At less than one buck per package, instant ramen noodles are anything but upscale. For the unpretentious, this fact matters not. The cheap eats are a great addition to hearty soups, stir fries and recipes that call for an al dente crunch.

You've seen ramen burgers, tacos and pizza -- too-trendy specialties that, we'd argue, have gone a bit overboard. We enjoy our instant ramen dishes for their their taste, not their novelty factor. These perfectly satisfying recipes below boast tons of flavor and innovation, while still maintaing their dignity.

Let the games begin: