Easy Homemade Ramen

Crafting Rich Broths and Customizable Toppings for the Perfect Bowl of Ramen

Photo by Eiliv Aceron on Unsplash

Japanese cuisine holds a special place in my heart. There’s something magical about the flavors and the way each dish combines simplicity with depth. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Quick and Easy Homemade Ramen — a comforting bowl of goodness that’s perfect for warming your soul on those chilly days. This ramen is nothing like the instant noodles of our college days; it’s inspired by traditional Japanese ramen with a rich, savory broth and a customizable array of delicious toppings.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to craft this delightful ramen dish. Feel free to customize the broth and toppings to suit your preferences.

• Sesame Oil: Adds a delightful nutty flavor while sautéing the vegetables.
• Minced Garlic: Essential for creating a savory broth.
• Ginger Paste: A classic ingredient in Asian cuisine that adds a zesty kick to the broth.
• Sliced Mushrooms: Regular brown mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms work perfectly.
• Chicken Stock: Ideal for a savory soup base. If you prefer the classic Tonkotsu flavor, use pork broth, or opt for vegetable broth for a vegetarian/vegan alternative.
• Water: Adjust the consistency of the ramen soup.
• Soy Sauce: Provides that umami-packed flavor.
• Baby Bokchoy: Adds a delightful crunch to your ramen. You can chop it or leave it whole, or even use spinach!
• Instant Ramen Noodles: Discard those seasoning packets; you only need the uncooked noodles. Fresh ramen noodles are a great alternative if available.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.

Optional Toppings

• Grilled Chicken: Sliced grilled chicken is my choice, but pork or chashu are great options too. For vegetarians, consider adding tofu.
• Soft-Boiled Egg: A must-have for any ramen dish.
• Sliced Green Onions: Enhance the broth’s flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: For garnish and that nutty kick.

How to Make Homemade Ramen

This homemade ramen recipe is a breeze and can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknight dinners that the whole family will adore.

1. Sauté Vegetables: Start by adding sesame oil to a large pot over medium heat. Sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 3–5 minutes until they soften.
2. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken stock, water, and soy sauce.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for approximately 5 minutes.
4. Cook Bokchoy: Add the bokchoy and let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes to soften the leaves.
5. Add Noodles: Remove the pot from heat and place the ramen noodles in the hot broth. Allow the noodles to sit for just a couple of minutes until they soften. The noodles soften quickly, so do this right before serving.
6. Transfer to Serving Bowls: Divide the ramen, veggies, and broth evenly into bowls.
7. Add Toppings: Top the ramen with sliced grilled chicken, and soft-boiled eggs, and garnish with your choice of toppings. Then, savor the flavors!

Ways to Customize Your Homemade Ramen

This ramen broth is incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Get creative and make it your own!

• Enhance the Broth: Sauté aromatics like onion, garlic, ginger, miso, or lemongrass for extra flavor. Feeling adventurous? Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick (but use caution — they can get quite intense with just a small amount).
• Topping Ideas: The topping possibilities are endless. Try sliced pork, beef, bacon, or tofu for protein. Add spring onions, dried seaweed, chopped red peppers, and soft-boiled ramen eggs for a flavor-packed combination. You can also include narutomaki, those pink and white fishcakes traditionally found in ramen, which you can purchase at your local Asian market.

How Long Does Homemade Ramen Last?

Once you’ve added the noodles and toppings, aim to consume your ramen within an hour or two to maintain the best texture. If you need to store it, keep the noodles and broth separate to prevent sogginess.

• Storing Leftover Broth: Store the broth in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Enjoy your homemade ramen adventure, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations with friends and family. Happy slurping!