Pin 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.
The first time I made this spicy ramen lasagna, my family was skeptical but ended up loving the creamy cheese and bold, spicy pork layers. It has become our go-to dish for chilly weekends or when we want something a little different from regular lasagna.
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
- Prepare Oven:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook Ramen:
- Cook ramen noodles in boiling water for 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add Meat:
- Add ground pork. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon.
- Add Seasonings:
- 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.
- Prepare Cheese Layer:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, half the mozzarella, and half the parmesan until combined.
- Layer Lasagna:
- In a large baking dish (about 22x30 cm), spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- First Layer:
- Add a layer of ramen noodles (approximately one pack per layer, arranging to fit).
- Build Layers:
- Spread a third of the ricotta mixture over noodles, then top with a third of the meat sauce. Repeat layers twice more, finishing with remaining meat sauce.
- Finish:
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more, until cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.
- Let Stand & Serve:
- Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Pin This dish sparked laughter and disbelief at our dinner table, but quickly became a new favorite that everyone asked for again and again.
Required Tools
Large skillet, mixing bowls, whisk or fork, 22x30 cm baking dish, aluminum foil, knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories: 510, Total Fat: 24 g, Carbohydrates: 44 g, Protein: 31 g (per serving)
Recipe Variations
Swap in ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version, add mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies, or drizzle with chili oil for added heat.
Pin This spicy ramen lasagna is sure to impress. Enjoy leftovers the next day when the flavors mingle even more!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute ground pork with other meats?
Yes, ground chicken, beef, or turkey work well and create different flavor profiles for the layered dish.
- → Should ramen noodles be cooked before layering?
Boil ramen noodles briefly—2 minutes less than package instructions—to finish cooking in the oven layers.
- → How can I add extra vegetables?
Layer sautéed spinach or mushrooms between noodles and cheese for more nutritional value and flavor.
- → What cheese works best?
Ricotta for creaminess, mozzarella for stretch, and parmesan for sharp flavor combine well in the layers.
- → How do I increase spiciness?
Increase gochujang and red pepper flakes, or drizzle chili oil before serving for more heat.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.