GirlsGuideTo | Lazy Girl Recipe: 10 Ways to Give Your Ramen an Upgrade

Ok, so ramen is never going to be considered “good food.” It doesn’t even qualify as “good microwave food.” But that doesn’t mean you’re not going to keep buying it when you’re strapped for cash or need late night studying fuel. Men’s Health talked to Hans Lienesch, founder of theramenrater.com, who has reviewed these noodles since 2002 and sampled more than 650 different varieties of instant noodles. That’s a lot of noodles. Follow Lienesch's method to instantly liven up every bowl.

First, learn how to make ramen right.
1. Put the instant noodles and seasonings into a bowl, not the Styrofoam provided.

2. Measure the amount of water as instructed on the package, and microwave the water for 3 to 4 minutes.

3. Pour the water in the bowl with the noodles and seasoning, and use a fork to mix the noodles with the water.

4. Cover the bowl for 4 minutes.

Now, add one of these ingredients:

1. Peanut butter

After cooking, add a spoonful of your favorite smooth peanut butter to the noodles and broth for a twist on the popular Thai noodle dish Pad Thai. It will thicken the broth and give you some protein.

2. Bok choy

This Chinese cabbage adds a nice leafy crunch and freshness when tossed in after cooking your noodles.

3. Green onions

Adds crunch and flavor to the broth and noodles. Another bonus: You don't need to cook them. Just cut them up (you can use a pair of scissors) and toss them in.

4. Frozen vegetables

Just pull them from your mini freezer and pop them in after the water's hot for more nutrients and flavor.

5. Furikake

Found in the Asian section of most grocery stores, this is a Japanese dried condiment typically topped on rice and consisting of sesame seeds, salt, ground fish and chopped seaweed. It tastes great with the salty flavors of ramen.

6. Pickled ginger

This is the bright pink pickled ginger that usually garnishes Japanese noodle dishes and sushi. Its flavor combines sweet and sour with heat and tang.

7. Processed cheese

Yes, the same packaged, sliced cheese that's the staple of your grilled cheese sandwich also goes well with instant noodles and can thicken the broth. "Just don't put it in too early. Add it in the last 30 seconds of cooking," Lienesch says.

8. Hot sauce

Whether you simply want a little bit of a kick or enough heat to ignite a fire in your bowl, there is a hot sauce out there for you. Tabasco, sriracha and green chile sauces can all add more flavor.

9. Last night's dinner

Any leftover meat—BBQ chicken, roast beef, pork ribs—add substance and taste to an otherwise boring bowl.

10. Eggs

There are a variety of ways to prepare eggs for a noodle dish. Lienesch recommends adding sliced hard-boiled eggs or a fried egg to instant noodles. "If you're boiling the noodles on a stove, you can simply crack an egg in with them about 45 seconds before they're done," Lienesch says.

What’s your favorite way to add a little class to your favorite instant noodles?