.K. Brady, Senior Editor

I'm slightly embarrassed by just how many of these Nissin Ramen Noodle Soup cups I currently have sitting in my pantry. Let's just say, it's well over five! The ramen cups have easily become my go-to for those long work weeknights when I just don't have the energy to do much else than boil water for dinner. Nissin has seven different flavors in their "Cup Noodles" line, but there's something about their original "chicken" flavor that keeps me coming back for more. The noodles are nice and thick and hold up perfectly against the flavored broth, even if you happen to put in more than the recommended amount of water, like I do sometimes. I also love the slight crunch provided by the mini carrots and corn kernels inside these ramen cups – it's a unique inclusion for sure, but it also reminds me of the vegetable soup my mom used to make for me and my twin sister when we were kids. Talk about comfort food!

- Michelle Baricevic, Online Editorial Coordinator, Food Network Magazine

In my house, the TikTok garlic ramen hack is on regular rotation and we always use Shin Ramen. You put chopped garlic, the ramen seasoning packet, Kewpie mayo and a raw egg in a bowl (use lots of garlic). Mix it together with hot water from the noodles so it's a smooth sauce. Then you add the noodles and a sprinkle of sliced scallions on top (very important). It's a satisfying meal and you don't have to stress about poaching a perfect egg to serve on top like some recipes call for. For a quick fix, my daughter likes Nongshim Soon Veggie Noodle Soup Cup that she loads up with extra frozen vegetables that she heats up in the microwave first.

-Lygeia Grace, Culinary Editorial Director, Food Network and Cooking Channel

I've recently decided to lessen the amount of meat and dairy in my diet, so the idea of a plant-based instant ramen, which still packs 22 grams of protein and only six grams of carbs, was immediately exciting. Immi's instant ramen flavors still include go-tos, like Spicy "Beef," Tom Yum “Shrimp” and Black Garlic “Chicken,” so I never feel like I'm skipping on flavor or variety!

-Rachel Trujillo, Associate Content Editor