Mouthwatering Mazemen: A Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Japanese Ramen

Ingredients

200 grams of noodles
4 slices of smoked bacon
1 clove of garlic
1 spring onion
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of mirin
1 teaspoon of chili oil (optional)
2 eggs
1 tablespoon of butter
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
A handful of fresh spinach
A handful of bean sprouts
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Nori sheets, for garnish

Steps and instructions

Start by boiling the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, cut the bacon into small pieces and fry in a hot pan until crispy.
Mince the garlic and chop the spring onion. Add them to the pan and sauté until fragrant.
Add the soy sauce and mirin to the pan, stirring well to combine with the bacon and garlic. If you like, you can add chili oil for a bit of heat.
In a separate pan, melt the butter and fry the eggs until the whites are fully cooked but the yolk is still runny.
Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Blanch the spinach and bean sprouts in boiling water for a minute, then drain.
To assemble the mazemen, divide the noodles between two bowls. Top with the bacon mixture, followed by the spinach, bean sprouts, and fried egg.
Garnish with sesame seeds and pieces of nori.
Enjoy your homemade Mazemen while hot.

Tools for making

Pot - For boiling the noodles.
Pan - For frying the bacon, garlic, and spring onion.
Spatula - To stir and flip the ingredients in the pan.
Knife - For cutting the bacon, garlic, and spring onion.
Cutting Board - To provide a surface for cutting ingredients.
Small Bowl - To mix the soy sauce, mirin, and chili oil.
Frying Pan - To fry the eggs.
Tongs - For flipping and serving the eggs.
Pot or Strainer - For blanching and draining the spinach and bean sprouts.
Bowls - To serve the finished Mazemen.
Spoon - For mixing and eating the noodles.
Garnish Shaker - To sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Scissors - For cutting the nori sheets into desired shapes.

Recipe variations

Swap the smoked bacon for thinly sliced pork belly or chicken for a different protein option.
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and substitute with shiitake mushrooms or tofu.
Add vegetables like sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas to the sautéed mixture for added crunch and flavor.
Experiment with different types of noodles such as udon, soba, or even ramen noodles.
For a spicy kick, add sriracha or hot sauce to the bacon mixture.
Include additional toppings like corn kernels, bamboo shoots, or pickled ginger for extra texture and taste.
Add a dollop of Japanese mayonnaise or a drizzle of sesame oil for added richness.
Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Make it vegan by using vegetable broth instead of bacon and substituting the eggs with pan-fried tofu or vegan egg alternatives.

Recipe overview

Delve into the flavors of Japan with this delicious Mazemen recipe. Mazemen is a type of ramen that is served without soup, also known as "brothless" ramen. It's a versatile dish that's all about the noodles and the toppings you choose. In this version, we're going to use smoked bacon, fresh veggies, and a runny fried egg as toppings. The bacon gives a rich, smoky flavor, while the soy sauce and mirin add the quintessential umami flavor. For a touch of heat, chili oil is optionally added. The dish is fairly quick and easy to make, and it's perfect for a comforting dinner or lunch. Expect a delightful interplay of textures and flavors - from the chewy noodles to the crunchy veggies, the crisp bacon, and the creamy egg yolk. Last but not least, a sprinkle of sesame seeds and nori sheets adds a final touch of sophistication to the dish. Enjoy the process, and more importantly, enjoy your meal!

Common questions

Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of noodles such as ramen noodles, udon noodles, or soba noodles. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the instructions for the specific type of noodles you choose.
Can I substitute the bacon with another ingredient?
Certainly! If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the bacon with tofu or tempeh. Simply marinate the tofu or tempeh in a soy-based sauce before frying it.
Is there a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce?
Yes, you can use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce. Just make sure to check the labels to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! If you like spicy flavors, you can add more chili oil or even sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the finished dish.
Can I add other vegetables to the mazemen?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the dish by adding vegetables like sliced mushrooms, corn kernels, or shredded carrots. Sauté them along with the bacon and garlic for added flavor.
Can I make a larger batch of mazemen?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to serve more people. Just make sure to adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and use a larger pot or pan for cooking.
How can I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to reheat, you can either microwave it or heat it in a pan on the stovetop until warmed through.

Serving dishes and utensils

Pot - For boiling the noodles and blanching the vegetables.
Pan - To fry the bacon, garlic, and spring onions.
Spatula - Useful for flipping the bacon and stirring the ingredients in the pan.
Tongs - To handle the cooked noodles and fried eggs.
Colander - For draining the boiled noodles.
Chopping board - To chop the spring onions and mince the garlic.
Knife - For cutting the bacon, spring onions, and garlic.
Whisk - To mix the soy sauce and mirin with the bacon mixture.
Pan lid - Can be used to cover the pan while frying the bacon.
Bowls - To serve the mazemen.
Spoon - For mixing and eating the mazemen.

Origin stories

Mazemen is a Japanese ramen dish that literally translates to "mixed noodles". It's a relatively newer style of ramen and was invented by a chef named Keizo Shimamoto. The unique aspect of mazemen is that it's a brothless ramen. Instead of being served in a soup, the noodles are mixed with a flavorful sauce and various toppings. The concept is believed to have been inspired by the Italian pasta dishes, demonstrating how food can bridge cultures together. Today, mazemen is popular in Japan and is gaining recognition in other parts of the world as a customizable, creative twist on traditional ramen.

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.