The Ultimate Backpacking Ramen: Hearty, Flavorful & Shelf-Stable Trail Meal
Embark on your next outdoor adventure with a backpacking meal that truly satisfies: our delicious and hearty ramen soup. Forget bland, dehydrated packets – this isn’t your average instant ramen! This recipe is packed with robust flavors, tender meat, and nourishing vegetables, all while using shelf-stable ingredients that require no refrigeration. It’s the perfect companion for long days on the trail, offering a comforting and fulfilling meal that revitalizes both body and spirit.
As an avid outdoorsy family, we spend a significant amount of time camping, hiking, and backpacking throughout the year. Whenever I share glimpses of our trailside culinary creations, I’m consistently met with requests for recipes and practical tips. Among all our favorite backcountry meals, this particular backpacking ramen recipe has become legendary and is hands-down one of our most requested dishes!
Its reputation precedes it within our circle of backpacking enthusiasts, and for excellent reasons. After enduring a strenuous day of trekking, a meal needs to be more than just sustenance; it needs to be deeply satisfying and truly delicious. This ramen delivers on both fronts, providing substantial nourishment that replenishes energy and a rich, savory taste that offers much-needed comfort. It’s a complete upgrade from typical MREs or plain instant noodles, designed to make your wilderness dining experience genuinely enjoyable.
We’ve meticulously crafted this backpacking ramen with a flavorful blend of beef jerky, earthy mushrooms, sweet peas, crisp carrots, tender corn, and aromatic onions. The specific cooking method we employ is key to unlocking a deeply flavorful broth and ensuring that both the jerky and vegetables become wonderfully tender. A crucial finishing touch of soy sauce and sesame oil elevates the entire dish, adding layers of umami and a hint of nutty richness. Skip those uninspiring ready-to-eat meals and treat yourself to this ramen instead. We confidently promise you won’t find a better, more satisfying backpacking meal!
Table of Contents
- Why Ramen is Your Ultimate Trail Companion
- Ingredients You’ll Need for Flavorful Backpacking Ramen
- How to Prep and Pack Your Ramen for the Trail
- How to Make Backpacking Ramen on Your Camp Stove
- Expert Tips for the Best Backpacking Ramen
- Flavor Variations to Customize Your Ramen
- More Delicious Camping Recipes
- Get the Full Recipe Card
Why Ramen is Your Ultimate Trail Companion
When it comes to backcountry cooking, finding meals that are lightweight, quick to prepare, and genuinely appetizing can be a challenge. That’s where ramen, especially this elevated version, shines as an ideal trail food. Its compact nature means it takes up minimal space in your pack, and its rapid cooking time is a huge advantage when you’re tired and hungry after a long day of hiking. Beyond mere convenience, ramen’s versatility allows for endless customization, transforming a simple noodle dish into a gourmet experience, even miles away from civilization.
The core ingredients – dried noodles, jerky, and freeze-dried vegetables – are all incredibly shelf-stable, eliminating any concerns about refrigeration. This makes it a safe and reliable option for multi-day trips where fresh ingredients are impossible to carry. Furthermore, the warm, savory broth offers immense comfort and helps rehydrate and replenish electrolytes, which are crucial after physical exertion. This recipe capitalizes on these inherent benefits, ensuring that every spoonful is both restorative and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Flavorful Backpacking Ramen
Crafting this incredible backpacking ramen begins with selecting the right shelf-stable ingredients that offer both flavor and sustenance. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to pack:
- Dried Ramen Noodles (with Flavor Packet): The foundation of our soup. Opt for a classic flavored ramen noodle soup packet, such as chicken or beef, as the included seasoning packet provides a convenient and potent flavor base. If you prefer, other Asian dried noodles will also work, but remember to pack a separate bouillon powder if they don’t come with their own seasoning.
- Dried Jerky: This is our hearty protein source. While I personally favor teriyaki beef jerky for its added depth of flavor, any regular beef or turkey jerky will be a fantastic addition. The key is to choose jerky that you enjoy and that will rehydrate well to a tender texture.
