Ingredient Notes
Every element in this Creamy Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage & Shrimp Ramen Bowl serves a purpose, from building layers of flavor to creating that perfect balance of creaminess and heat. Understanding the role of each ingredient will help you achieve the best results with possible substitutions when needed.
- Instant ramen: The foundation of the dish, providing quick-cooking noodles with the perfect chewy texture. Discard the seasoning packets as we’re creating our own flavorful broth from scratch.
- Spicy jalapeño cheddar sausages: These specialty sausages deliver three flavor components at once: meaty richness, cheese, and heat. Look for them at specialty grocers or substitute with andouille sausage plus extra cheddar cheese.
- Shrimp: Adds delicate sweetness that balances the spice elements. Medium or large sizes work best; avoid tiny shrimp that can overcook quickly in the hot broth.
- Butter and olive oil: This combination provides the perfect fat blend—butter for flavor, olive oil to prevent burning at higher temperatures when sautéing.
- Onion and red bell pepper: These aromatics create a flavor foundation and add texture and color. Dice them uniformly for even cooking and visual appeal.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides sharp, aromatic notes essential to the broth. For best flavor, mince just before cooking rather than using pre-packaged options.
- Fresh jalapeño: Controls the heat level of your dish—keep the seeds for extra spice or remove them for milder flavor. Always wash hands thoroughly after handling.
- Smoked paprika, cayenne, and Cajun seasoning: This spice trinity creates depth and complexity. The smoked paprika adds smoky notes while cayenne and Cajun seasoning build heat gradually.
- Chicken broth: Forms the savory base of the soup. Use low-sodium varieties to better control the salt level in the final dish.
- Whole milk or half-and-half: Creates the creamy texture that sets this ramen apart. The fat content is important for a silky mouthfeel; lighter alternatives will produce a thinner broth.
- Cheddar cheese: Select a sharp cheddar for maximum flavor impact. Pre-shredded cheese works but freshly grated melts more smoothly due to the absence of anti-caking agents.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness. Low-sodium varieties allow for better flavor control in the finished dish.
- Chili garlic paste or Sriracha: Provides concentrated heat and garlic flavor. Start with less and add more to taste, as heat levels vary between brands.
- Salt and black pepper: Final seasoning elements that tie everything together. Season gradually and taste as you go for perfect balance.
- Soft-boiled eggs: Optional but highly recommended for their rich, jammy yolks that enhance the creamy broth. Cook for exactly 6½ minutes for the perfect texture.
- Green onions: Fresh, crisp garnish that adds color contrast and a mild onion flavor that brightens the rich dish. Slice them at an angle for professional presentation.
How to Make Creamy Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage & Shrimp Ramen Bowl
- Prepare the noodles by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the ramen noodles according to package directions (usually 2-3 minutes), then drain and set aside. I like to rinse them quickly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Brown the sausage by heating olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced jalapeño cheddar sausages and cook for 3-4 minutes until they develop a nice golden crust on both sides.
- Cook the aromatics by reducing heat to medium and adding butter to the same pan. Add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced jalapeño, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the flavor base by adding smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and Cajun seasoning to the vegetable mixture. Stir for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their flavors.
- Create the creamy broth by pouring in the chicken broth and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer (don’t boil or the milk might separate), then add the soy sauce and chili garlic paste. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Cook the shrimp by adding them to the simmering broth and cooking for just 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them—they should be just done when you turn off the heat.
- Combine and serve by dividing the cooked ramen noodles between four bowls and ladling the creamy broth with sausages and shrimp over the top. Top each bowl with half a soft-boiled egg, sliced green onions, and extra jalapeño slices if desired.
For the perfect soft-boiled eggs, gently lower them into boiling water and cook exactly 6½ minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath before peeling.
