Japanese ramen noodles are a warm bowl of happiness! With chewy noodles served in a rich broth, they are perfect for any day, rainy or shiny.
Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings like soft-boiled eggs or green onions. Honestly, I can’t resist slurping them up—they’re just that good! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Broth: Using homemade broth gives the best flavor. If you’re short on time, low-sodium store-bought broth works too. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version!
Fresh Ramen Noodles: Fresh is best, but if you can’t find them, dried ramen noodles can be used. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions; they might need a bit longer than fresh ones.
Chashu Pork: This flavorful topping can take a while to make, so feel free to swap it with leftover roast chicken, or even grilled tofu for a vegetarian option. Trust me, it will still taste amazing.
How Do I Make the Broth Rich and Flavorful?
The broth is where a lot of the flavor comes from, and it’s crucial to take your time with it. Start by simmering your ingredients slowly, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Simmering: Cook for at least 15-20 minutes to really develop the taste.
- Strain: Be sure to remove the ginger slices afterward so the broth doesn’t get overpowering.
Adding a splash of sesame oil right before serving adds a lovely fragrance that makes the broth even more inviting. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
How to Make Japanese Ramen Noodles
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 1 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp miso paste
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 200g fresh ramen noodles (or dried if fresh unavailable)
- 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved
- 100g sliced chashu pork (braised pork belly or shoulder)
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup bamboo shoots (menma)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- A few thin strands of red chili (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious ramen recipe will take about 35-45 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes preparing the flavorful broth, and about 10 minutes to cook the noodles and prepare the eggs. The final touch is quickly assembling everything in a bowl. So, let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth:
In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, water, minced garlic, sliced ginger, soy sauce, and miso paste. Turn the heat to medium and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes so the flavors can come together. Don’t forget to remove the ginger slices before serving to keep the broth from getting too strong.
2. Cook the Noodles:
While the broth is simmering, bring another pot of water to boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they’re just tender but still a bit chewy—usually, this takes about 2-3 minutes for fresh noodles. Once they’re done, drain the noodles well and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Eggs:
If you haven’t prepared the soft-boiled eggs yet, you can do it now! Boil them for 6-7 minutes to achieve that perfect soft yolk, then quickly cool them down in ice water. Once they are cool enough to handle, peel and slice them in half.
4. Assemble the Ramen Bowl:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Divide the cooked ramen noodles between two bowls. Carefully pour the hot broth over the noodles to warm them up!
5. Add Your Toppings:
Neatly arrange your toppings on top of the noodles: gently place the soft-boiled egg halves, sliced chashu pork, bamboo shoots, and sprinkle with freshly sliced green onions. Don’t forget to add toasted sesame seeds for that extra crunch!
6. Garnish and Serve:
If you like a little heat, you can add a few thin strands of red chili on top for garnish. Now, grab your chopsticks and enjoy your homemade Japanese ramen while it’s hot!
This recipe will leave you with a comforting bowl of ramen filled with silky noodles, savory broth, tender pork, and creamy, delicious eggs. Each bite is a delightful surprise, and the mix of textures from the toppings makes it even more enjoyable! 🍜
Can I Use Store-Bought Broth Instead of Homemade?
Yes, using store-bought broth is a great time-saver! Just make sure to select a low-sodium option if you’re watching your salt intake. You can enhance the flavor by simmering it with the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and miso paste as directed in the recipe.
Can I Make This Ramen Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and use tofu or seitan in place of chashu pork. You can also add more vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, or corn for a delicious vegetarian ramen bowl.
How Do I Store Leftover Ramen?
For best results, store the broth, noodles, and toppings separately in airtight containers. The broth can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the noodles should be consumed within 2 days for optimal texture. When reheating, gently warm the broth and add the noodles just before serving to avoid overcooking.
What Else Can I Add to My Ramen?
You can customize your ramen with various toppings! Some popular options include nori (seaweed), corn, spinach, mushrooms, and even chili oil for extra heat. Get creative and add your favorites!
