College students generally don’t want to spend a lot of money on food nor spend a lot of time preparing it. As a recent college graduate, I can attest to being well aware of my limits concerning time and money. I was on a meal plan for four years, but I still took time to manage where and when I spent my meals and flex dollars. As a result of wanting to save time and money, many college students eat loads of ramen noodles. The food is inexpensive (typically 33 cents a package, sometimes can be found for less) and fast to make (3 minutes for plain ramen). Here in the U.S. the primary brand found is Nissin Top Ramen which provides a few of flavors including chicken, beef, shrimp, oriental, picante beef, and chili. Even with the small range of flavors plain ramen gets pretty blah!
In order to differentiate the way we eat typical ramen I have started the “Dress-Up Your Ramen Project.” The project is focused on the college student’s lifestyle, but is perfectly applicable for anyone on a budget. I will do my best to provide healthful ways of utilizing ramen in your meals, but will throw in a few guilty treats. Let’s face it; ramen is primarily carbohydrates, fats, and sodium. Those are not the building blocks to keep your mind and body healthy! In addition, YOU (the readers) will have the opportunity to offer your favorite ramen recipes and thoughts about the project.
Shrimp Ramen with Sugar Snap Peas
Makes 2 Servings
Ingredients
Shrimp Ramen (3 oz)
1 Can of Tiny Shrimp (4 oz)
2/3 C. Sugar Snap Peas - Frozen (12 oz bag)
2 C. Water (for boiling)
Directions
2. Add noodles to the boiling water and continue to cook for 3 minutes.
3. After 1 minute, add frozen peas to warm through.
4. Drain and rinse shrimp. Stir shrimp and seasoning packet into ramen and peas.
5. Pour into bowl and eat!
* If you wish to decrease sodium, add only half the packet of seasoning.
** If using microwave, you may simply eat out of container used to cook the ramen.
How Much Does It Really Cost?
Ramen - $0.33 (3 oz package, may find it for less!)
Shrimp - $2.79 (4 oz can)
Sugar Snap Peas - $0.99 (on sale, but typically not much more expensive)
Total Cost = $4.11
Cost Details
These numbers indicate the specific price for ingredients used.
Ramen - $0.33
Shrimp - $.2.79
Sugar Snap Peas
Serving/Container = 4
Total = $3.37
Cost/Serving = $3.37 / 2 = $1.69
Honestly, you are getting a very quick meal for a decent price. I chose to do this recipe with shrimp since that was the flavor of ramen I was using. However, I realize that canned, or fresh for that matter, is quite a bit more expensive than other options that would be more suitable for a college student’s budget.
So, here is a wonderful option that is much more affordable. Instead of using the canned tiny shrimp, stick with the sea theme and substitute with canned tuna fish instead. It’s much more economical, is just as easy to prepare, and is as tasty as the shrimp.
Your NEW Meal Price
Ramen - $0.33
Tuna - $0.69 (look for sales for a cheaper price, too!)
Sugar Snap Peas - $0.25
Total = $1.27
Cost/Serving = $1.27 / 2 = $0.64
Wow...that's a lot fancier than I used to make my ramen (I don't eat it anymore, but still remember well the days I used to eat it often). With my ramen, I used to just add some frozen vegetables in with it. Peas, corn, carrots, etc. Always made it slightly healthier, and it tastes good too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment Jeff! It's not really that fancy, pretty simple just sounds it. I've added veggies to ramen as well, tastes great and makes eating it more worth while I think.
ReplyDeleteI've been eating ramen my whole life.
ReplyDeleteIn my family, it's common place to crack in an egg [whether you want to leave it intact, like a poaching; or mess it up, like egg drop soup; or REALLY MESS IT UP, and make it an eggy soup.], and add baby spinach or any other leafy vegetable, fish cakes or balls [that you could get at a Chinese market].
More recently.... Siracha sauce!
no man,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and sharing your recipe, it sounds very good. :) I'm looking forward to hearing your comments on other posts as well! Thank you for following!