Japanese ramen noodles are a warm, comforting dish that you’ll love. With savory broth and tasty toppings like soft-boiled eggs and green onions, every bite is a treat!
Making ramen at home is easier than it sounds! Just boil your noodles, add broth, and pile on your favorite extras. Perfect for chilly nights or any time you need a pick-me-up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broth: A rich chicken or pork broth is ideal for ramen. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought broth, just look for ones labeled “rich” or “umami.” Vegetable broth works too for a vegetarian option, but flavor may vary.
Ramen Noodles: Fresh ramen noodles provide the best texture, but dried noodles also do the trick. Udon noodles can be a hearty replacement, just keep in mind they might make your ramen a bit thicker.
Soft-Boiled Eggs: Soft-boiled eggs are traditional, with a gooey yolk. If you prefer not to use eggs or want a vegan version, tofu can be a good alternative, adding protein and texture.
Chashu Pork: Chashu is classic, but you can swap in any roast pork or even chicken. For vegetarian ramen, try mushrooms like shiitake for a meaty feel.
Seaweed: Nori adds flavor and texture. If unavailable, consider using wakame seaweed or skip it if you prefer.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Soft-Boiled Egg?
Soft-boiled eggs enrich your ramen, but timing is key! Here’s how to make sure they turn out just right:
- Bring water to a rolling boil.
- Gently lower the eggs in and set a timer for exactly 7 minutes.
- Prepare an ice bath while the eggs cook—just a bowl of ice and cold water.
- Once time’s up, transfer the eggs to the ice bath immediately for 5 minutes to stop the cooking process.
- Carefully peel the eggs, revealing a beautiful, creamy yolk.
This technique will give you that perfect, slightly runny yolk that complements the soup beautifully!
How to Make Japanese Ramen Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Broth:
- 4 cups chicken or pork broth (preferably homemade or store-bought rich broth)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional for added depth)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Noodles and Toppings:
- 2 packs fresh or dried ramen noodles
- 2 soft-boiled eggs
- 4 slices of chashu pork (braised pork belly) or cooked pork loin slices
- 1 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 2 sheets nori (seaweed), cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Chili threads or thin chili pepper slices for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious ramen recipe will take about 30 minutes to complete. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing and boiling the ingredients, and about 20 minutes assembling everything together and letting the flavors mingle in the broth. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Soft-Boiled Eggs:
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, gently add the eggs and cook for 7 minutes. Once the time is up, immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl filled with ice water to stop cooking. After about 5 minutes, peel the eggs and set them aside, ready to enjoy!
2. Make the Broth:
In a medium pot, heat the chicken or pork broth over medium heat. Stir in the soy sauce, and if you want an extra kick, mix in the miso paste. Add the sesame oil for a nutty flavor, then keep the broth warm while you prepare the noodles and other toppings.
3. Cook Ramen Noodles:
In another pot, bring water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions, usually around 4-5 minutes for fresh noodles (or slightly longer for dried). Once cooked, drain the noodles and divide them evenly into serving bowls.
4. Assemble Bowls:
Now it’s time to create your delicious ramen bowls! Pour the hot broth over the noodles in each bowl. Next, arrange the slices of chashu pork, halved soft-boiled eggs, green onions, bean sprouts, and nori strips beautifully on top of the noodles.
5. Garnish and Serve:
For the finishing touch, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and add chili threads or thin slices of chili for some heat if you like. Serve your ramen hot, along with chopsticks and a spoon for sipping the delicious broth. Enjoy your fantastic homemade ramen noodles!
Dig in and savor every bite of your authentic and delicious Japanese ramen noodles!
Can I Use Instant Ramen Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Instant ramen noodles can save time. Just be sure to check the package instructions for cooking times and skip the flavor packets to maintain the richness of your homemade broth.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make your ramen vegetarian, swap the chicken or pork broth for vegetable broth and use tofu or mushrooms in place of the chashu pork. You can also add extra vegetables like bok choy or carrots for added nutrition!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ramen?
Store leftover components separately in airtight containers. Keep the broth, noodles, and toppings apart in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat the broth and freshen the noodles in boiling water before assembling your bowl again.
How Do I Achieve a Richer Broth Flavor?
For a deeper broth flavor, consider simmering your broth with aromatics like ginger, garlic, and scallions for an hour or so. You can also add shiitake mushrooms or seaweed to infuse more umami as the broth cooks.
