Authentic Chicken Ramen Recipe: A Flavorful Journey to Japan

Ingredients

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 4-inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 packs ramen noodles, noodles only, seasoning discarded
  • Sesame seeds, for garnishing
  • Sliced Nori, for garnishing

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil and sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and brown on both sides.
  4. Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the soy sauce, mirin, and rice vinegar. Cover the pot and simmer for 20 minutes.
  6. While the broth is simmering, sauté the mushrooms in a separate pan until they are browned and set aside.
  7. Remove the chicken breasts from the broth and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  8. Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions in a separate pot and drain.
  9. Soft boil the eggs by placing them in a pot of boiling water for 7 minutes, then immediately transferring them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, peel the eggs and cut them in half lengthwise.
  10. Divide the cooked ramen noodles among four bowls. Pour the chicken broth over the noodles, making sure each bowl gets an equal amount of chicken.
  11. Top each bowl with the sautéed mushrooms, half of a soft-boiled egg, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
  12. Garnish each bowl with sesame seeds and slices of Nori.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - used for cooking the broth
  • Large pan - used for browning the chicken and sautéing the mushrooms
  • Two forks - used for shredding the chicken
  • Separate pot - used for cooking the ramen noodles
  • Bowl of ice water - used for cooling and peeling the soft-boiled eggs
  • Knife - used for mincing garlic, ginger, and chopping green onions
  • Cutting board - used for chopping ingredients
  • Measuring spoons - used for measuring olive oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, mirin, and rice vinegar
  • Spatula - used for stirring and flipping ingredients
  • Tongs - used for handling and serving the chicken and soft-boiled eggs
  • Soup ladle - used for portioning the chicken broth into the bowls

Recipe variations

  • Replace the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version of the ramen.
  • Add vegetables such as spinach, bok choy, or corn to the broth for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Experiment with different types of mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster, or enoki.
  • Include sliced bamboo shoots or water chestnuts for a crunchy texture.
  • For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha sauce to the broth.
  • Try using udon noodles or soba noodles instead of ramen noodles.
  • Add a poached or fried egg instead of a soft-boiled egg for a different texture.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil for a herbal twist.
  • Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth or miso broth for a different flavor profile.
  • For a smoky taste, grill the chicken before shredding it and adding it to the ramen.

Recipe overview

Experience the rich flavors of Japan with this homemade Chicken Ramen recipe. This dish is a perfect blend of savory chicken, hearty ramen noodles, and a delicately seasoned broth that will warm your soul. Top it off with sautéed mushrooms, soft-boiled eggs, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality meal right at home. This recipe is ideal for a comforting dinner on a cold night, but it's also exotic enough for a dinner party with friends. Despite its intricate flavors, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare. All you need are some common Asian ingredients and in less than an hour, you'll have an authentic bowl of Chicken Ramen ready to savor. Expect a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
  2. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Yes, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute for chicken broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of the recipe.
  3. What can I use as a replacement for mirin? If you don't have mirin, you can use a combination of equal parts of rice vinegar and sugar, or you can use dry white wine or sweet sherry as a substitute.
  4. Can I add other vegetables to the ramen? Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as spinach, bok choy, corn, or bean sprouts to the ramen during the simmering process.
  5. Can I make this recipe spicy? Yes, if you like spicy ramen, you can add a teaspoon or more of chili paste or sriracha sauce to the broth for some heat.
  6. Can I make the soft-boiled eggs ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the soft-boiled eggs in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just remember to peel and halve them right before serving the ramen.
  7. Can I use instant ramen noodles instead of packaged ramen noodles? Yes, you can use instant ramen noodles for this recipe. Discard the seasoning packets and cook the noodles separately according to the package instructions.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Ramen, a dish that's now enjoyed worldwide, actually has its roots in China, not Japan as many might assume. It is believed to have made its way to Japan in the 19th century. It was originally referred to as "shina soba", literally "Chinese soba". The term "ramen" didn't become the common name until the mid-20th century. What's fascinating about ramen is its adaptability. It quickly became a staple food for the working class in Japan due to its affordability and convenience. Over time, different regions of Japan started to develop their own variations of ramen, featuring local ingredients. This spirit of adaptation and innovation continues today, with endless variations of ramen bowls available everywhere, each with a character of its own. Chicken Ramen, the dish we're focusing on today, is a simple yet delicious variant that showcases the versatility of this culinary wonder.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.