Master The Ultimate Ramen Recipe With These 6 Easy Steps

Ramen is a beloved Japanese noodle soup known for its rich and complex flavors. The dish typically features a savory broth that is either clear and light or rich and creamy, depending on the style. At its core, ramen consists of wheat noodles, which are served in a flavorful broth made from a combination of chicken, pork, or vegetable stock, often enhanced with ingredients like soy sauce, miso paste, or sesame oil. Toppings vary widely but commonly include sliced meats (such as pork or chicken), soft-boiled eggs, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, green onions, and leafy greens like spinach or bok choy. The broth is usually infused with aromatic ingredients like garlic and ginger, and the dish may be garnished with nori (seaweed), sesame seeds, and spicy condiments like sriracha or chili oil. Ramen is celebrated for its versatility, allowing for endless variations and personal touches, making it a comforting and satisfying meal enjoyed worldwide.

Here’s a classic ramen recipe that’s both flavorful and customizable:

1. Ingredients

For the Broth:

– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional for extra depth)
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or mirin
– 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance flavors)

For the Ramen:

– 2 packs of ramen noodles (fresh or instant, but discard the seasoning packet if using instant)
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms)
– 1 cup baby spinach or bok choy
– 1 medium carrot, julienned
– 2 green onions, chopped
– 2 soft-boiled eggs (optional)
– 1 cup cooked chicken, pork, tofu, or other protein of choice (optional)
– 1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into strips (optional)
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
– Sriracha or chili oil (optional, for spice)

2. Instructions

Step 1- Prepare the Broth:

– In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
– Add the broth, water, soy sauce, and miso paste (if using). Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
– Add rice vinegar or mirin and sugar if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 2- Cook the Noodles:

– While the broth is simmering, cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3- Prepare the Vegetables:

– In a separate pan, lightly sauté the mushrooms and carrots in a little oil until tender, about 5 minutes. Set aside.

Step 4- Assemble the Ramen:

– Divide the cooked noodles among bowls.
– Ladle the hot broth over the noodles.
– Top with sautéed mushrooms, carrots, spinach or bok choy, and any additional protein.

Step 5- Add Toppings:

– Halve the soft-boiled eggs and place them on top of the ramen.
– Garnish with chopped green onions, nori strips, and sesame seeds.
– Add a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil if you like it spicy.

Step 6- Serve:

– Serve the ramen hot and enjoy!