Introduction:
Ramen night doesn’t have to be plain. This Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage & Shrimp Ramen takes a familiar,
cozy noodle bowl and turns it into something loud, creamy, smoky, and seriously satisfying. You get the savory punch of
sausage, the sweetness of shrimp, the heat of jalapeños, and a surprisingly addictive cheddar-rich broth that feels like
comfort food with attitude.
If “cheddar in ramen” sounds unusual, think of it like this: creamy cheese sauces work because fat carries flavor and smooths
out spicy heat. When you melt a small amount of cheddar into an umami broth, it becomes silky and rich—kind of like a spicy
mac-and-cheese vibe, but in noodle bowl form. Add shrimp and sausage and you’ve got a weeknight meal that tastes like a
fusion food-truck special.
This recipe is fast (around 30 minutes), flexible (use your favorite sausage or noodles), and easy to customize by adjusting
the spice level. It’s perfect for cold nights, game days, and anytime you want a dinner that feels exciting without being
complicated.
Ingredients:
For the ramen:
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets, or use with caution for salt)
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 10–12 oz (280–340g) smoked sausage, sliced (andouille is great)
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (or butter)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
For the spicy broth:
- 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth (or seafood stock)
- 1 cup (240ml) milk or half-and-half (half-and-half is creamier)
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, adds depth)
- 1–2 tsp hot sauce (to taste)
- 1 tsp chili paste (sambal oelek/gochujang) or 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, makes cheddar taste “sharper” and more balanced)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar (use freshly shredded for smooth melt)
Jalapeños and aromatics:
- 1–2 jalapeños, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Optional: 1/2 cup diced onion
Optional toppings:
- Soft-boiled eggs
- Extra jalapeño slices
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