- Dried Shiitake Mushrooms: These add a wonderful umami depth and earthy flavor to the broth. Look for dried mushrooms in the produce section of most grocery stores, or in Asian markets. Shiitake are excellent, but feel free to use other dried mushroom varieties you find or prefer. They rehydrate beautifully and add a luxurious texture.
- Freeze-Dried Vegetables: A colorful and nutritious mix of peas, carrots, and corn is ideal. Freeze-dried vegetables retain their nutrients and flavor remarkably well, and rehydrate quickly in hot water. If your local grocery store doesn’t stock them, reputable online retailers like Packit Gourmet are excellent sources. These add essential vitamins, fiber, and vibrant texture.
- Bouillon Powder (Optional, but Recommended): If you decide to use dried noodles without a flavor packet, a teaspoon of bouillon powder (chicken, beef, or vegetable) is essential to create a rich, savory broth base. It’s a lightweight and potent way to boost flavor.
- Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, and Sriracha (Optional, but Highly Recommended): These condiments are flavor powerhouses that truly elevate the ramen from good to exceptional. Soy sauce adds umami and salt, sesame oil imparts a nutty aroma, and sriracha brings a welcome kick of heat. We’ll discuss how to pack these liquids efficiently below.
- Crispy Fried Onions (Optional, but Delicious): For a delightful textural contrast and an extra layer of savory flavor, crispy fried onions are a fantastic topping. They add a satisfying crunch just before serving. As an alternative, freeze-dried scallions also provide a nice oniony flavor and freshness without the bulk.
How to Prep and Pack Your Ramen for the Trail
Preparing meals in the backcountry presents a unique set of challenges. You’re without the conveniences of a fully equipped kitchen – no running water, limited workspace, and only a compact stove for cooking. Every item you bring must be carefully considered for weight and utility. Pre-trail preparation is paramount to ensure efficiency and ease of cooking once you’re out there. Our goal is to minimize waste, maximize flavor, and simplify the cooking process when your energy is low.
Here’s a few essential tips for prepping and packing this ramen soup at home, setting you up for success on the trail:
- Pre-Slice and Pre-Chop Ingredients at Home: This is a golden rule for trail cooking. Before you leave, slice your jerky into bite-sized strips and chop dried mushrooms into smaller, more manageable pieces. This saves precious time, energy, and cleanup when you’re at camp, as you won’t need to fumble with knives or cutting boards.
- Pack Only What You Need – Measure Precisely: Avoid carrying excess weight. For ingredients like dried mushrooms or freeze-dried vegetables that come in larger packages, measure out the exact quantity required for your recipe and leave the rest at home. This disciplined approach significantly reduces pack weight.
- Utilize Lightweight, Disposable Bags for Dry Ingredients: I highly recommend packing your prepped veggies and jerky into lightweight, plastic ziplock bags. They are incredibly light, take up minimal space, and can be easily compressed once empty. While reusable containers are eco-friendly, they are often heavier and bulkier. If you have a lightweight, plastic-free reusable option you prefer, certainly use it – but prioritize weight and space.
- Raid Your Takeout Packet Stash for Condiments: Be resourceful! If you typically save soy sauce, sriracha, or chili oil packets from restaurant takeout, now is their time to shine. These single-serving packets are perfect for backpacking, providing potent flavor boosts without adding bulk. Red pepper flakes are another excellent flavor addition that you might find. If your stash is empty, visit the deli counter or check international aisles at your grocery store; they often have small condiment packets available for purchase or complimentary.
- Invest in Small Backpacking Storage Containers for Liquids: For liquids like sesame oil, larger bottles of soy sauce, or sriracha that you might want to bring, dedicated lightweight, leak-proof containers designed for travel and backpacking are invaluable. They prevent spills, measure out easily, and keep your other gear clean and dry.
