Instagram Ramen

A few months ago B and I took a mini climbing vacation. I had just gotten a new job, and had only three days off between the last day at my old job and my first day at my new job. I still wanted a break...something to signify the change. A short rock climbing trip out to Owens River Gorge did the trick!

In addition to some rest, relaxation, and super fun sport climbing, I also got to try out a new recipe: Pork & Vegetable Ramen, and my recently downloaded Instagram App. The last three photos are courtesy of B and the originals can be found here.

Owens River Gorge is a steep 10 mile long canyon on the eastern edge of the Sierras. People say it is one of the best sport climbing destinations in the US - but I have not been to a lot of sport climbing destinations so cannot validate this, however, it certainly offered the most accessible amount of climbs in one location I have ever experienced. I could climb for years here and never get bored.

The weather was overcast and a bit windy, but it never rained on us, and the temperature was perfect for climbing. At midday, I was thankful for the hot noodles and coffee we brought with us. A little salty broth, long noodles, and the fresh flavors of veggies made for a mentally and physically fortifying lunch. Even if you are just out for a day at the crag, it is sometimes worth it to bring along the JetBoil and a hot lunch.

This recipe is quick and easy and relies on instant ramen as the base. Most instant ramens are pretty high in salt and lack any real nutrition or substance. I found some high quality baked ramen noodles at Ranch 99 Market and fortified them with dehydrated vegetables and ground pork. The result ended up being a success. So good in fact that we have tested it with friends on a backpacking trip and it went with us on our Alpine Climbing class this summer.

If you are not in the Bay Area and do not have an Asian grocery close by you can find them online here.

Pork and Vegetable Ramen - Serves 1

1 package instant pork flavored ramen (look for high quality brands at Asian markets that are baked, not fried)
1/4 cup dehydrated ground pork
2 Tbsp dehydrated carrot
2 Tbsp dehydrated celery
2 Tbsp dehydrated cabbage
1 Tbsp dehydrated green onions
1 packet soy sauce

At home:
Put all the ingredients in a Ziploc bag and write 1 1/2 cups H2O on the bag with a sharpie.

On the trail:
Bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Put noodles and vegetable/pork mixture in boiling water (reserve season packet and soy sauce). Boil for two minutes. Poor boiled noodles into an insulated bowl and stir in seasoning packet*. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add soy sauce to taste. Enjoy!

*Adding the seasoning at the end will keep your jet boil or pan from becoming greasy and pork flavored - if you do not mind this, you can add the seasonings at the same time that you add the noodles and vegetable/pork mixture like I did in the pictures.

You could vary this recipe by adding the following: dried shiitake mushrooms, seaweed, dried shrimp, or you can use BBQ pork instead of dehydrated pork on the first or 2nd day out. If you try some other additions be sure to let me know!