Ramen Carbonara Twist with Bacon (Print version)
Chewy ramen noodles tossed with crisp bacon, eggs, Parmesan, and black pepper for a creamy 25-minute carbonara-style dinner.
# Ingredients:
For the ramen carbonara
01 -
4 packages (3 oz each) instant ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded
02 -
8 oz (225 g) thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
03 -
1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced
04 -
2 large eggs, preferably pasteurized
05 -
2 large egg yolks, preferably pasteurized
06 -
1 cup (90 g) finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, plus more for serving
07 -
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving
08 -
3/4 cup reserved hot noodle water, as needed
09 -
2 scallions, thinly sliced
10 -
Kosher salt, only if needed
Optional add-ins
11 -
1/2 cup (70 g) frozen peas
12 -
1 teaspoon chili crisp or chili flakes for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large heatproof bowl, whisk the eggs, egg yolks, grated cheese, and black pepper until thick and evenly combined.
02 -
Place the bacon in a cold large skillet. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a plate and leave about 1 tablespoon fat in the skillet.
03 -
Add the garlic to the warm bacon fat and stir for about 30 seconds. Remove the skillet from the heat so the garlic does not brown.
04 -
Cook the ramen noodles in boiling water without the seasoning packets for 2-3 minutes, just until springy. Add peas during the last minute if using. Reserve 3/4 cup hot noodle water.
05 -
Use tongs to move the hot noodles into the egg mixture. Toss quickly, adding reserved noodle water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce is glossy and coats the noodles.
06 -
Fold in most of the bacon. Divide into bowls and top with remaining bacon, scallions, extra cheese, black pepper, and chili crisp if using. Serve immediately.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served immediately while the sauce is glossy.
02 -
Use pasteurized eggs if serving anyone at higher risk from undercooked eggs.
03 -
Reserve noodle water before draining because it fixes a sauce that tightens.