Savory Seafood Ramen: A Japanese Delicacy at Home

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 leek, cleaned and sliced
  • 1 liter chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons miso paste
  • 200 grams ramen noodles
  • 200 grams mixed seafood (clams, squid, shrimp)
  • 2 boiled eggs, halved
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 seaweed sheet, cut into strips
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced leek to the pot. Sauté until fragrant and the leek is soft.
  3. Pour in the chicken stock, soy sauce, mirin, fish sauce, and miso paste. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
  5. In a separate pot, cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions and drain well.
  6. Add the mixed seafood to the broth pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the seafood is fully cooked.
  7. Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Divide the cooked ramen noodles into two bowls.
  9. Ladle the seafood broth over the noodles in each bowl.
  10. Top each bowl with half of the boiled egg, chopped green onions, seaweed strips, and sesame seeds.
  11. Serve the Seafood Ramen hot.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - for cooking the broth
  • Separate pot - for cooking the ramen noodles
  • Stove - to provide heat for cooking
  • Spatula - for sautéing the garlic, ginger, and leek
  • Ladle - for serving the seafood broth
  • Kitchen knife - for mincing garlic, slicing leek, and cutting seaweed
  • Grater - for grating ginger
  • Measuring spoons - for accurate measurement of soy sauce, mirin, fish sauce, and miso paste
  • Chopsticks - for eating the ramen noodles and seafood
  • Bowls - for serving the Seafood Ramen
  • Strainer - for draining the cooked ramen noodles

Recipe variations

  • Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it vegetarian.
  • Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
  • Include corn kernels for added sweetness.
  • Add chili flakes or chili oil for a spicy kick.
  • Replace ramen noodles with udon noodles for a different texture.
  • Use tofu or seitan instead of seafood for a vegetarian or vegan option.
  • Add vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or bean sprouts for extra freshness.
  • Garnish with cilantro or Thai basil leaves for a herbaceous twist.
  • Experiment with different types of seafood such as scallops or crab meat.
  • Include a dash of sesame oil for a nutty aroma.

Recipe overview

This Seafood Ramen recipe is a delightful combination of flavors that will transport you straight to your favorite ramen restaurant. It features a savory broth infused with the flavors of garlic, ginger, and miso, packed with a variety of succulent seafood and ramen noodles, then topped with boiled egg, green onions, seaweed, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The recipe requires some preparation of ingredients but the cooking process is straightforward and simple. Expect a beautifully balanced dish that's both filling and comforting. Perfect for a cold day or when you're in the mood for a satisfying bowl of noodle soup!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of seafood? Yes, you can use any combination of seafood that you prefer or have on hand. Clams, squid, and shrimp are just suggestions, but feel free to get creative with your seafood choices.
  2. Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock? Yes, if you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute vegetable stock for the chicken stock in this recipe.
  3. Can I use other types of noodles? While ramen noodles are traditional for this recipe, you can use other types of noodles such as udon noodles or even spaghetti if you don't have ramen noodles available.
  4. Can I make the broth in advance? Absolutely! You can make the broth in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat the broth before serving and proceed with cooking the noodles and seafood.
  5. Can I adjust the spiciness? Yes, if you prefer a spicier ramen, you can add chili flakes or chili oil to the broth according to your taste preference.
  6. Can I omit the miso paste? While miso paste adds depth of flavor to the broth, you can omit it if you don't have it on hand. The broth will still be delicious, but may have a slightly different flavor profile.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - for cooking the broth
  • Separate pot - for cooking the ramen noodles
  • Ladle - for scooping and serving the broth
  • Cooking spoon - for stirring the broth and ingredients
  • Chopping board - for slicing the leek, green onions, and seaweed
  • Knife - for mincing garlic, grating ginger, and slicing ingredients
  • Measuring spoons - for accurate measurement of ingredients
  • Strainer - for draining the cooked ramen noodles
  • Soup bowls - for serving the Seafood Ramen

Origin stories

Ramen is a dish that's deeply embedded in the culinary scene of Japan. Its origin, however, is a matter of dispute. Some believe ramen was introduced by Chinese immigrants in Yokohama's Chinatown in the late 19th century. The dish was initially called "shina soba", literally "Chinese soba", before it transformed and became ramen. Seafood ramen adds a twist to this traditional dish, infusing it with flavors from the sea, a nod to Japan's abundant coastline. While ramen shops are ubiquitous in Japan, each region and even each shop, has its own version of ramen, reflecting the local ingredients and taste preferences. Seafood ramen is particularly popular in regions known for their fresh seafood. It's more than just a bowl of noodles and soup; it's a representation of the local culture and the Japanese way of valuing seasonality and regional specialties.

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.