Eric Nam’s 'Ramen Hack': 10-Minute Luxury Soft Tofu Ramen

Looking for a weekend brunch that’s satisfying, healthy, and deep in flavor? We’ve all been there—you want something comforting, but a standard pack of instant ramen feels a bit... empty.

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Enter the "Luxury Soft Tofu Ramen Hack," a culinary trick favored by singer and TV personality Eric Nam. Known for his clean eating habits and busy lifestyle, Eric has shared how adding soft tofu to ramen transforms a simple instant snack into a protein-rich, balanced brunch. Today, we’re taking his hack to the next level by adding onions for sweetness and bouillon for a restaurant-quality broth!

🌟 Why This "Luxury" Ramen Hack?

Standard instant ramen can be a bit one-dimensional. By adding Soft Tofu, you get a silky, delicate texture and essential plant-based protein. By adding Onions and a touch of Bouillon, you turn a salty soup base into a rich, deep, and savory masterpiece. It’s the ultimate "weekend recovery" food that is as healthy as it is delicious.

🛒 Shopping Guide: Your U.S. Grocery Store Checklist

You don’t need to hunt for specialty Asian ingredients. Here is how to find everything at Walmart, Costco, or Trader Joe's:

• Instant Ramen: Shin Ramyun (available at Walmart and Costco) is the industry standard for this hack.

• Soft Tofu: Look for "Soft" or "Silken" tofu in the refrigerated produce section. Nasoya is a great brand found almost everywhere.

• The "Deep Flavor" Secret:

  • Onions: A simple yellow or white onion from the produce aisle.

  • Bouillon: "Better Than Bouillon" (Beef or Vegetable) or Knorr Stock Cubes. These are game-changers for broth depth!

• Freshness: Fresh Green Onions (Scallions) are a must for that crisp, refreshing finish.

👩‍🍳 Recipe: Luxury Soft Tofu Ramen (10-Minute Upgrade)

Instructions:

1. Build the Broth (The Secret to Depth): In your pot, add water along with a quarter of a sliced onion and 1/2 a bouillon cube (or 1/2 tsp of Better Than Bouillon). Simmer for 2–3 minutes. This step transforms your broth from "instant" to "homemade."

2. Add Tofu & Seasoning: Add the ramen seasoning packet, minced garlic (1/2 tbsp), and large chunks of soft tofu. Keep the tofu chunks large so they soak up the soup without breaking apart.

3. Noodles: Add your ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions.

4. The Egg Finish: During the last minute of cooking, crack an egg into the center of the pot. Leave the yolk runny for a creamy, luxurious touch!

5. The Fresh Finish: Just before turning off the heat, drizzle a teaspoon of sesame oil and top with a generous handful of fresh, chopped green onions. The freshness of the scallions perfectly balances the richness of the broth.