Rachael Ray Just Told Us the #1 Underrated Quick and Easy Meal That “Anyone Can Make”

Whether you were a fan of 30 Minute Meals, her namesake talk show or have tuned in to her most recent series Rachael Ray’s Meals in Minutes, Rachael Ray is nothing short of a culinary icon. And with her newest show premiering this month on A+E Networks, we were given the opportunity to chat with Ray all about what she knows best: simple dinners.

“You should never ever, ever try to impress anyone except yourself,” Ray tells EatingWell. “You're always going to be most comfortable in the kitchen if you're making something you actually want to eat.”

As the crowned queen of quick meals, we had to ask Ray what her favorite easy dinners are—and what she recommends for beginner at-home chefs to make. She gave a shout out to roast chicken and her husband’s beloved carbonara, but there was a surprising meal the television host pinpointed as a stunning bowl of comfort.

“I think there's such beauty about just making ramen,” Ray shares. “Anybody can make a ramen bowl. It's so impressive and it's gorgeous to look at.” 

Ramen is more than just a packaged, budget-friendly college favorite. It can be an equally delicious and healthy option when there’s added nutritional value. Ray gave us some tips on how to dress up ramen to add flavor and nutrients.

“Make a jammy egg and soak it in sake and soy sauce, you chop up vegetables, tofu, you buy some good ramen and you pile that in the middle of the bowl,” Ray instructs. “And you just pour in your broth. You can buy bone broth anywhere and beautiful vegetable stock anywhere.” 

The egg and tofu add protein, which will keep you satisfied and energized. Plus adding vegetables like bean sprouts, cabbage, scallions or baby spinach will not only bring freshness and brightness to the bowl, but these veggies will add heart-healthy fiber in each bite. With a balance of vegetables, protein and carbohydrates, ramen can be a fulfilling dinner when prepped the Rachael Ray way.

The chef also recommends buying ramen bowls—her favorites are easy to find.

“You can buy ramen bowl sets with chopsticks, the flat spoons, and beautiful deep bowls cheap on Amazon,” she says. “That's how I got mine! I have four sets of them … and it makes it a very impressive, fun meal.”

For a place to start, try one of our healthy ramen recipes, from our Chicken Ramen with Bok Choy and Soy Eggs to our Sesame Instant Ramen Noodles with Broccoli & Soft-Boiled Egg. You can even meal-prep ramen in Mason jars to enjoy throughout the week.

Other reasons to love Ray: she’s a fan of ratatouille (both the dish and the Disney-Pixar film), she can put vadouvan curry on almost everything, and her must-have kitchen tool is, of course, her trusty garbage bowl. We can’t wait to watch more of Ray as she’s on our screens again in her newest A+E show.