How to Make a Ramen Burger

Engineered by Keizo Shimamoto and sold at Brooklyn, NY's Smorgasburg, the Ramen Burger — a shoyu-glazed patty nestled between two eggy ramen buns . Instant ramen becomes a nearly-instant burger bun in this fun, and tasty, spin on a traditional hamburger seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil.

Ingredients:

• 1 package ramen noodles
• 2 eggs, divided
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1/2 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 beef burger patty
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• 1 slice American cheese
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced on the bias
• 1/2 cup arugula

Equipment:

• Ramekins (use ramekins that are similar in size to the burger patty. If you don't have ramekins, substitute with a bowl that is the same size as the patty.)
• Small mixing bowl
• Small bowl
• Skillet
• Wax paper (optional)

Yields 1 burger

Cook the ramen according to the directions on the package (excluding the seasoning), then drain off the liquid. Let cool to room temperature. In a small mixing bowl, whisk 1 egg until no streaks of yolk remain. Add the ramen, tossing thoroughly to coat with the egg. Divide the egg-dressed ramen into two portions, and place each half into a ramekin.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk 1 egg until no streaks of yolk remain. Add the ramen, tossing thoroughly to coat with the egg. Divide the egg-dressed ramen into two portions, and place each half into a ramekin. Cover the ramen with plastic wrap, and weigh it down with a can of soup to compress it into a bun shape. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

Add the oil to a skillet, and set over medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, unmold the ramen buns into the pan, and cook until the bottom is a dark golden brown. Flip both of the patties, and cook until a dark golden brown on both sides.

Season the hamburger patty with salt, pepper, a splash of soy sauce, and sesame oil. Wipe out the skillet, and cook the burger over medium-high heat until medium rare, or to your preferred degree of doneness. Finish with a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil. Top with a slice of cheese.

Whisk together the sriracha(if you like adding it to your ramen) and ketchup in a small bowl. This will be the sauce, but you can use what you want.

Wipe out the skillet, and lower the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan, and fry 1 egg sunny side up.

Assemble the burger in this order:

1. ramen bun
2. arugula
3. (spicy) ketchup
4. burger patty (cheese side up)
5. fried egg
6. scallions
7. second ramen bun.

Wrap in wax paper for easier eating, and serve hot.

Enjoy your ramen burger!