Being limited to the four corners of the house because of this pandemic’s various protocols has given thousands of people more time to spend on their garden, in house renovation, on Netflix, following vlogs or TikTok.
I have seen a lot of cooking vlogs and TikTok food compilations to while away some of my empty hours.
My nephew Pannon follows some of these accounts, of course with my guidance. The family also limits his time using the gadgets at home.
With that said, what struck both of us were videos showing how to make torta or omelette using instant noodles.
This is nothing earth-shaking to me because I have also featured creative ways of cooking with instant noodles as the main ingredient. What I have never thought of is making torta with the use of instant noodles.
“Let’s try it, Uncle,” Pannon said.
I replied, “Challenge accepted, partner.”
Pannon and I combined the ideas from Cookd, Kitchen with Temish, Happy Wok and Cooking with Ling. We did three batches using different methods.
TORTA. To make the torta or patties, we broke two packets of instant ramen into pieces (set aside the flavor packets). Next, we beat two eggs, added two tablespoons of grated carrot, one tablespoon cornstarch, minced green onions, diced meat loaf, salt and pepper.
We added the drained noodles and stirred to combine the ingredients. In a pan, we heated a bit of oil. To make each patty, we used a small soup ladle. We spread out the mixture on the pan, and cooked both sides to a golden brown.
FRITTATA. This time we used three packets of ramen, smashed into pieces. We boiled it with the flavor packs and allowed the water to evaporate. Into the beaten eggs, we added a tablespoon of cornstarch, salt, pepper and minced green onions.
We poured half of the noodle mixture into a pan and topped it with thinly sliced, fried luncheon meat, cheese slices and sprinkled it with sauteed diced canned mushrooms. We poured the rest of the noodle mixture and waited for the experiment to prove itself doable.
After six minutes, the bottom of the frittata was golden brown. Time to flip it. Uh-oh, it was a bit tricky. With the use of a large plate, we did it. We re-oiled the pan and eased the frittata back in with success.
STUFFED. We boiled two packets of ramen, drained it and mixed in the flavoring.
Next, we beat the eggs, added two tablespoons of grated carrot, salt and minced green onions. On an oiled pan, we poured the mixture to make an omelette. Then added the noodles, crispy bacon bits and grated cheese. We folded the omelette. Done!
The basic recipes work but you need to add your magic touch.