Cowboy Ramen: The Ultimate Camping Meal Hack

You’ve hiked all day and all you have eaten is a handful of cashews – you’re starving! Those gourmet campfire recipes you read about are way too complicated. And a soggy sandwich from yesterday just won’t cut it.

Enter Cowboy Ramen – my camping food savior! This simple, delicious meal was a revelation when I first tried it: Flavorful, hot, and ready in minutes. I still eat it to this day. Not only does it taste good, but it is one of the most practical meals to take with you when camping. 

The Case for Cowboy Ramen

No need to haul a heavy cooler full of meat. Or struggle with a complex campfire recipe. Cowboy ramen is the alternative. Here’s why it’s the ultimate camp food:

• Budget-Friendly Feast: Packets of ramen noodles are pretty cheap, and a jar of peanut butter will last you multiple trips. This meal won’t break the bank, even when feeding a hungry family.

• Lightweight Luxury: No bulky cans or heavy ingredients – cowboy ramen is great for backpackers. You’ll have more space for snacks and other items.

• Ridiculously Easy: If you can boil water, you can make this. No chopping, no dutch oven or any other fancy cookware… just a pure, satisfying meal after a long day outdoors.

• The Peanut Butter Power: This is the magic ingredient! It melts into a creamy sauce that boosts the flavor and richness to another level!. Suddenly, your ramen isn’t just noodles, it’s the comfort meal you need.

• Make it Your Own: Cowboy ramen is your blank canvas. Add some hot sauce if you like a little kick. Or sprinkle some dried herbs to give it an earthy fresh flavor. Break out the bacon bits if you’ve brought some.

Cowboy Ramen Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 package of instant ramen noodles (any flavor, find one you like)
• 1 tablespoon of peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• Boiling water

Want Some Optional Add-ons?:

• Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce
• Soy sauce
• Dried chives or any other herbs
• Sesame oil

Instructions:

1. I like to crush the ramen noodles slightly in the package (they seem to go softer quicker)

2. Pour noodles and packets of flavor into a bowl or mug.

3. Add peanut butter and anything you want.

4. Boil the water carefully and pour enough to completely cover the noodles.

5. Stir well, cover, and let sit for 3 minutes, until the noodles are tender. 

• Some brands might require you to boil the noodles (see instructions for details).

Chef’s Tips

• Best Brands: Experiment! Some ramen noodles hold their shape better when cooked this way. 
• Storage: Keep ramen in an airtight container if you don’t want them all broken.

Beyond Basic Cowboy Ramen

Still too basic for you? Here are a few extra ideas to take it from tasty to truly epic.

Protein Power:

•  Jerky Time: Tear up some beef jerky and stir them in for a salty, chewy version.
• Pre-Cooked Chicken: Shred any leftovers and add them at the last minute for a warm protein addition.
• Veggie-Friendly: Firm tofu works well – crumble it in for extra flavor.

The Campfire Version:

• Pot or Pan: A small camping pot or even a sturdy skillet works.
• Heat Control: Cook noodles over a medium heat, not a roaring flame.
• Smoky Flavor: Let the cooked ramen sit off the fire for a minute to absorb a hint of smoky campfire. 

Conclusion

Honestly, did you realize ramen and peanut butter could be this amazing? It’s the perfect camping food: delicious, fills you up, and won’t leave you with a load of dirty dishes. Just rinse your mug or bowl when you finish. Give it a go, and if you have any favorite weird-but-delicious camping recipes leave them in the comments.