How to Make Backpacking Ramen on Your Camp Stove
Cooking this delicious ramen on the trail is straightforward, but a few specific steps ensure maximum flavor and perfectly tender ingredients. Follow these instructions for a rewarding meal at camp:
- Rehydrate Jerky and Mushrooms for a Flavorful Base: Begin by adding your pre-chopped jerky and dried mushrooms to your pot of water. Bring the water to a boil, then cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for a full 5 minutes. This crucial step not only rehydrates these hearty ingredients, making them wonderfully tender, but also creates a rich, savory, and deeply flavored base for your ramen broth. Don’t skip this; it’s what truly elevates the soup!
- Add Noodles and Vegetables: Once the jerky and mushrooms have simmered, stir in your dried ramen noodles and freeze-dried vegetables. Continue to simmer for another 3-5 minutes, or until both the noodles and vegetables are tender. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on the brand and thickness of your chosen noodles. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
- Stir in Flavor Packet, Soy Sauce, and Sesame Oil: As soon as the noodles and veggies are tender, turn off the heat. This prevents the delicate flavors from dissipating. Now, stir in the ramen flavor packet, along with your pre-portioned soy sauce and sesame oil. The residual heat will perfectly blend these aromatics into the broth, creating an incredibly rich and complex flavor profile.
- Top with Optional Garnishes: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider topping your ramen with crispy fried onions and a drizzle of sriracha just before serving. These additions provide a delightful crunch and a spicy kick that truly completes the dish.
- Enjoy Immediately: This ramen is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it directly from the pot, or carefully divide it into bowls if you’re sharing. Savor every spoonful of this comforting and hearty meal as you take in the beauty of your surroundings.
Expert Tips for the Best Backpacking Ramen
To ensure your backpacking ramen experience is nothing short of fantastic, consider these additional tips and insights:
- Sourcing Freeze-Dried Vegetables: While most ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, freeze-dried vegetables can sometimes be elusive. For a reliable selection of high-quality backpacking ingredients, we consistently recommend checking out Packit Gourmet online. They offer a great range of dehydrated and freeze-dried options perfect for the trail.
- Customize Your Jerky and Noodle Pairing: My personal preference is the delicious combination of teriyaki beef jerky with beef-flavored ramen noodles (brands like Nissin or Maruchan work great). However, the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with any jerky flavor and ramen noodle variety that appeals to your palate. Chicken jerky with chicken ramen, or even a spicy jerky with a basic noodle, can be equally delightful.
- Why Jerky Over Freeze-Dried Meat: While freeze-dried meats are an option, I strongly prefer using jerky for this recipe. Jerky tends to be heartier and inherently possesses more robust flavor. Its texture, once properly rehydrated through simmering, is far more satisfying than many freeze-dried meat alternatives, providing a substantial bite.
- The Secret to Tender Jerky: Many quick ramen recipes suggest simply adding dried jerky as a topping at the end. However, our method of simmering the jerky along with the soup ingredients is a game-changer. This slow rehydration process tenderizes the jerky so thoroughly that it achieves an almost melt-in-your-mouth texture, tasting surprisingly like a freshly cooked piece of meat rather than dried jerky.
- Don’t Skip the Condiments: Seriously, do yourself a favor and pack soy sauce and sesame oil (toasted sesame oil offers an even richer flavor). These seemingly small additions contribute an incredible amount of depth, umami, and aromatic complexity that elevates the ramen beyond anything you’d expect from a simple trail meal. They are worth the minimal effort of packing.
- Adjusting Portions for Your Crew: This recipe, as written, generously feeds 1-2 people, depending on individual hunger levels after a day’s exertion. It’s highly adaptable; you can easily adjust the ratios of water, vegetables, noodles, and jerky to make a little more or less. If you’re feeding more than two people, simply add an additional package of noodles and scale up other ingredients proportionally. Remember, more water means more broth, so adjust to your preferred consistency.
- Water Considerations: Always ensure you have enough potable water. On the trail, this might mean filtering or treating water from natural sources. Factor in the water needed for cooking when planning your water supply.
- Altitude Adjustments: If cooking at high altitudes, water boils at a lower temperature, which can extend cooking times. Be prepared to simmer ingredients for a bit longer to ensure everything is fully rehydrated and tender.
