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This Leftover Turkey Ramen is the perfect way to use that leftover turkey, and ready in 30 minutes in the Instant Pot! Fresh turkey bone broth, spicy chili sauce and cubes of Velveeta are what makes this cheesy turkey ramen the BEST EVER.
Plus, who can say no to a quick Instant Pot meal??? Especially if it only takes 30 minutes to make....30 minutes!!
Even if you don't still have leftover turkey (because you made this Turkey Lentil Soup, Leftover Turkey Pot Pie or this Instant Pot Turkey Chili already), you can make this with store bought turkey as well.
And if you do have leftover turkey, you may want to try these leftover turkey fajitas too!
As if ramen isn't already absolutely amazing (I mean this Instant Pot Ramen, spicy chicken ramen, shio ramen and Curry Ramen are some of our favs too), we add Velveeta to this turkey ramen. That's right, creamy, "cheesy" Velveeta. It adds just the perfect touch of cheesiness to this Instant Pot ramen.
**Don't have an Instant Pot yet? Read this Instant Pot Review to decide if it's for you**
The Ingredients
I use those store bought, college dorm ramen noodle packages because they are easy, but the more authentic ramen noodles, or even fresh if you can find them, are amazing in this recipe. Buy Ramen Noodles (affiliate link).
If you're feeling super motivated, you can even learn how to make your own ramen noodles.
The ramen eggs are optional, but they are SO GOOD if you have a day in advance to make them. Get the recipe for homemade Ramen Eggs. You can also used hard boiled eggs, or just skip the eggs all together if you prefer (blasphemy!!).
I highly recommend using turkey bone broth for this. You can learn how to make Instant Pot Turkey Bone Broth, or you can purchase it from the store. The bone broth gives the ramen an extra richness that is just to die for. Buy Turkey Bone Broth (affiliate link).
The full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
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Step By Step Instructions
Another crazy easy, under 30 minute recipe here.
Combine the turkey broth, garlic, ginger, chili garlic sauce and sake in the Instant Pot. Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
Use the quick release to release the pressure.
Turn the Instant Pot to saute and add the soy sauce and Velveeta. Stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until Velveeta has fully melted. If you don't stir continuously, the cheese falls to the bottom of the Instant Pot and will stick to it.
While the broth is cooking, cook the ramen noodles in boiling water for 3 minutes and drain. Set aside. **cook according to the package instructions.
Add about ½ cup turkey and some noodles in a bowl. Ladle the broth over the top and garnish with sliced green onions, fried garlic and ramen eggs.
Expert Tips
- When adding the Velveeta, be sure to stir it continuously so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot while melting.
- If using uncooked turkey, saute pieces in a skillet while the broth cooks.
- If you don't have time to make the ramen eggs, you can slice a hard boiled egg and add it to the soup.
- Fresh ramen noodles can be used in place of the packages. I recommend using about 2 pounds fresh noodles. You can also use authentic dried noodles (about 24 ounces will work).
Make Ramen in Advance
The broth and turkey can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The noodles can be cooked ahead and stored in a separate container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I do not recommend storing the noodles and broth in the same container as the noodles will become mushy.
How to Freeze Ramen
The broth and turkey can be frozen in a airtight container for up to 6 months. I recommend freezing it in portion sizes so you don't have to thaw it all out at once to make a bowl. I do not recommend freezing the noodles. Place in the fridge overnight to thaw the broth, or just heat in the microwave until warmed through.
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Did you make this Instant Pot Cheesy Ramen? Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out!
This recipe was originally published in November 2018. It has been updated with improved content and photos.
Recipe
Leftover Turkey Ramen (Instant Pot)
Ingredients
- 6-4 ounce packages ramen noodles (24 ounces dried noodles)
- 8 cups turkey bone broth
- 4 cups cooked turkey
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- ¼ cup sake
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces Velveeta cubed
- Green onions (garnish)
- Crispy garlic (garnish)
- Ramen eggs (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Combine the turkey broth, garlic, ginger, chili garlic sauce and sake in the Instant Pot. Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
- Use the quick release to release the pressure.
- Turn the Instant Pot to saute and add the salt, soy sauce and Velveeta. Stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until Velveeta has fully melted.
- While the broth is cooking, cook the ramen noodles in boiling water for 3 minutes and drain. Set aside. (cook according to package instructions)
- Add about ½ cup turkey and some noodles in a bowl. Ladle the broth over the top and garnish with sliced green onions, fried garlic and ramen eggs.
Expert Tips:
- When adding the Velveeta, be sure to stir it continuously so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot while melting.
- If using uncooked turkey, saute pieces in a skillet while the broth cooks.
- If you don't have time to make the ramen eggs, you can slice a hard boiled egg and add it to the soup.
- Fresh ramen noodles can be used in place of the packages. I recommend using about 2 pounds fresh noodles. You can also use authentic dried noodles (about 24 ounces will work).
- The broth and turkey can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The noodles can be cooked ahead and stored in a separate container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I do not recommend storing the noodles and broth in the same container as the noodles will become mushy.
- The broth and turkey can be frozen in a airtight container for up to 6 months. I recommend freezing it in portion sizes so you don't have to thaw it all out at once to make a bowl. I do not recommend freezing the noodles. Place in the fridge overnight to thaw the broth, or just heat in the microwave until warmed through.
Gabi
Love this as an after-thanksgiving recipe because it tastes nothing like typical leftovers! But still super delicious.
Danielle
Thanks Gabi!
Beth Neels
Wow ! The Velveeta in this ramen is such a wonderful addition to the flavor! My son will adore this one!
Danielle
Nothing like a little Velveeta 😉
ali randall
I love how you make your own creation with store bought ramen noodles. I've never thought to make a bowl like this but you have inspired me. With turkey sounds delicious as well as with sausage. This is going on my rotation.
Danielle
Aww thank Ali! Sausage would be great too - hope you love it!
Demeter
Looks like such an easy option to change up the tukey leftover routine. What a gorgeous dish!
Danielle
Thanks so much Demeter!
Kelly Anthony
What a great way to use leftover turkey and bonus because it can be done in 30 minutes.
Danielle
Totally - love those 30 minute meals 🙂
Shanika
Oh my! This Ramen looks amazing! This is such a perfect way to remake leftover Turkey! Yum!
Danielle
Thanks Shanika!