This spicy chicken ramen is a warm bowl of comfort! With tender chicken and a creamy garlic sauce, it’s an exciting twist on a classic dish that will make your taste buds dance.
You might find yourself slurping those noodles with joy! 😂 I love it when the creamy garlic kicks in, making each bite a delicious adventure. Serve it up hot, and enjoy every spoonful!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe as they stay juicy and tender. If you prefer or have chicken breasts on hand, those work too! For a vegetarian option, consider using tofu or tempeh for protein instead.
Noodles: Fresh ramen noodles give a fantastic texture, but you can also use dried ramen. If you’re gluten-free, rice noodles can be a good substitute, though the cooking time may vary.
Chili Peppers: I use red chili peppers for a mild kick, but green ones can work as well! For extra spice, try adding jalapeños or a sprinkle of red chili flakes. If you want to tone down the heat, simply use fewer peppers or remove the seeds.
Cream: Heavy cream gives a rich texture, but you can substitute it with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. It adds a yummy hint of sweetness that goes well with the spices!
What’s the Best Way to Infuse Flavor into the Garlic Sauce?
The creamy garlic sauce is a special part of this dish. To make it burst with flavor, warm the cream and sesame oil together gently and consider adding a bit of the garlic that you sautéed earlier, which will let the flavors meld beautifully.
- In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream and sesame oil over low heat.
- Add some sautéed garlic for more depth of flavor.
- Keep stirring gently to avoid boiling the cream, which helps maintain a smooth texture.
Remember, low and slow is key to great flavor!
How Can I Get the Perfect Soft-Boiled Egg?
If you’d like to add a perfect soft-boiled egg to your ramen, here’s how to do it:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, then gently add room temperature eggs.
- Boil for exactly 6-7 minutes for a creamy yolk.
- Once cooked, transfer the eggs to ice water right away to stop cooking.
- After about 5 minutes, gently peel and slice in half.
This method gives you that beautiful runny yolk that complements the spicy ramen perfectly!
Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ramen:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), thinly sliced
- 2 packs of fresh or dried ramen noodles
- 4 cups chicken broth
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1-2 red chili peppers, thinly sliced (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tbsp chili paste (such as sambal oelek or gochujang)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 soft-boiled egg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking, totaling around 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy a homemade bowl of fiery chicken ramen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let them burn.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the sliced chicken to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Make sure it’s no longer pink in the middle!
3. Add Spice to the Mix:
Stir in the chili paste and thinly sliced red chili peppers. Allow them to cook for another minute to release their flavors and add a bit of heat to the mixture.
4. Build the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps develop the flavors in your broth!
5. Prepare the Noodles:
While your broth simmers, follow the package instructions to prepare the ramen noodles. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
6. Create the Creamy Sauce:
In a small saucepan, over low heat, warm the heavy cream and sesame oil together. Stir gently to combine. For extra flavor, you can add some of the reserved minced garlic here. Keep it on low heat so it doesn’t boil.
7. Season and Serve:
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed. Now, divide the cooked ramen noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the hot, spicy chicken broth over the noodles.
8. Finish with Creamy Sauce:
Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the top of each bowl. It will melt into the broth, making every bite delicious!
9. Garnish:
Finally, garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, and a soft-boiled egg half if you like. These toppings really elevate the dish!
10. Enjoy:
Serve immediately while it’s hot, and get ready to enjoy your fiery, creamy, and utterly delightful chicken ramen!
This recipe balances the spiciness of the chilies and chili paste with a rich, soothing creamy garlic sauce for a deeply flavorful ramen experience. Enjoy your culinary creation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Proteins in This Ramen?
Absolutely! While chicken is a great choice, you can substitute it with tofu, shrimp, or even beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through and safe to eat.
How do I Make this Dish Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the number of red chili peppers and use only 1 teaspoon of chili paste. You can also add a bit more cream to the sauce to help mellow out the heat.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the broth and the chicken ahead of time, storing them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cook the noodles fresh when you’re ready to serve to ensure they don’t turn mushy. Just reheat the broth and combine everything right before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the broth on the stove and add freshly cooked noodles, or heat everything together on low until warmed through.
