My 1-Ingredient Upgrade for Better Fries (Including Frozen)

Back in college, I was a resident assistant with a subsidized dining hall budget. After long shifts in the front desk, my midnight cravings would hit hard. Since I couldn’t leave campus, I relied on the dining hall, affectionately called “The Night Owl.” The options were limited—a pint of Ben & Jerry’s or, for hot food, curly fries or a slice of reheated pizza. Obviously, I went with the fries.

I can still picture the chaotic lines of students waiting for their orders as the sleepy student workers called out ticket numbers. By the time I arrived, ingredients often ran low. One night, they were out of the garlic and Parmesan topping, leaving me with plain fries. I spotted a pack of Shin Ramyun in my dorm—and I knew what to do.

Midnight snack cravings tend to spark the most creative (and delicious) ideas. That’s exactly how I came up with this genius upgrade: Add ramen seasoning to fries.

Why This Fry Upgrade Works

It was brilliant, if I may say so myself. Ramen seasoning packets already have everything you want on fries: salt, spice, umami, and that little magic dust of chili and garlic powder. The Shin Ramyun mix adds a savory beef flavor with a fiery kick that makes the fries bold, flavorful, and bright red-orange. It instantly elevates them from basic to S-tier.

Plus, it’s resourceful. I’m the kind of person who cooks two packs of ramen but uses only one seasoning packet—otherwise, it’s way too salty. So this became my clever way to put that extra packet to good use. I sprinkle the seasoning to taste since every ramen brand varies in saltiness and spice.

If you don’t have ramen seasoning on hand, crush a chicken or beef bouillon cube and mix it with garlic and onion powder for a similar effect. For color, try paprika if you prefer a mild flavor, or go for cayenne, chili powder, or gochugaru if you like heat. Just make sure to use finely ground spices—flakes like crushed red pepper or large-flaked gochugaru won’t cling to fries. (Trust me, I learned that the hard way while raiding the pizza station for red chili flakes at The Night Owl.)

How to Add Ramen Seasoning to Your Fries

To take a page from McDonald’s—whose fries I consider nearly perfect—season your fries immediately after they come out of the fryer or oven. For me, that meant bringing a packet of ramen seasoning to The Night Owl. Since the dining hall fries were served in a brown paper bag, I added the seasoning right into the bag and shook it vigorously for about 30 seconds. The hot oil and steam helped the seasoning cling to every fry. I liked to add the seasoning in small increments, tasting as I went, until the flavor was just right.

If you’re making this at home, I recommend using a mixing bowl: add the fries, sprinkle a bit of seasoning, and toss. Continue seasoning and tossing in small increments to ensure every fry is evenly coated. Serve the fries immediately—and once you try it, you’ll never look at fries (or ramen) quite the same way again.