Ramen Recipe (with Video)

Ramen Recipe: Ramen is a beloved Japanese noodle soup that has taken the world by storm. Whether you’ve enjoyed it at a fancy ramen bar or from a comforting instant noodle pack, this dish offers endless possibilities for customization. But have you ever thought about making ramen from scratch? With a little effort, you can create a deeply satisfying bowl of ramen at home, tailored to your taste.

This guide walks you through the process step by step, ensuring you can create a delicious, restaurant-quality ramen that’ll impress family and friends.

Ingredients Needed

Making authentic ramen requires attention to detail, especially when it comes to ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. For the Broth:

• Proteins (Optional): Pork bones, chicken carcasses, or a vegetarian base like kombu (seaweed) and shiitake mushrooms.
• Aromatics: Garlic, ginger, green onions.
• Seasonings: Soy sauce, miso paste, sake, salt, or fish sauce.

2. For the Noodles:

• Fresh ramen noodles (store-bought or homemade). If unavailable, substitute with thin egg noodles.

3. Toppings:

• Protein Options: Soft-boiled eggs (Ajitsuke Tamago), braised pork belly (Chashu), or marinated tofu.
• Vegetables and Garnishes: Bamboo shoots, corn, spinach, bean sprouts, nori (seaweed sheets), scallions, and sesame seeds.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools makes cooking easier:

• A large stockpot for simmering the broth.
• A strainer to remove solid ingredients from the broth.
• Sharp knives for cutting meat and vegetables.
• Measuring tools for accurate seasoning.

How to Make Homemade Ramen

Step 1: Preparing the Broth

The broth is the soul of ramen. Here’s how to make it:

Types of Broths:

1. Tonkotsu: Rich, creamy pork-based broth.
2. Shoyu: Light and savory soy sauce broth.
3. Shio: Clear and salty broth.
4. Miso: Thick and hearty miso-based broth.

Basic Broth Recipe:

1. Add pork bones (or kombu and mushrooms for vegetarian ramen) to a large pot of water.
2. Boil for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse to remove impurities.
3. Return the bones or vegetables to the pot, add aromatics (garlic, ginger, green onions), and cover with water.
4. Simmer on low heat for 6–12 hours for a rich, flavorful broth.
5. Season with soy sauce, miso paste, or salt according to taste.

Pro Tip: Use a slow cooker for a hands-off approach.

Step 2: Cooking the Noodles

The noodles should complement the broth. Here’s what to do:

1. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the noodles and cook for 2–4 minutes (or according to the package instructions).
3. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent overcooking.

Pro Tip: Toss the noodles lightly in sesame oil to keep them from sticking together.

Step 3: Making the Toppings

Toppings elevate ramen to the next level. Here’s how to prepare the classics:

1. Soft-Boiled Eggs (Ajitsuke Tamago):

• Boil eggs for 6–7 minutes, then cool in ice water.
• Peel and marinate in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar for 4–6 hours.

2. Pork Belly (Chashu):

• Roll a slab of pork belly tightly and secure it with twine.
• Sear the roll in a pan until browned.
• Simmer in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, and water for 2–3 hours.

3. Vegetarian Protein:

• Marinate firm tofu in soy sauce and pan-fry until crispy.

4. Vegetables:

• Steam or blanch vegetables like spinach or bean sprouts.
• Slice scallions and nori for garnish.

Step 4: Assembling the Ramen Bowl

Now comes the fun part—putting it all together:

1. Place the cooked noodles in a deep bowl.
2. Ladle hot broth over the noodles.
3. Add your toppings: protein, vegetables, and garnishes.
4. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil or chili oil for extra flavor.

Pro Tip: Arrange toppings artfully for an Instagram-worthy presentation!

Assembling the Ramen Bowl

1. Warm the broth in a pot.
2. Place cooked noodles in a bowl.
3. Pour hot broth over the noodles.
4. Arrange toppings like chashu pork, eggs, and vegetables neatly.
5. Garnish with green onions and a sheet of nori.

Customizing Your Ramen

• Spicy Ramen: Add chili oil or spicy miso paste.
• Extra Umami: Incorporate miso butter or dashi.
• Healthier Options: Use zoodles (zucchini noodles) or a lighter broth.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Use deep bowls to keep the broth hot.
• Arrange toppings aesthetically for an Instagram-worthy dish.
• Serve immediately for the best taste.

Tips for Perfect Ramen

• Flavorful Broth: Take your time; good broth can’t be rushed.
• Perfect Noodles: Undercook slightly if you plan to add them to hot broth.
• Balanced Flavors: Combine salty, sweet, spicy, and umami elements harmoniously.

Customizing Your Ramen

Ramen is incredibly versatile:

• Add spice with chili oil, Sriracha, or crushed red pepper.
• Try regional variations like Hakata-style (extra creamy) or Sapporo-style (miso-rich).
• Adjust for dietary needs by using gluten-free noodles or vegetable broth.

FAQs about Ramen Recipe

1. What basic ingredients do I need for a homemade ramen recipe?

To prepare a classic ramen dish, you’ll need ramen noodles, broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable), a protein such as chicken, pork, or tofu, and vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or green onions. For flavor, include soy sauce, miso, or salt, and consider toppings like boiled eggs, nori, or sesame seeds.

2. How do I make the broth for ramen?

Start by simmering bones (chicken, pork, or beef) with aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and ginger for several hours until the broth is rich and flavorful. Strain the broth and season with soy sauce, miso paste, or salt. For a quicker option, use quality store-bought broth and enhance it with dashi granules or bouillon.

3. Can I make ramen without a packet?

Absolutely! Making ramen without a packet allows for healthier and more personalized flavor adjustments. Use fresh noodles and homemade broth, then add your choice of proteins, vegetables, and seasonings based on personal taste preferences.

4. What are some common toppings for ramen?

Popular ramen toppings include soft-boiled or marinated eggs, sliced green onions, seaweed sheets (nori), bamboo shoots, corn, butter, bean sprouts, and sliced meats like pork belly or chicken. Customize your ramen with various toppings to enhance its flavor and texture.

5. How can I make vegetarian or vegan ramen?

For a vegetarian or vegan ramen, use vegetable broth and replace meat with tofu or tempeh. Load up on vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Use toppings like soft-boiled eggs (or a vegan egg alternative), nori, and scallions to keep the dish hearty and flavorful.

6. What’s the best way to cook ramen noodles?

Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions until al dente, usually boiling for about 3-5 minutes. Avoid overcooking the noodles to maintain their texture. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process before adding them to your broth.

7. Can I store leftover ramen?

Ramen is best enjoyed fresh, as noodles can become soggy when soaked in broth for too long. To store leftovers, keep the broth and noodles separate. Refrigerate the broth within two hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days. Store noodles in a separate airtight container.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve just mastered the art of making homemade ramen. Not only is this recipe packed with flavor, but it also allows you to control every ingredient, making it healthier and more satisfying than takeout. Once you’ve nailed the basics, the possibilities are endless—so don’t be afraid to experiment.