Homemade Ramen Soup Recipe
Ramen soup is a versatile and comforting dish that can be tailored to suit any palate. Whether you’re after a rich, savory broth, chewy noodles, or a combination of both with delicious toppings, this recipe delivers a satisfying bowl of homemade ramen. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to make a traditional-style ramen soup, complete with customizable toppings and flavorful broth.
Ingredients:
For the Broth:
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional, but adds depth)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for a touch of acidity)
- 1 tablespoon mirin or sugar
- 2-3 dried shiitake mushrooms or 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
For the Ramen Noodles:
- 8 oz fresh or dried ramen noodles (you can also substitute with soba or udon noodles)
Toppings (choose any or all):
- 2 soft-boiled eggs (cooked for 6 minutes, peeled, and halved)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast or pork belly, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup baby spinach or bok choy
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots (optional)
- Nori (seaweed sheets), cut into strips
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Chili oil or sriracha (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Broth
The foundation of any good ramen is its broth, and this recipe starts with a base of chicken or vegetable broth that is enriched with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and miso paste. The miso provides a rich umami flavor that will take your ramen to the next level.
- Heat the Oils: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir continuously to avoid burning, and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Incorporate the Mushrooms: If using dried shiitake mushrooms, add them now along with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and the rice vinegar. Fresh mushrooms can also be added at this stage if you prefer them over dried.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in the miso paste (if using) and mirin or sugar. Let the broth simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: After simmering, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, more mirin for sweetness, or rice vinegar for acidity. For added richness, a dash of chili oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can also enhance the broth.
Step 2: Cooking the Ramen Noodles
While your broth is simmering, it’s time to prepare the noodles.
- Cook the Noodles: If you’re using fresh ramen noodles, cook them according to the package instructions (typically 2-4 minutes). For dried noodles, it may take 4-5 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside. Be careful not to overcook them as they will soften further when added to the hot broth.
- Rinse the Noodles: Once cooked, rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming too soft. Set them aside in a bowl, ready to be added to your soup later.
Step 3: Preparing the Toppings
Now it’s time to prepare the toppings, which are an essential part of ramen. You can get creative with your toppings, but some classic options include soft-boiled eggs, sliced chicken or pork, vegetables, and seaweed.
- Soft-Boiled Eggs: Boil the eggs for exactly 6 minutes to achieve a perfectly soft center. After boiling, immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Once cooled, peel the eggs and slice them in half.
- Cook the Protein: If you’re using chicken breast or pork belly, make sure it’s cooked through. You can either boil the chicken or pork in the broth for extra flavor or pan-fry it for a crispy texture before slicing it thinly.
- Prepare Vegetables: For a pop of freshness, you can lightly blanch the baby spinach or bok choy in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, just enough to soften them without losing their vibrant color.
- Cut the Toppings: Chop the green onions and slice the nori sheets into thin strips. Set aside for garnish.
Step 4: Assemble the Ramen Bowls
With everything prepared, it’s time to put it all together!
- Place Noodles in the Bowl: Divide the cooked ramen noodles into individual bowls.
- Add the Broth: Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, ensuring that each bowl gets some of the delicious garlic, ginger, and mushroom flavors.
- Arrange the Toppings: Carefully arrange your chosen toppings on top of the noodles. This is your chance to be artistic! Place the soft-boiled egg halves, slices of chicken or pork, vegetables, corn, bamboo shoots, and strips of nori around the bowl. Finish by sprinkling green onions and sesame seeds on top.
- Optional: Add Heat: If you like a spicy kick, drizzle a bit of chili oil or sriracha over the soup.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the ramen hot and enjoy immediately. The combination of the flavorful broth, chewy noodles, and fresh toppings makes this homemade ramen irresistible!
Tips and Customizations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and omit the meat toppings. Add tofu or tempeh for a protein-rich option.
- Spicy Miso Ramen: To make a spicy version, add 1-2 tablespoons of chili paste or chili flakes into the broth.
- Mushroom Lovers: Double the amount of shiitake mushrooms or add a variety of mushrooms like enoki or portobello for a more earthy, umami-rich broth.
Ramen is a highly customizable dish, so feel free to experiment with different toppings and flavors to suit your taste preferences!