A ramlette turns a pack of instant noodles and two eggs into a folded, cheese-filled pan dinner in about 10 minutes. The trick is draining the noodles well before the egg goes in; wet noodles thin the egg and it never sets into a sliceable layer. Dill, dried onion and a splash of cream season the eggs, while crisscross-scored hot dogs fry up with far more browned surface than plain ones. Once folded over the cheddar, keep the lid on until the cheese pulls into strings when you lift the edge, then slide it onto a plate. No cheddar handy? Any good melting cheese works.
Instructions
- 1
Score the hot dogs in a crisscross pattern for extra crispness.
- 2
Crack 2 eggs into a bowl. Add dried dill, dried onion, salt, and a splash of cream. Whisk until combined.
- 3
Fry the scored hot dogs in a hot pan until crispy on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- 4
Cook instant noodles in hot water, then drain.
- 5
Spread the drained noodles in the pan and pour the seasoned egg mixture over the top.
- 6
Sprinkle generous cheddar cheese over one half of the pan. Place the crispy hot dogs on top and add more cheese.
- 7
Fold the other half over carefully. Cover with a lid and let the cheese melt into gooey perfection.
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Notes from our kitchen
We fry the hot dogs first and set them aside so they stay crisp; cooking them under the fold would steam the scoring flat. Spreading the noodles in an even layer before pouring the egg matters more than it looks, since bare patches of pan scorch while thick clumps stay wet.
The cue we watch for is the underside: when a spatula slides under the edge and the egg lifts in one piece, it is ready to fold. Fold too early and the sheet tears, the cheddar runs into the pan and burns before it melts. The lid finishes the job in a minute or two.
Variations
- Ham or bacon filling. Chopped ham or pre-cooked bacon works well in place of the hot dogs. Warm it in the pan first so it does not cool the egg as it sets.
- Different cheese. Mozzarella melts into longer strings, while Monterey Jack stays creamier. Whichever you use, grate it finely so it melts under the lid before the egg overcooks.
- No cream. Swap in a tablespoon of milk, or leave the eggs plain. The omelette sets slightly firmer without cream but folds just the same.
- Leftovers. A folded ramlette keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it in a covered pan over low heat so the cheese softens without the egg turning rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ramlette?
It is a mash-up of ramen and omelette — instant noodles bound in seasoned egg and folded like an omelette, here with melty cheddar and crispy hot dogs inside.
Why score the hot dogs?
A crisscross score lets them crisp and curl as they fry, giving more browned surface and a better texture than smooth, plain hot dogs.
Can I use other fillings?
Yes — swap the hot dogs for ham, bacon or veg, and use any melting cheese. Keep the egg-and-noodle base; that is what makes it a ramlette.