I eat instant ramen like 4 times a week because I'm broke. But I want to upgrade it beyond just the flavor packet and boiling water. What can I add to make it actually good without spending much?

I have access to a basic kitchen — stove, microwave, a pot and a pan.

Crack an egg into the boiling noodles in the last 2 minutes. Instant protein upgrade. Also frozen vegetables are dirt cheap and add a lot.

Soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha will transform any instant ramen. A drizzle of each costs pennies and takes it to another level.

Green onions are like $0.50 a bunch and last a week. Chop some on top. Also peanut butter in ramen sounds weird but if you're making a broth base, it adds great richness.

Step 1: drain most of the water. Step 2: add a slice of American cheese. Step 3: trust me. It sounds gross but Korean people have been doing this forever and it's incredible.