Japanese ramen noodles are a delicious treat! With their chewy texture and rich broth, they’re perfect for a cozy meal at home. You can top them with soft-boiled eggs, scallions, or your favorite veggies.
I love how quick and fun it is to make ramen! Just boil the noodles, add in your broth, and pile on the toppings. It feels like a mini feast every time! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth adds depth, but low-sodium store-bought varieties work too. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth does a great job as well.
Soy Sauce: Use regular soy sauce for authentic flavor. If you’re gluten-free, tamari is a perfect substitute!
Mirin: Mirin gives sweetness and complexity. If you don’t have it, a mixture of sugar and rice vinegar (or other vinegars) can replicate its sweet tang.
Ramen Noodles: Fresh ramen noodles are best, but dried or instant noodles are convenient. You could also try rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
Soft-boiled Eggs: They look beautiful sliced in ramen. If you’re short on time, you can skip marinating them, but the flavor enhances so much!
How Do I Get the Perfect Broth for Ramen?
The broth is the heart of ramen, and simmering is key here. Combine your chicken broth with soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil, then gently simmer. This allows the flavors to mix beautifully.
- Start on medium heat and gradually ramp up to a gentle simmer.
- Let it simmer for at least 10-15 minutes (longer if time allows) to deepen flavors.
- Sample and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes a dash more soy sauce is all it takes!
Tips for Cooking Ramen Noodles Perfectly?
Cooking the noodles properly is crucial to avoid mushiness. Here’s what I recommend:
- Boil the noodles in plenty of water (avoid crowding). Follow package instructions carefully.
- Cook until just tender (they will continue cooking in the broth).
- Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
These techniques will help you create a bowl of ramen that’s satisfying and full of flavor. Enjoy every slurp! 🍜
How to Make Japanese Ramen Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 servings fresh or dried ramen noodles
- 2 soft-boiled eggs (marinated, optional)
- 4 slices cooked chicken breast or chashu pork
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots (menma)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (scallions)
- 1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into small pieces
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- A small handful of fresh spinach or other greens
- Thinly sliced roasted or sautéed shallots or onions
- Red chili threads or chili flakes (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 20 minutes cooking and assembling the dish. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth:
Start by combining the chicken broth, soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil in a pot. Place it on medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer. This will help the flavors meld together for a rich, savory broth. Let it simmer while you prepare the other elements of your ramen.
2. Soft-Boiled Eggs:
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Carefully add the eggs and boil for about 6-7 minutes for a nice, runny yolk. Once done, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool. After a few minutes, peel the eggs carefully. If you want extra flavor, you can marinate them in a bit of soy sauce while you continue with the recipe!
3. Cook the Noodles:
Follow the package instructions for your ramen noodles—usually they’re boiled for about 3-5 minutes until just tender. Once cooked, drain them and divide them into serving bowls, ready for the broth and toppings!
4. Assemble Your Ramen:
With the noodles in place, it’s time to add the toppings! Start by arranging the bamboo shoots, sliced chicken, green onions, spinach, nori pieces, and sautéed shallots in a beautiful display on top of the noodles. Make it colorful and appetizing!
5. Add the Eggs:
Carefully slice the soft-boiled eggs in half, letting that lovely yolk peek out, and place them on top of the noodles and toppings in each bowl. This adds extra richness and a nice visual touch!
6. Pour the Broth:
Now it’s time to ladle the hot broth over the assembled noodles and toppings. Make sure everything is well submerged to soak up all those savory flavors. Serve hot!
7. Garnish and Enjoy!
Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a lovely finishing touch. If you like a bit of heat, add some red chili threads or chili flakes. Serve immediately with chopsticks and dig in! Enjoy your delicious homemade Japanese ramen noodles!
Can I Use Pre-Packaged Ramen Noodles Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Pre-packaged ramen noodles are a convenient option. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, and they’ll work perfectly in the recipe.
What If I Can’t Find Mirin?
No worries! If you can’t find mirin, you can substitute it with a mixture of sugar and rice vinegar. For every tablespoon of mirin, mix about 1 teaspoon of sugar with 2-3 teaspoons of rice vinegar for a similar flavor profile.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Ramen?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the broth separate from the noodles and toppings to maintain the best texture. When ready to eat, reheat the broth and combine with leftover noodles and toppings!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and substitute the protein with tofu or additional vegetables. You can still enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen with plenty of flavors!
