
Traveling reveals countless new perspectives. Not long ago, while attending a sous vide conference, I witnessed a woman devouring a full bowl of Cup Noodles at 5:10 a.m. Clearly, she is a hero and deserves our admiration.
Why settle for bland instant oatmeal when you could enjoy instant ramen, with its satisfying texture and rich umami flavor? Similar to savory oatmeal, breakfast ramen offers endless customization options, though I highly suggest topping it with an egg. Whether poached directly in the broth or boiled and marinated, the egg is a perfect addition. For the poached version, first remove the noodles with tongs and set them aside. Then, poach the egg in the simmering broth for about three minutes. Create a small well in the center of the ramen, and gently place the egg in the well using a wooden spoon. Pour the broth around the edge, being careful not to disturb the egg. If you prefer the ramen egg, just slice it and serve.
For a more relaxed morning, consider frying some bacon lardons and sautéing sliced mushrooms in the rendered bacon fat before adding them to your breakfast noodle soup. If you're pressed for time, chopped ham and blistered cherry tomatoes are quick but tasty alternatives, as are leftover roasted vegetables from the previous night.

If you're not in the mood for a hot bowl of broth, I suggest you try fried noodles instead. Fry them in rendered bacon fat, add any vegetables you like, top it off with a fried egg, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and hot sauce if that's your thing.
