Authentic Japanese Ramen: A Step-By-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 2 packs of ramen noodles
  • 1 quart of chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and minced
  • 2 tablespoons of mirin
  • 1/2 cup of sliced green onions
  • 2 boiled eggs, sliced in half
  • 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup of cooked, sliced chicken breast
  • 1 sheet of nori, cut into strips
  • 2 tablespoons of corn
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by boiling the ramen noodles according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, drain and set them aside.
  2. In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
  3. While the broth is simmering, in a small bowl, mix together the mirin and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Use this to marinate the sliced chicken breast.
  4. Add the marinated chicken and mushrooms to the broth. Let them cook for about 5-10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the mushrooms are soft.
  5. Divide the cooked ramen noodles between two bowls. Pour the broth over the noodles, making sure to include the chicken and mushrooms.
  6. Top each bowl with half of the boiled eggs, green onions, nori strips, corn, and sesame seeds. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve the ramen hot, with extra soy sauce on the side if desired.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Needed to simmer the broth and cook the chicken and mushrooms.
  • Small bowl - Used to marinate the chicken breast with the mirin and soy sauce mixture.
  • Knife - Required for mincing the garlic, ginger, and slicing the green onions, mushrooms, and nori.
  • Cutting board - Provides a surface for safe chopping and slicing of ingredients.
  • Spoon - Used for stirring and serving the broth and noodles.
  • Tongs - Helpful for handling and flipping the chicken during cooking.
  • Measuring spoons - Needed to accurately measure ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
  • Strainer - Required to drain the cooked ramen noodles.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Add extra vegetables like bok choy, carrots, and snow peas for added flavor and texture.
  • Spicy ramen: Add a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha to the broth for a spicy kick.
  • Seafood ramen: Replace the chicken with shrimp, mussels, or any other seafood of your choice. Cook the seafood in the broth until cooked through.
  • Kimchi ramen: Add a couple of tablespoons of kimchi to the broth for a tangy and flavorful twist.
  • Miso ramen: Replace the chicken broth with miso soup base and add miso paste to taste for a rich and savory ramen.
  • Extra toppings: Customize your ramen with additional toppings such as bean sprouts, corn, sliced bamboo shoots, or tofu.
  • Spicy sesame ramen: Mix in a teaspoon of spicy sesame oil for a fragrant and bold flavor.
  • Curry ramen: Add a tablespoon of curry powder to the broth for a unique and aromatic curry-infused ramen.
  • Double broth: Use a combination of chicken and pork broth for a richer and more complex flavor profile.
  • Soba noodles: Substitute ramen noodles with soba noodles for a healthier and nuttier alternative.

Recipe overview

Welcome to your journey to creating a warm, fulfilling bowl of homemade ramen! This recipe is perfect for those looking to explore the flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine right at home. We will be making ramen with a rich, flavorful broth, tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and perfectly cooked noodles. Topped with a variety of garnishes like boiled eggs, green onions, nori strips, corn, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, this ramen is a feast for the senses. The whole process should take around an hour, and the end result is definitely worth the time invested. This dish is not only a comfort food, but also a balanced meal that will satiate your hunger while providing key nutrients. So, let's embark on this culinary adventure and create a ramen that you'll be proud to serve and enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use any type of ramen noodles for this recipe? Yes, you can use any type of ramen noodles that you prefer or have on hand.
  2. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of the ramen.
  3. Can I omit or substitute any of the ingredients? Certainly! Feel free to customize the recipe to your taste. You can omit or substitute any ingredients you like, such as adding different vegetables or using tofu instead of chicken.
  4. How can I make the ramen spicier? If you prefer a spicier ramen, you can add chili paste, chili oil, or hot sauce according to your spice preference.
  5. Can I make the broth in advance? Yes, you can make the broth in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it when you are ready to assemble and serve the ramen.
  6. Can I freeze the leftover ramen? It is not recommended to freeze the assembled ramen as the noodles may become soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the broth separately and cook fresh noodles when reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - to simmer the broth and cook the chicken and mushrooms.
  • Small bowl - to mix the mirin and soy sauce for marinating the chicken.
  • Knife - for mincing the garlic and ginger, slicing the green onions, and cutting the nori into strips.
  • Cutting board - to safely chop and prep the ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - for accurate measurement of ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
  • Soup ladle - for transferring the broth and ingredients into the serving bowls.
  • Tongs - to handle and place the boiled eggs into the ramen bowls.
  • Soup spoons - for enjoying the ramen and sipping the flavorful broth.

Origin stories

Ramen, the delightful, slurp-worthy dish known and loved globally, has a history as rich as its broth. Though it's become a symbol of fast and cheap meals for college students, it's originally a culinary treasure from Japan. Interestingly, the roots of ramen are a bit tangled. Some claim it was brought to Japan by Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century, while others contend it's purely a Japanese creation from the early 20th century. Despite the mystery of its origin, ramen rapidly grew in popularity, especially in post-World War II Japan, where food shortages made the high-calorie, inexpensive, and filling dish an ideal meal. The introduction of instant ramen by Momofuku Ando in 1958 further popularized it across the globe, and now, the variety of ramen flavors and styles is as diverse as the regions of Japan itself. So, next time you savor a bowl of ramen, remember, you're not just enjoying a meal, you're partaking in a rich, culinary history.

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.