Gordon’s putting the challenge out to Hell’s Kitchen Finalist and Challenge Queen Mia Castro to make a stunning entrée in just 10 Minutes. And today she’s turning a college staple into are that you can make in just 10 minutes. But this isn’t the microwavable ramen you made in college as Mia’s turning it into a delicious Cacio e Pepe. Gordon would approve of. Recipe below:
Fresh Ramen Cacio e Pepe Ingredients:
2 ea. Fresh ramen servings (refrigerated section at Whole Foods, by the tofu)
1 ½ C pecorino Romano, fresh grated
2 T black pepper, fresh cracked
2-3 T extra virgin olive oil
2-3 T butter
Method:
In a medium pot with salted, boiling water, add fresh ramen and stir to prevent clumping. Cooks in 2-3 minutes.
In a separate, large pan, over medium heat, add 1 T (each) of butter, olive oil, and black pepper. Stir until pepper is aromatic. Butter should have no color.
Add cooked ramen with (approx.) ½ C of starchy cooking water and ¾ C of grated cheese.
With a medium flame on, toss, adding more cheese/butter/pepper/starchy water to taste until a creamy consistency is achieved.
Serve on two bowls. Finish with a fresh grating of pecorino and cracked pepper.
It can be topped with a fried or poached (runny) egg if desired for more protein/richness.