You’re home after a day spent grading last week’s papers, responding to that parent’s emails, and reinforcing the one concept your class simply isn’t grasping. It’s already dark outside because, no, you were not paying attention to the time—there was too much to do–and now you’re just tired.

The chicken isn’t thawed.

The oven isn’t preheated.

The packet of instant noodles calls to you from the pantry.

It’s quick and simple though not very filling or flavorful, but perhaps you decide to settle for just good enough because you still have nine more essays to mark up.

Don’t settle.

You can have those instant noodles and a mouthful of hearty, warm flavor, too.

By incorporating a few extra ingredients that require little to no extra prep, you’ll be on your way to creating an extra flavorful bowl of everyone’s favorite go-to quick meal.

Load It Up!

Nothing buffs up a bowl of instant noodles like a handful of vegetables.

Add these as is or throw them in a pan and sauté with a drop of oil and soy sauce:

• Shredded carrots
• Baby spinach
• Chopped scallions
• Snap peas
• Sliced jalapenos
• Finely cut cabbage
• Sliced mushrooms
• Sweet corn
• Bok choy
• Bean sprouts
• Edamame

Add an Egg

Make it more filling with a soft boiled or fried egg right on top.

You can also add a beaten egg directly to the hot and seasoned water and give it a hard mix for an extra creamy upgrade.

Or Beef It Up with Another Protein

If you have neglected leftovers, drop in a handful to bulk up your dish even more.

• Fried spam strips
• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• Cooked shrimp
• Lunch meats
• Tofu

Finally, Don’t Forget the Seasonings!

Your secret to the best bowl of instant noodles lies in the seasonings sitting in your cupboard.

Mix and match these common additions to your bowl and see what you love best!

• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar (or vinegar)
• Sweet chili sauce
• Lime juice
• Oyster sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• Peanut butter
• Chicken broth or bone broth
• Miso paste

Or try these combinations with half of the seasoning packet:

• Soy sauce, sesame oil, and sweet chili hot sauce
• Soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, and peanut butter
• Rice vinegar (or vinegar), and sweet chili hot sauce
• Soy sauce, miso paste, rice vinegar, and ginger paste (or powder)
• Lime juice, sweet chili hot sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder

Ditch the Broth—Make a Stir Fry

If you’re not in the mood for soup, try this alternative: cook your noodles in water while stir-frying some veggies with soy sauce and a scrambled egg. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and toss them into the pan with the vegetables. Add the seasoning packet, a bit more soy sauce to taste, and stir until everything is well combined.

Now you’ve got a quick and satisfying dish, perfect to accompany you as you finish grading those tests or scroll through the Abeka Facebook groups to offer words of encouragement to fellow teachers who’ve had a day just like yours.

We’d love to hear your favorite tricks for creating the perfect bowl of instant noodles!

Happy eating, Teacher!