October 3, 2024
MANILA – Is this you? You wake up at 1 a.m. searching for a late-night bite. Looking into your cupboard, you find your favorite Korean instant noodles. You start to salivate at the thought of slurping the hot and spicy soup and its bouncy ramen noodles.
Most Filipinos are fascinated with Korean culture, from K-pop idols to K-dramas. However, Korean food is a trademark favorite. There is a satisfying feeling eating Korean spicy instant noodles, whether in hot or rainy weather. If you are looking to add a Filipino twist to your noodles, try adding these local ingredients.
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Consider classic ingredients such as garlic and onion
Ramen with garlic and onion. PHOTO: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
You can’t go wrong with pairing garlic and onion. These proven flavor enhancers of Filipino dishes are sure to improve your typical Korean spicy instant noodles. The aroma alone is enough to take your spicy instant ramen to the next level. You can add them in the soup while cooking to achieve a milder flavor. But if you want the extra kick, shallow fry them in oil until nice and crispy then top them on the noodles.
For a sour kick, add calamansi or tomato
Calamansi or tomatoes for a sour kick. PHOTO: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
While this may seem strange at first, adding a sour element to your spicy Korean noodles might be the flavor profile you need to change up your experience of slurping on spicy noodles. If you are looking for that acidity with a hint of fruitiness, squeeze some calamansi into your noodles to bring out the mild sour-spicy elements. But if you want to achieve the ultimate hot and sour bowl reminiscent of Filipino sinigang, throw in some chopped tomatoes while boiling the noodles.
For the ultimate umami punch, add a pinch of patis or bagoong alamang
Ramen with bagoong. PHOTO: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
Yes, you read that right, if you are feeling a bit more adventurous in flavor combinations, try adding patis or bagoong alamang to your Korean noodles. These salty condiments mixed with the spiciness of the noodles is the ultimate surprise pairing. The sharp saltiness from the bagoong alamang, a local fermented condiment made with shrimp paste and salt, provides another flavor dimension to the ordinary spicy Korean noodles. You can add a half teaspoon of bagoong alamang while cooking or as a topping. For a milder taste, opt for a dash of patis for a similar umami flavor.
These unimaginable flavor combinations can not only elevate your Korean spicy noodles but also discover a newfound sense of appreciation for the humble native Filipino ingredients that represent the diverse Philippine cuisine. After all, the roots of Filipino cuisine are also influenced by other cultures, making every dish as unique as they can be.
As more Filipinos grow to integrate Korean foods into their diet, there is no harm in a little experimenting, especially adding local Filipino ingredients to your favorite instant spicy Korean noodles.