
Ramen Carbonara is a delicious fusion of Italian Carbonara and Japanese ramen. This recipe swaps traditional pasta for chewy ramen noodles, making it a quick and satisfying meal with a creamy, cheesy sauce and crispy bacon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes!
✅ Minimal Ingredients – Uses pantry staples.
✅ Rich & Creamy – The perfect balance of cheese, eggs, and bacon.
✅ One-Pan Meal – Fewer dishes, more flavor!
Ingredients (Serves 1-2)
🔹 For the noodles:
- 1 pack instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet)
- 2 cups water (for boiling)
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
🔹 For the sauce:
- 2 egg yolks (room temperature)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
🔹 For the toppings:
- 2 strips bacon or pancetta (chopped)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ramen
- In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes).
- Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water.
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 2 egg yolks
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Set aside for later.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon & Garlic
- In a nonstick pan, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to low to avoid scrambling the eggs in the next step.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked ramen noodles to the pan with the bacon and garlic.
- Remove the pan from heat (very important!).
- Immediately pour in the egg and cheese mixture, stirring quickly to coat the noodles.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to make it creamier.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Transfer to a plate.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Ramen Carbonara
✔️ Use fresh eggs – They create a silky, creamy sauce without scrambling.
✔️ Don’t overheat the eggs – Always remove the pan from heat before mixing in the sauce.
✔️ Pasta water is key – It helps create a smooth, glossy sauce.
✔️ Try different cheeses – Pecorino Romano adds a sharper, saltier flavor.
✔️ Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes or chili oil for extra heat!
FAQs
Can I use whole eggs instead of just yolks?
Yes! Whole eggs will make the sauce lighter and slightly less rich. Just be sure to whisk them well before adding to the noodles.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the bacon for sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu for a meat-free version.
What’s the best ramen to use?
Any instant ramen works, but fresh ramen noodles (found in Asian markets) give an even better texture.
Final Thoughts
Ramen Carbonara is the ultimate comfort food, blending Japanese and Italian flavors into a quick, creamy, and delicious meal. Whether you’re looking for a fast weeknight dinner or a fun ramen upgrade, this recipe will not disappoint!
Try it out and let me know how it turns out! 🍜✨