Microwave Egg Drop Ramen

Egg drop ramen usually starts on the stovetop, but this version cooks entirely in the microwave, including the water. I make it when I need something quick and only have a microwave available.

Heat the water in the bowl, cook the noodles, then slowly pour in the beaten egg while stirring so it forms thin strands instead of large pieces. Sesame oil and scallions go in last.

What is Egg Drop Ramen?

Egg drop ramen is instant ramen with beaten egg cooked directly in the hot broth. The egg is poured in slowly, the same technique used for Chinese egg drop soup. The egg adds protein and gives the broth more body without adding much cooking time.

Ingredients

• Instant ramen – Chicken, soy sauce, and miso ramen all work well, but you can use any flavor you prefer.
• Egg – Beat it well so it pours smoothly into the broth.
• Water – Use plain water because the seasoning packet already flavors the broth.
• Scallions – Chopped, added raw at the end. Also sold as green onions.
• Sesame oil – I prefer toasted sesame oil because it has a stronger flavor, so a small amount is enough.

How to Cook Egg Drop Ramen in the Microwave

1. Heat the Water

The water needs to be very hot so the egg cooks as soon as it is poured in.

1. Pour 2 cups of water into a large microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the water is very hot. If it is not steaming, keep heating in short bursts before moving on.

2. Cook the Noodles

Keep the noodles slightly firm at this stage because they continue cooking after the egg is added.

1. Add the instant noodles to the bowl and microwave for 2 minutes.
2. Stir with a fork to separate the strands.
3. Add the ramen seasoning and stir until it dissolves.

3. Pour in the Egg

Pour the egg slowly while stirring so it does not cook into one large piece.

1. Stir the broth slowly in one direction with a fork.
2. Pour the beaten egg in a thin stream while the broth is still moving.
3. Microwave for another 45 seconds to 1 minute, or until the egg is fully cooked.

4. Finish the Bowl

Add the sesame oil and scallions only after the egg is cooked.

1. Stir in the sesame oil.
2. Top with the chopped scallions and stir once.
3. Serve right away.

Tips

• Use a large microwave-safe bowl – The water bubbles up during the noodle stage, and the extra space prevents boiling over.
• Cooking times vary by microwave – Add time in 20 to 30-second intervals until the water is hot and the egg is fully cooked.
• Start with half the seasoning packet – Taste the broth and add more if it needs it.
• Add frozen corn with the noodles – It heats through during the noodle stage. Stir spinach in near the end so it only wilts. Leftover cooked chicken also works, but make sure it is heated through.

What to Serve with Egg Drop Ramen

• Cucumber salad – The cold, crisp salad is a simple side for the hot noodles.
• Gyoza – Buy the microwaveable kind so the whole meal stays stove-free.
• Steamed edamame – A simple side if you want extra protein.
• Seaweed salad – Another light side that works well with the noodles.

Storage & Reheating

Egg drop ramen is best eaten right after cooking because the noodles keep soaking up broth and soften within the hour. If you have leftovers, refrigerate for up to a day and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. Expect softer noodles and firmer egg the second time around.

More Quick Noodle Recipes

• Sriracha Chicken Noodle Soup – A spicy chicken noodle soup with sriracha and vegetables.
• Chicken Chow Mein – Stir-fried noodles with chicken and vegetables, done in one pan.
• Filipino Pancit Canton – Stir-fried wheat noodles with meat and vegetables.
• Pancit Bihon – Stir-fried thin rice noodles with meat and vegetables.
• Egg Fried Rice – Fried rice with egg, a good use for leftover rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drop a raw egg in ramen?

Yes, as long as the broth is very hot. The final microwave step cooks the beaten egg through. If it still looks runny, keep heating briefly until it is set.

Do I beat the egg or crack it in whole?

Beat it. A beaten egg poured slowly cooks into ribbons through the broth. A whole egg will cook like a poached egg instead.

How long do you microwave egg drop ramen?

About 5 to 6 minutes, although the exact time varies by microwave: 2 to 3 minutes for the water, 2 minutes for the noodles, and 45 seconds to 1 minute after the egg goes in.

Can I use broth instead of water?

Yes. Chicken broth may already be salty, so reduce or skip the seasoning packet.

Try this with your preferred ramen flavor and let me know in the comments how it turns out.