Ramen Recipe is a Japanese dish that has taken the culinary world by storm. Be it from restaurants or kitchen corners, this savory noodle soup makes for a filling and flavorful meal any time of the day. You don’t have to simmer broth for hours or embark on an adventurous journey in search of aliens to create a delicious bowl of ramen. If you are pressed for time or just a beginning cook, you can still make quick, easy ramen recipe at home with the right approach.
Throughout this article, we are going to guide you through a simple and easy ramen recipe-one that anyone can make, regardless of his or her experience level with cooking. We will show you how to prepare a delicious ramen bowl in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients that happen to be in your kitchen. We will go over tips to enhance the flavor of your dish, substitutions, and variations to accommodate some dietary preferences, and show you a few ideas on how to tailor your ramen to suit your taste.
Let’s enter the wonderful world of ramen!
Table of Contents
1. Why Ramen Recipe Is Perfect for a Quick Meal
The following reasons have earned ramen its status as a go-to meal:
1. Speed: You can make a satisfying bowl of ramen in less than 30 minutes, considering that all you need to do is boil some ingredients.
2. Simplicity: Basic ramen recipes require just a few steps to make this dish make your dream come true if you are either a beginner or don’t have much time.
3. Customization: Ramen is relatively easy to tailor-fit according to your preferences for proteins, vegetables, and flavorings. Be it vegetarian, gluten-free, or whatever you feel like, ramen can find a way out to please you.
4. Comfort: There is something inherently comforting about a steaming bowl of noodles and broth. Ramen warms you from the inside and can be as light or as hearty as you desire.
With these benefits in mind, let us head to this quick and easy ramen recipe that one can make today.
2. Quick and Simple Ramen Recipe
– Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes 2 servings but easily could be done in two to one-half, as needed.
– 4 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth as a vegetarian alternative)
– 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet, or use it if you prefer)
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (or tamari as a gluten-free substitute)
– 1 tablespoon of miso paste (optional, for extra richness in flavor)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for a rich, nutty flavor)
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
– 2 green onions (chopped, white and green parts separated)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 soft-boiled egg (optional, for garnish)
– Optional toppings: Sliced mushrooms, baby spinach, shredded carrots, corn, seaweed, or tofu.
– Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:
– Broth: Chicken broth is the traditional option, but you can easily substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. If you don’t have time to make broth, the store-bought broth is fine.
– Noodles: Instant ramen noodles save time, but if you prefer, you could use fresh ramen noodles, soba noodles, or even whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier alternative.
Miso Paste: This ingredient is usually found in every Asian grocery store; it gives ramen a salty flavor. You could omit it if it is not available or use a little more soy sauce as an alternative.
Protein: Chicken breast, shrimp, tofu, whichever you like, slice it and add it to your ramen to make it more filling. For vegetarian ramen, adding tofu will work just fine.
– Instructions
Step 1: Broth Preparation
Warm 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pot on medium heat.
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes in all, being very careful not to overcook the garlic as it easily becomes bitter. Stir in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, whichever is preferred or on hand. Bring to a simmer.
Once simmering, whisk in 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon miso paste, if using. If you aren’t using miso, then you can add more soy sauce in a tad for extra flavor.
Add the white parts of the chopped green onions. Let broth simmer very gently for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
While cooking, in a separate small pot, bring some water to a boil and cook ramen noodles according to the package, usually for 3-4 minutes. If using fresh noodles, please refer to the estimated time on the package.
Now, drain and set them aside.
Step 3: Enhance the Flavor
So, to add a little extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil into the hot broth. This brings a nutty richness that enhances the savory flavor of the broth.
Stir in optional vegetables or proteins, if using, such as mushrooms, spinach, and tofu, into the broth, letting cook for a couple of minutes until heated through.
Step 4: Assemble Ramen
Divide cooked noodles between two bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, making sure you get a good amount of garlic, ginger, and any added veggies. Top with the soft-boiled egg, the green parts of the chopped green onions, and any other toppings you like. Get creative-sliced mushrooms, corn, or even a dash of chili oil can take your ramen to the next level.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
– Your fast and easy ramen is ready! Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful and comforting meal in under 30 minutes.
3. Tips for Success: How to Make the Best Ramen Recipe
While this is a relatively simple recipe, these few easy tips will get your ramen to a whole new level:
1. Build Flavor with Aromatics
A flavorful broth does call for the quintessential aromatics of garlic, ginger, and green onions. Sauté these aromatics before adding in the broth for release into the soup oils that give it that rich, savory flavor. If you love spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of sriracha to your aromatics for a bit of heat.
