These Japanese ramen noodles are warm, comforting, and full of flavor! Made from simple ingredients, they’re perfect for a cozy meal at home.
What’s great is how quick they come together! Just add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a delicious bowl ready to enjoy—and don’t forget the slurping! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Broth: I recommend using homemade chicken broth for the best flavor, but low sodium store-bought works too. If you’re vegetarian, try using vegetable broth instead for a lighter taste.
Miso Paste: Miso adds depth to the broth. There’s white, yellow, and red miso. White is milder and sweeter, while red is more robust. You can substitute with tahini for a nutty twist if you’re out of miso.
Chashu Pork: Braised pork belly is traditional, but you can use any cooked meat like chicken, sliced beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Leftover roast chicken also makes a quick substitute!
Soft-Boiled Eggs: These add richness. If you’re short on time, you can use hard-boiled eggs. Alternatively, you can skip them altogether for a lighter soup.
How Do I Make the Perfect Broth?
The broth is the heart of ramen. Start with quality ingredients for the best taste. Here’s how to get that rich, flavorful broth:
- Heat sesame oil and sauté garlic and ginger gently to release their aromatic oils.
- Add the chicken broth and water, letting them combine, then bring it to a simmer.
- Mix in soy sauce and miso paste fully, tasting to adjust salt. Keep it warm without boiling to preserve flavor.
Taking your time to build flavors will elevate your ramen experience. Enjoy slurping your delicious creation!
How to Make Delicious Japanese Ramen Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Broth:
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon miso paste
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
For the Noodles and Toppings:
- 2 packs fresh or dried ramen noodles
- 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved
- 4 oz chashu pork (braised pork belly), sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and cooking time. With the broth simmering and noodles cooking, you can have a wonderful bowl of ramen ready in no time! Just gather your ingredients and enjoy the process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced ginger. Sauté them gently until fragrant, about 2 minutes. This will give your broth a lovely base flavor!
2. Create the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and water into the pot, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it bubble away for a minute or two.
3. Season the Broth:
Stir in the soy sauce and miso paste, mixing until the miso is fully dissolved. Taste the broth and add a little salt if you think it needs it. Keep it warm on low heat so all the flavors can blend together.
4. Cook the Noodles:
While your broth is simmering, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once done, drain the noodles and divide them into serving bowls.
5. Assemble Your Bowl:
Ladle the hot broth generously over the noodles in each bowl, making sure to cover them well.
6. Add the Toppings:
Garnish each bowl with two halves of the soft-boiled egg, slices of chashu pork, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
7. Finish It Off:
If you like a little heat, feel free to sprinkle red chili flakes on top. It gives a nice kick!
8. Serve and Slurp:
Serve your ramen immediately with chopsticks. Take a moment to admire your delicious creation before diving in and enjoying every slurp!
Can I Use Other Broths Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or pork broth for a richer flavor. Each will give your ramen a unique taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Ramen?
Store leftover broth and noodles separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat the broth and prepare fresh noodles, as reheating cooked noodles can make them mushy.
What If I Can’t Find Chashu Pork?
No worries! You can use any cooked meat like sliced chicken or beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian alternative. Leftover roast meat can also work great!
Can I Make the Broth in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the broth a day or two ahead of time. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving. Keep it sealed in the fridge for best flavor retention!
