Ramen Bomb, A Terrific Backpacking Ramen Recipe for Adventurers!

Ramen bomb is a popular dish among hikers who are on long backpacking trips. It's easy to make, and it has lots of energy in it when you need to go far distances or when you're out for days at a time.

Got that thrill for an outdoor adventure in you right now? Wondering what to pack for food? Look no further and learn all you need to know about this special noodle dish!

What’s a ramen bomb?

Essentially, it is a backpacker ramen recipe that is made up of a combination of instant noodles and instant mashed potatoes. However, this dish is versatile as many types of proteins such as Spam meat or vegetables can be added to spice up the meal further.

If you're out hiking, a ramen bomb is your best friend. It's exactly what the doctor ordered for those who love carbs - and are in need of some fuel to keep going on their hike!

Why is it popular?

This carb-loaded noodle and potato dish is a favourite among hikers as seen in many online forums like Reddit. It fulfils a lot of the key factors that make it a perfect meal for those on a hike:

Nutrition and Calories

Instant noodles helps you refuel after a long day backpacking because it provides quick energy from carbohydrates. One serving will surely fill your stomach as it contains a calorie count of about 300 kcal. 

In addition, potatoes contain potassium that aid muscles during their recovery process when you're finished doing an activity like hiking all day.

Weight and Price

With only a pack of instant noodles and mash potatoes required to complete the hiker ramen bomb recipe, hikers are able to keep their backpacks lightweight. This is vital for anyone who’s gone outdoors on a long journey.

In addition, it is also very cheap to make! You don’t have to worry about breaking your bank in order to get a nutritious meal during your adventures. In comparison to branded dehydrated meals that may cost over $15 a meal, you can prepare the bomb noodles for under $5!

Flexibility and Ease of preparation

You can add different types of protein - with spam in ramen bomb being a classic favourite - to the dish to enhance its flavour. Vegetables can also be added to increase vitamins and minerals to the already nutritious meal. 

If you choose a vegan-friendly instant noodles pack, you can also make a vegan ramen bomb for your journey.

This dish is super simple to prepare too! First, you combine all the ingredients together in a plastic zip-loc or container. Then, add some water to it just before you’re ready to eat and you’re done. No stove required!

What does it taste like?

This instant noodles dish is a little plain, but overall many hikers claim that considering they are quick and easy to make in just a plastic bag - they're pretty good! 

Backpackers usually add things like vegetables and sauce to make it more flavorful. They become heavier that way though so don't go overboard with your toppings or you might end up eating something too heavy for the journey! 

But if you want an easy meal without much hassle, many recommend combining it pre-mixed flavours of Idahoan Mashed Potatoes.

How to make a ramen bomb

You only 2 essential ingredients to prepare this dish. This backpacker ramen recipe can be prepared hot or cold. 

Ingredients

• 1 pack of instant noodles
• 1 pack of Idahoan instant mashed potatoes
• Optional - ½ can of spam meat or protein of choice

Hot Ramen Bomb

To serve hot, combine all the ingredients in a heat resistant plastic bag. Then pour a few cups of hot water into the bag and gently shake the bag to let the ingredients mix. Wait for a few minutes and it’s ready to be served!

Cold Soak Ramen Bomb

Instead of adding hot water, use cold water instead to hydrate the ingredients. The hydration process will take a while due to the colder temperature, so we recommend pouring in the water about 10 minutes before mealtime.

Cooking tips

• Many hikers recommend just combine the ingredients in a plastic bag before you begin your journey. That way you get to keep your backpack light and reduce the waste on your journey.
• Make sure you prepare a heat-resistant plastic bag or container if you are serving it hot. Be careful when handling the bag after pouring the hot water! 
• Add your preferred protein or seasoning to it to make it more scrumptious. Noodle packs usually have seasoning included which are convenient to carry and easy to add just before your meal.

Variations

Spicy version

It is good to carry dried chilli powders or red peppers in your backpack. This will add some spice and heat to the noodles when you have the chance!

They are also light, in comparison to bringing bottles of tabasco or sriracha.

Peanut butter

Another must-have for instant noodles on long hikes is peanut butter. You can add it to your soup after pouring hot water. This tasty addition produces a pad thai-like flavour that will surely remind you of your favourite Asian food restaurant back home!

Wondering what this all looks like? Danny Burbol Youtube channel has a great video where he shares the whole process.

PCT - hiker tip - the ramen bomb

Did you try making your hiker’s noodles bomb while out in the wild? You did? Awesome! Share with us a photo of your adventurous meal by tagging us on Instagram at @honestfoodtalks!

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Not out in the mountains nor forests but still craving for some instant noodles or proper ramen noodles? Check out our latest indoor ramen hacks such as the famous Korean cheese ramen and mayo ramen!