2. Don’t Overcook the Noodles
Ramen noodles cook rather fast and are ready in 3-4 minutes. Pay attention to them, so they don’t become overcooked and mushy instead of springy in texture. For better results, cook them aside from the broth and add the noodles into the soup only before serving.
3. Play with Toppings
One of the best things about ramen is you can get it tailored just the way you like it. You can add any topping you want to enhance the flavor and the texture. A few of these options include:
– Soft-boiled eggs: These are one of the classic toppings in ramen and offer a rich, silky aspect to the dish.
– Fresh greens: Baby spinach or bok choy adds color and nutrients to your ramen.
– Mushrooms: Shiitake or cremini mushrooms add umami and a meaty texture to the soup. Corn: Sweet corn kernels add a delightful contrast to the salty, savory broth. Tofu or chicken: Add sliced tofu or grilled chicken breast to turn this into more of a filling meal.
Add an added layer of depth to your ramen with a drizzle of sesame oil, chili oil, or rice vinegar. By all means, fiddle with these finishes until you find the combination that works for you.
4. Customize Your Ramen: Variations and Dietary Modifications
What’s great about ramen is how adaptive it can be. You can easily adjust the recipe to your taste or fit certain diets. Here are a few ideas of ways you might customize your ramen:
1. Vegetarian or Vegan Ramen Recipe
– Broth: For one, you can make the soup completely plant-based by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth.
– Protein: Replace the egg with cubed tofu or tempeh. For flavor, sauté the tofu in sesame oil before adding it to the soup.
– Toppings: Load up on vegetables: spinach, mushrooms, carrots, seaweed. You could even use vegan kimchi for a sour and fermented taste.
2. Gluten-Free Ramen Recipe
• Noodles: Use gluten-free ramen noodles, rice noodles or soba noodles-one hundred percent buckwheat. Many stores now have gluten-free ramen.
• Soy Sauce: Replace soy sauce with tamari since tamari is gluten-free.
• Miso Paste: Not all miso pastes are gluten-free so always take a look at the package. If needed, use gluten-free miso paste.
3. Low-Carb Ramen Recipe
– Noodles: Replace with spiralized zucchini, otherwise known as zoodles, or even shirataki noodles to keep the meal very low in carbs and calories.
– Broth: Choose a broth-based soup that will have a light-colored broth. Also avoid additions such as miso or soy sauce, as these can mask a great deal of sugar and carbohydrates in the dish.
4. Spicy Ramen Recipe
– Broth: Add spice to the broth with a spoonful of chili paste, like gochujang, or a few dashes of sriracha.
– Toppings: Slivered jalapeño on top, sprinkling a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or drizzled with chili oil.
5. Meat Lover’s Ramen Recipe
– Broth: A rich bone broth for added protein and depth of flavor.
– Protein: Sliced pork belly, grilled chicken breast, or even shrimp for an added layer of heartiness can be combined. You could also top your ramen with a poached egg for added richness.
5. FAQs Ramen Recipes
Q: How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Of course! Use vegetable stock and choose plant-based proteins. Increase the amount of mushrooms and kombu to develop a more umami flavor.
Q: What should I do if I can’t find Mirin anywhere?
A: Replace with a mixture of rice vinegar with sugar or use sweet marsala wine.
Q: How to cook the perfect soft-boiled eggs?
A: Bring water to a boil, set eggs in gently, cook precisely 6½ minutes, then immediately shock in an ice bath.
Q: Can I prep components ahead?
A: Yes! Make broth and prep toppings ahead of time. Cook noodles at service.
Q: What would make ramen broth cloudy?
A: Boiling instead of simmering-not straining properly or dirty stockpot are causes for cloudiness.
Conclusion: Quick, Easy, Satisfying Ramen Recipe in Minutes
Whether you are a newbie in the kitchen or an experienced home cook, this quick and easy ramen recipe is an effortless way to enjoy a comforting and delicious meal without having to spend hours cooking. With just a few basic ingredients and under 30 minutes, you’ll be able to whip up a bowl of savory ramen that’s packed full of flavor.
And remember, ramen recipe is one of those dishes that can always be customized, so don’t be afraid to add your own favorite toppings or flavor combinations to make it your own. Whether you feel like going vegetarian, want that extra spicy kick, or are in the mood for low-carb, this recipe gives you a base to work with.
The next time you want a nice and warm meal but are tight on schedule, try this simple ramen recipe-it won’t disappoint!
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