Japanese ramen noodles are tasty and comforting! They come served in warm broth, with slurp-worthy noodles and toppings like green onions, slices of pork, and a boiled egg. Yum!
Making ramen at home can be a fun adventure! I love customizing mine with extra veggies or spicy sauce. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a good noodle slurp now and then? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broth: Use chicken or pork broth for depth of flavor. Homemade is best, but low-sodium store-bought works too. If you’re vegetarian, try a mushroom or vegetable broth for a lighter soup.
Miso Paste: This ingredient adds umami. There are different types, like white or red. If unavailable, you can skip it or use soy sauce in a pinch for a milder flavor.
Noodles: Fresh ramen noodles provide great texture. However, dried noodles are a fine substitute. Cooking them slightly less will help them hold up in the broth.
Pork: Chashu pork is traditional, but cooked chicken or tofu provides a nice alternative for a different protein option. Even roasted veggies can work well for a vegetarian twist!
Soft Boiled Eggs: They add creaminess. If you prefer boiled eggs without the runny yolk, just boil them for about 9-10 minutes instead!
How Do I Get the Broth Just Right?
Getting your broth right is key for delicious ramen! It’s all about simmering and balancing the flavors. Here’s what to do:
- Start with quality broth. Combining chicken and pork broth can deepen the flavor.
- Simmer the broth with soy sauce and miso to let the flavors develop. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Taste as you go! You can adjust the soy sauce or add minced garlic or ginger for extra depth.
Taking your time with the broth will help you achieve that signature rich ramen flavor!
How to Make Japanese Ramen Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Broth:
- 4 cups chicken or pork broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon miso paste
- 1 tablespoon sake or mirin (optional)
For the Noodles:
- 2 packs fresh or dried ramen noodles
For the Toppings:
- 4 soft boiled eggs (marinated in soy sauce if desired)
- 4 slices chashu pork or cooked pork belly
- 1 cup sliced green onions (scallions)
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots (menma)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Red chili threads or thinly sliced red chili for garnish (optional)
- Optional: minced garlic or ginger for broth flavor enhancement
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bowl of ramen takes about 30-40 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes prepping and making the broth, 10-15 minutes cooking the noodles and other toppings, and then a few minutes for assembling everything before your tasty ramen is ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Broth:
Start by pouring the chicken or pork broth into a large pot along with 2 cups of water. Place it on medium heat. Add the soy sauce and miso paste, stirring until the miso is fully dissolved. Let the broth simmer gently for about 10–15 minutes, allowing all the delicious flavors to blend together.
2. Cooking the Noodles:
While the broth simmers, fill another pot with water and bring it to a boil. Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 2–3 minutes. Once cooked, drain them and set aside. Be careful not to overcook them!
3. Preparing the Soft Boiled Eggs:
If you don’t have soft boiled eggs ready, gently boil them for 6-7 minutes to get that lovely jammy yolk texture. Once done, plunge them into ice water immediately to cool. Peel the eggs, and if you wish, marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce and mirin for 2-3 hours for extra flavor.
4. Heating the Toppings:
Warm the bamboo shoots and chashu pork slices in the broth or in a separate pan for a few minutes until heated through.
5. Assembling Ramen Bowls:
Now, it’s time to put everything together! Take 2 large bowls and divide the cooked ramen noodles evenly between them. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, filling the bowls generously.
6. Adding Toppings:
On top of the noodles, place 2 slices of pork, half of a soft boiled egg, a sprinkle of sliced green onions, and some bamboo shoots. Drizzle a little sesame oil over the toppings for an added aroma and flavor.
7. Garnishing:
If you like a little heat, garnishing with red chili threads or thin slices of chili will add a nice touch of color and spice.
8. Serve Immediately:
Ramen is best served hot! Grab your chopsticks, mix everything gently, and enjoy slurping those delicious noodles with the warm, flavorful broth!
Enjoy your comforting and savory bowl of Japanese ramen noodles!
Can I Use Chicken Broth Instead of Pork Broth?
Absolutely! Chicken broth is a fantastic substitute and will still give you a delicious flavor. You can even mix both for a richer taste.
How Can I Store Leftover Ramen?
If you have leftovers, store the noodles and broth separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The noodles can get mushy if left in the broth. They’ll stay fresh for about 2–3 days!
Can I Make the Broth in Advance?
Yes, making the broth ahead of time is a great idea! You can prepare it and refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze it for longer. Just reheat before serving and add freshly cooked noodles!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! If you prefer a milder ramen, skip the chili garnishes or use less soy sauce. For extra heat, add more sliced red chili or a dash of chili oil to the broth.
