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Home / Recipes / Ramen

Ramen Bomb, A Terrific Backpacking Ramen Recipe for Adventurers!

Last Updated: Sep 11, 2021 · Author: Craig Lai · Jump to Recipe

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.

A filling meal made of noodles and potatoes
A filling meal loved by hikers, made of noodles and potatoes. | Image from Instagram

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!

Carl Stanfield making ramen bomb while on the Pacific Crest Trail
Carl Stanfield making ramen bomb while on the Pacific Crest Trail | Image from Instagram

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.

Ramen bomb recipe vegan friendly backpacking
A versatile and nutritious backpacking meal recipe | Image from Instagram

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!

Backpacking ramen recipe
A carb-loaded meal. | Image from Instagram

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. 

Packs of noodles, mashed potatoes and spam are all you need
Packs of noodles, mashed potatoes and spam are all you need | Image from Instagram

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.
Instant noodles, mashed potatoes and buffalo tuna
Instant noodles, mashed potatoes and buffalo tuna | Image from Instagram

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!

Ramen bomb recipe vegan friendly backpacking

Ramen Bomb | Hot or Cold, Vegan-friendly Backpacking Ramen Recipe

Ramen bomb is a hiker’s wondrous instant noodles recipe hack that is not only nutritious, versatile and affordable, but also tasty! Learn how to make this backpacker ramen recipe in just minutes.
Author: Craig Lai
4.79 from 33 votes
Print Pin
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: ramen
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 907kcal
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pack instant noodles
  • 1 pack Idahoan instant mashed potatoes
  • ½ can Spam meat optional
  • seasoning of choice optional

Instructions

  • Add all the ingredients into a heat-resistant bag or container.
    Add all dry ingredients into container
  • Pour 4 cups of hot water into the container. Then, shake the sealed container to mix.
    Pour water into the container
  • Let the dry ingredients hydrate for a few minutes. Open the bag, add your seasoning of choice and eat your ramen bomb while it’s hot!

Notes

If you would like to eat the meal cold or are not able to access hot water, then simply replace hot water with cold water. Let the dry ingredients hydrates for a few extra minutes before eating.

Nutrition

Calories: 907kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 32gFat: 59gSaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 4129mgPotassium: 852mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 5mg

Calories have been calculated using an online calculator. Nutritional information offered on Honest Food Talks is for general information purposes and are only rough estimations.

Tried this recipe?Follow us @honestfoodtalks for more delicious recipes!

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!


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!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Aleisha Lyster

    January 20, 2022 at 7:25 am

    5 stars
    This looks disgusting but it was actually alright to eat on the hike. Kept me full!

    Reply
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