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 for a potluck, and everyone was intrigued by the blend of textures and spicy, creamy layers. It was a huge hit and became one of our go-to fusion comfort foods whenever friends visit.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook Noodles:
- Cook ramen noodles in boiling water for 2 minutes less than package instructions (they will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger and cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Cook 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 Cheeses:
- 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 (about one pack per layer, arranged to fit).
- Build Layers:
- 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.
- Add Cheese on Top:
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan over the top.
- Bake:
- 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 Serve:
- Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Save The first time we ate this, our family couldn't believe how well ramen noodles replaced pasta without losing that comforting bite. Even picky eaters went back for seconds.
Required Tools
Large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk or fork, 22x30 cm baking dish, aluminum foil, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (ramen noodles), egg, dairy (cheese), and soy. May contain sesame or other allergens: always check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 510, Total Fat: 24 g, Carbohydrates: 44 g, Protein: 31 g per serving
Save Serve hot to enjoy the fusion of flavors and textures: it's comfort food with an unexpected twist everyone will love.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I substitute the pork with another meat?
Yes! Ground chicken, beef, or turkey work well and add their own savory character to the layers.
- → How spicy is this dish?
The heat can be adjusted using less gochujang and red pepper flakes. For a milder flavor, reduce these ingredients.
- → What cheese can I use if I don’t have ricotta?
Cottage cheese or even cream cheese blended with mozzarella and parmesan offer good alternatives for the creamy layer.
- → Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers fit perfectly between the layers for extra nutrition.
- → Is this meal freezer-friendly?
Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight, then bake as directed for a fresh, comforting taste.
- → What’s a good drink pairing?
This hearty fusion pairs well with crisp lager, light red wine, or even iced green tea for balance.