Flavor Variations to Customize Your Ramen
This backpacking ramen recipe is a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with these flavor variations to discover your perfect trail bowl:
- Vegetarian Protein Alternative: For a plant-based option, substitute jerky with freeze-dried tofu cubes. Boil the tofu with the dried mushrooms until tender to ensure good rehydration and flavor absorption.
- Aromatic Ginger Boost: Add 1 tablespoon of freeze-dried ginger (or a few slices of dried ginger root) to the water along with the mushrooms and jerky. This infuses the broth with a warm, zesty, and subtly spicy note.
- Expand Your Veggie Palette: Don’t limit yourself to just peas, carrots, and corn. Consider adding other freeze-dried or dehydrated vegetables such as red bell peppers, green beans, broccoli florets, or spinach. Keep in mind that cooking times may need slight adjustments depending on the vegetable type and cut.
- Creamy Coconut Ramen: For a rich and slightly exotic twist, stir 2-3 tablespoons of dried coconut milk powder into the ramen once the noodles are tender, just before serving. This adds a lovely creaminess and a hint of sweet, tropical flavor.
- Umami Seaweed Topping: Elevate the umami factor by topping your ramen with strips of dried seaweed (like nori or seasoned seaweed snacks) just before serving. It adds a subtle oceanic flavor and a delicate crunch.
- Spicy Kick with Red Pepper Flakes: If you crave more heat, a generous sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top is a quick and easy way to add a fiery dimension to your soup.
- Crunchy Protein Boost: For added protein and a satisfying crunch, top your ramen with 2 tablespoons of chopped roasted peanuts or cashews. This also introduces a pleasant nutty flavor that complements the broth.
*While many of these variations haven’t been personally tested on the trail, they are based on sound culinary principles and should work beautifully. We always recommend doing a quick test run at home to fine-tune your ideal flavor combination before heading out on your adventure!
Why This Ramen Will Be Your New Favorite Trail Meal
Beyond its incredible flavor and satisfying heartiness, this backpacking ramen recipe stands out as an indispensable addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s meal plan. It provides the essential calories and nutrients needed to refuel after demanding physical activity, offering a warm and comforting reward when you’re far from home. Its ease of preparation and the convenience of shelf-stable ingredients mean less stress and more enjoyment, allowing you to focus on the beauty of nature rather than complex cooking. Say goodbye to monotonous trail food and embrace a meal that truly nourishes and delights. This ramen isn’t just a recipe; it’s an upgrade to your entire backpacking experience, proving that gourmet flavors can indeed be found in the wilderness.
More Delicious Camping Recipes
- Hearty Beef and Veggie Foil Dinner Packets
- Easy Dutch Oven Cobbler: Baking Outside the Kitchen
- Simple Chicken and Veggie Tin Foil Dinners
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Backpacking Ramen Soup
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Ingredients
- 2-3 cups water (see Notes)
- ¼ cup dried shitake mushrooms , chopped
- 2 oz jerky , chopped
- 3 oz ramen noodle soup packet (with flavor packet)
- ½ cup freeze-dried veggies , like carrots, corn and peas
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (1 takeout soy sauce packet)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
- ¼ cup crispy fried onions (optional)
Instructions
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Bring pot of water to boil. Add jerky pieces and mushrooms to the water and cover. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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Add vegetables and dried noodles and simmer 3-5 minutes until both are tender (time depends on noodles used).
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Turn off the heat and add soy sauce, sesame oil and ramen flavor packet.
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Before serving, top with sriracha and crispy fried onions if desired.
Notes
- This ramen will feed 1-2 people, depending on how hungry you are (Nutrition facts are for 1 serving).
- Water amount is flexible depending on how many people you’re feeding, how much broth you like in your soup, and size of pot.
- You can use any dried Asian noodles in place of ramen noodle soup package. If using noodles that don’t include a flavor packet, add 1 tsp flavored bouillon. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- I like the combination of teriyaki beef jerky and beef-flavored ramen noodles, but use what you prefer. Regular or turkey jerky would also work fine.
- If you can’t find freeze-dried vegetables at your grocery store, you can buy some online.
- See the article accompanying this recipe for more flavor suggestions and substitutions.