Description
This Sticky Peanut Butter Ramen Carbonara with Chili Crisp is an inventive twist on classic carbonara, blending creamy egg yolks and parmesan cheese with rich peanut butter and a touch of spicy chili crisp. Ready in just 10 minutes, this single-serving noodle dish delivers a glossy, sticky sauce with a satisfying heat and an irresistible nutty flavor, making it a quick and flavorful meal perfect for any time you crave comfort with a spicy punch.
Ingredients
Scale
The Noodles
- 2 blocks instant ramen noodles (discard flavor packets)
The Creamy Base
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
The Flavor Bombs
- 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
The Heat
- 1 teaspoon chili crisp (adjust to taste) or sriracha
Garnish
- Chopped scallions
- Crushed peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Sauce Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and finely grated parmesan cheese until well combined and smooth, forming your classic carbonara base.
- The Peanut Butter Fusion: In a separate small bowl, mix together smooth peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and chili crisp until homogenized for a rich and flavorful sauce component.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the instant ramen noodles according to package instructions, but remove them about 1 minute before fully cooked. Do not completely drain; reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water.
- The Carbonara Technique (Moment of Truth): Drain the noodles well, then immediately transfer the hot noodles into the bowl with the egg yolk and parmesan mixture as well as the peanut butter sauce. Toss quickly to combine while the noodles are still hot.
- Emulsify and Serve: Gradually add the reserved hot starchy water, one tablespoon at a time, while vigorously tossing the noodles to emulsify the sauce. The heat cooks the egg yolks and melts the cheese and peanut butter, creating a thick, glossy, sticky sauce. Add additional water if the sauce is too thick. If the sauce becomes chunky, add more hot water and toss quickly to smooth it out.
Notes
- Use the reserved cooking water carefully to create a silky sauce consistency.
- Adjust the chili crisp or sriracha quantity to suit your preferred heat level.
- Make sure parmesan cheese is finely grated for smooth melting.
- Egg whites can be saved for another use like an omelet.
- Garnish with scallions and crushed peanuts for extra texture and flavor.
