Instant ramen is purportedly a "broke college student's meal." But, did you know you can turn it gourmet with just simple add-ons? We have 7 recipes that will blow you away.

1) Ramen with all the fixings

Pimp your instant ramen and turn it as close to the authentic Japanese dish as possible by adding fresh ingredients, such as corn, enoki, shiitake mushrooms, tofu, sesame oil, eggs and various greens like bok choy and napa cabbage. This recipe from Spoon University will show you how to put it all together.

2) Thai peanut chicken and ramen noodle soup

If you can't decide whether you want to have Thai or Japanese food, this recipe from The Disaster Chef will no longer let you choose as it combines both oriental flavors into one Asian fusion. You can substitute other ingredients for things you already have on hand.

3) Ramen noodles with spicy Korean chili dressing

Here is another Asian fusion recipe that will surely tickle your taste buds. If you like your ramen noodles on the spicy side, you'll surely like this. This is from Recipe Diaries, and it is made healthier by not using the seasoning packet because it is loaded with sodium that can be harmful in the long run. This uses spicy Korean chili seasoning instead.

4) Spicy shrimp and saucy guacamole ramen noodle bowl

This recipe from Soup Addict makes use of guacamole sauce to make boring instant ramen to gourmet. The addition of spicy fresh shrimps and veggies gives a whole new flavor dimension that's filling, fresh and tangy all at the same time.

5) Mushroom & spinach ramen saute with egg

This recipe from Tezcape is easy to make and ideal for quick meals at home. While it is tempting to eat instant ramen as it is because of the cleaning involved in the aftermath, this recipe only makes use of one pot. Additionally, it's filling and healthy, too.

6) Ramen gnocchi with mushroom & peas

Turn ramen into another form by making gnocchi from two packs of instant noodles with this recipe from Broad Appetite. It goes well with mushrooms, peas and a bit of cheese with seasoning. After trying this one, you won't go back to regular instant ramen again.

7) Slow cooker pork ramen

This recipe from Chow Hound makes use of two of the greatest inventions: slow cooker and instant ramen. This is a simplified and quicker way to make succulent braised pork that goes well with ramen without the painstaking process it takes to make it using the slow cooker.