Recipes

$8 High-Protein Tan Tan Ramen (EBT-Friendly)

by StudioLink's Diet.
December 03, 2025
View the Studiolink

$8 High-Protein Tan Tan Ramen (EBT-Friendly)

A rich, spicy, protein-packed ramen that’s ready in 20 minutes. Creamy peanut sauce meets savory broth for restaurant-style ramen at home.

Total Cost of Ingredients Used: $7.50-$9.00

(Cost reflects only what’s used in the recipe, not full package prices)

Ingredients:

0.5x
1x
2x
4x
 
  •   .5 lb ground pork ( or turkey)
  •   3 packs ramen noodles
  •   4 cups chicken broth
  •   .25 cup peanut butter
  •   2 tbsp soy sauce
  •   1 tbsp chili oil
  •   1 tbsp rice vinegar
  •   1 tbsp sesame oil
  •   3 cloves garlic (minced)
  •   1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
  •   1 tbsp brown sugar
  •   1 tsp chili flakes

Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.

Instructions

1

Cook the protein: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add ½ lb ground pork (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-6 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cook 1 minute more.

2

Build the broth: Add 4 cups chicken broth, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp chili oil to the pot. Bring to a simmer. If using bouillon instead of broth, add 4 cups water and 2 bouillon cubes.

3

Make peanut sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup peanut butter, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp chili flakes until smooth. This creates the creamy tan tan base.

4

Combine and simmer: Whisk the peanut sauce into the simmering broth until fully incorporated. Add 1 tbsp miso paste if using. Let simmer 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

5

Cook noodles and serve: Cook 3 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets) according to package directions. Drain. Divide noodles among bowls, ladle hot soup over top. Garnish with green onions and soft-boiled eggs if using.

Bowl of rich, creamy tan tan ramen

Rich, spicy, and packed with protein – this tan tan ramen delivers serious flavor for under $9.

This EBT-friendly tan tan ramen delivers maximum flavor with minimal ingredients. Ground pork provides affordable protein, while peanut butter creates the creamy, nutty base that defines this dish. It’s spicy, savory, and deeply satisfying – a complete meal in a bowl that’s ready faster than delivery.

Budget Grocery List + Cost Breakdown

All items EBT-eligible. Prices based on Walmart/ALDI/Asian markets.

Protein & Noodles

Used in recipe: ½ lb ground pork ($1.75) + 3 packs ramen ($0.75) + optional eggs ($0.50)

Package cost: $3.50 (1lb pork) + $1.00 (3-pack) + $1.50 (dozen) = $6.00 total

Broth & Sauces

Used in recipe: Chicken broth ($1.00) + peanut butter ($0.40) + soy sauce ($0.20) + chili oil ($0.25)

Package cost: $2.00 (carton) + $2.50 (jar) + $2.00 + $3.00 = $9.50 total

Aromatics & Seasonings

Used in recipe: Garlic ($0.10) + ginger ($0.15) + green onions ($0.20) + sesame oil ($0.15) + rice vinegar ($0.10)

Package cost: $0.50 + $0.50 + $0.50 + $3.00 + $1.00 = $5.50 total

Total Used in Recipe: $7.55-$9.45

Serves 3-4 generously • Cost per serving: $1.89-$3.15

Note: Most sauces and oils last for many meals. Ground turkey can substitute for pork for similar cost.

Leave a Reply