At less than one buck per package, instant ramen noodles are anything but upscale. For the unpretentious, this fact matters not. The cheap eats are a great addition to hearty soups, stir fries and recipes that call for an al dente crunch.

You've seen ramen burgers , tacos and pizza -- too-trendy specialties that, we'd argue, have gone a bit overboard . We enjoy our instant ramen dishes for their their taste, not their novelty factor . These perfectly satisfying recipes below boast tons of flavor and innovation, while still maintaing their dignity.

Let the games begin:

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