Ramen noodle soup is in the midst of a reawakening in this country. The dish, which has its roots in Japan, combines a rich, usually soy and fish based broth, noodles, and various condiments to create a hearty meal in a bowl filled with layers of flavor. Most of us are familiar with the 23 cents packs of dried noodles accompanied by a salty, umami-laden packet of magic flavor dust. We accept that they are not good so for us in a nutritional sense, but we can all probably agree however that they fit into the college student food budget, and, honestly, they taste really good. Life is all about finding a balance. So why not doctor up your ramen with these healthy, cheap, and also flavor enhancing tips.

1. Eat your vegetables.

It is always a good idea to add vegetables to every meal you make.Remember, mom isn’t around to force you to eat them, so it is your responsibility to hide them under more desirable flavors when ever possible.Frozen (or canned) peas, corn, spinach and broccoli make great additions to ramen. If you live near an Asian market you may be able to find water chestnuts or baby corn. Also fresh greens like spinach and kale wilt instantly when added to a hot bowl.

2. Put an egg in it.

Eggs are often found in traditional Japanese ramen dishes.This trick for poaching the egg in the broth not only adds protein but also creates a creamy broth when you break the yolk. Cook your noodles in a pot of boiling water, instead of draining the water, remove the noodles with a fork and set aside in a bowl.With the water boiling add your flavor packet and stir.Take one egg and crack it directly into the pot of boiling, seasoned water.After a few seconds, use a spoon and ladle the broth over the top of the egg to cook it.This is called basting.Cook the egg for about one minute and turn off heat. You can now pour the egg and broth over the noodles in the bowl. Add your veggies and enjoy!

3. Nori/Seaweed is really good, and good for you.

Seriously, have you taken Environmental Biology 101 yet? Then you know that algae are one of the most nutritious foods we can be eating. And they are also a traditional part of Japanese ramen.A pack of sheets is under four dollars and is shelf stable.I just slice a few pieces into a bowl and save the rest for later.

4. There’s cheap meat (and seafood) at the deli counter.

It doesn’t have to be a butcher shop, but you can find deals at the deli counter of your neighborhood grocery store.A ¼ pound of a filet of salmon can cost as little as two dollars.Same with a small cut of beef filet.Just sear them in a pan with a touch of oil, or broil them in your toaster oven and you can bring your ramen to the next level awesome.

5. Spice it up!

Whether it be Siracha, sambal or chili paste in your dorm room, efficiency, or wherever you live should always have a bottle of something with a pimento kick! (In the eternal words of Beyonce, “I got hot sauce in my bag. Swag”.)

As college students we may not be able to afford—either in time or fiscally—to try every new ramen joint that opens, so why not turn your dorm room into the ramen pop up envy of your floor?