Ahh, the ramen burger…

Out with the cronuts and in with the ramen burger!  A meat patty sandwiched between two fried ramen noodle buns, the ramen burger debuted and trademarked in Brooklyn on August 2 by inventor, Keizo Shimamoto.

Copyright © 2013 Grace Clerc. All rights reserved.I’m a food trend fanatic, always keeping abreast of what’s new in the hybrid food world.  Today, I have for you the latest food craze…my rendition of the “ramen burger”.

Serves 2

Ingredients

  • 1 package ramen noodles
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons olive or grapeseed oil
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1/2 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 beef burger patty (I used turkey for this recipe.)
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • 1 slice American cheese (optional)
  • onion, yellow or red, slices
  • tomato, slices
  • 1 scallion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup arugula (optional)
  • Kosher salt, fresh ground pepper to taste

TIP

To shape the ramen into a bun, use mini tart pans (as pictured) or ramekins that are similar in size to the burger patty. If you don’t have ramekins, substitute pint-size deli containers.

Ramen_Prep
Ramen mixed with egg
Ramen_Patties
Ramen_Press
Ramen_Stack
The Ramen Burger

Directions

  1. Cook the ramen according to the directions on the package (including the seasoning), then drain off the liquid. Let cool to room temperature. In a small mixing bowl, whisk 1 egg until no streaks of yolk remain. Add the ramen, tossing thoroughly to coat with the egg.
  2. Cover the ramen with plastic wrap (optional), and weigh it down with the bottom portion of the mini tart pan (you will need 4 separate bottoms to cover each tart pan) or a can of soup to compress it into a bun shape. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
  3. Add the oil to a skillet, and set over medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, unmold the ramen buns into the pan, and cook until the bottom is a dark golden brown. Flip both of the patties, and cook until a dark golden brown on both sides.
  4. Whisk together the sriracha and ketchup in a small bowl.
  5. Season the hamburger patty with salt, pepper, a splash of soy sauce, and sesame oil. Wipe out the skillet, and cook the burger over medium-high heat until medium rare, or to your preferred degree of doneness. Finish with a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil. Top with a slice of cheese. (I used a portable indoor grill, as pictured)
  6. Wipe out the skillet, and lower the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan, and fry 1 egg sunny side up.
  7. Assemble the burger in this order: ramen bun, arugula, ketchup, burger patty (cheese side up), fried egg, scallions, and the second ramen bun. Wrap in wax paper for easier eating, and serve hot.