Name: Easy Homemade Ramen Bowls Recipe
Ingredients: ▢ 1 TBSP Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is the aromatic cornerstone of this ramen. It’s crucial to use toasted sesame oil, as it boasts a rich, nutty flavor that is significantly more pronounced than regular sesame oil. The toasting process enhances the oil’s flavor profile, giving it a depth and complexity that is essential for authentic ramen taste. A tablespoon of sesame oil might seem small, but it infuses the entire dish with its characteristic fragrance, setting the stage for the symphony of flavors to come. Don’t skimp on this ingredient – it truly makes a difference!; ▢ 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Garlic is a foundational flavor builder in countless cuisines, and ramen is no exception. Minced garlic, when gently sautéed in sesame oil, releases its pungent and savory aroma, creating a fragrant base for the broth. Two cloves provide a balanced garlic flavor that isn’t overpowering, but feel free to adjust this to your personal preference. If you’re a garlic lover, adding an extra clove or two will certainly enhance the dish. Freshly minced garlic is always recommended for the best flavor, but in a pinch, pre-minced garlic from a jar can be used as a convenient alternative.; ▢ 2 tsp Freshly Grated Ginger: Fresh ginger is another key aromatic ingredient that brings warmth, spice, and a subtle citrusy note to the ramen broth. The slight zing of ginger complements the richness of the sesame oil and garlic, adding a layer of complexity that elevates the overall flavor profile. Freshly grated ginger is highly recommended for its vibrant and potent flavor. Using a microplane or a fine grater ensures that the ginger is finely grated, releasing its juices and maximizing its flavor infusion into the broth. If you don’t have fresh ginger on hand, you can use ginger paste as a substitute, but fresh ginger is undeniably superior in terms of flavor and aroma.; ▢ ½ Cup Shredded Carrots: Carrots add a touch of sweetness, color, and subtle texture to the ramen. Shredded carrots cook quickly and soften beautifully in the simmering broth, releasing their natural sugars and adding a hint of sweetness that balances the savory and spicy elements of the dish. They also provide a visual appeal, adding vibrant orange streaks throughout the ramen bowl. Pre-shredded carrots are a convenient option to save time, or you can shred your own using a box grater or food processor.; ▢ ½ Cup Shiitake Mushrooms, Sliced (Optional): Shiitake mushrooms are an optional but highly recommended addition to this ramen recipe. They impart a deep, earthy, and umami-rich flavor to the broth, adding a layer of savory depth that is characteristic of authentic ramen. Shiitake mushrooms have a meaty texture that adds substance to the dish and complements the other ingredients beautifully. Fresh shiitake mushrooms are ideal, but dried shiitake mushrooms can also be used. If using dried mushrooms, be sure to rehydrate them in hot water before slicing and adding them to the broth. The soaking liquid from dried shiitake mushrooms is also incredibly flavorful and can be added to the broth for an even deeper umami boost. If you’re not a fan of shiitake mushrooms, you can substitute other types of mushrooms like cremini or oyster mushrooms, or simply omit them altogether.; ▢ 4 Cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The broth is the heart and soul of any ramen dish, and choosing the right broth is crucial for achieving a flavorful and satisfying result. This recipe calls for 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, allowing for flexibility based on your dietary preferences. Chicken broth provides a richer and more savory base, while vegetable broth offers a lighter and vegetarian-friendly option. Low-sodium broth is recommended to control the saltiness of the final dish, as soy sauce is also added for seasoning. You can use store-bought broth or homemade broth, depending on your preference and time constraints. If using store-bought broth, opt for a high-quality broth with a rich and flavorful base. Homemade broth, made from scratch with roasted chicken bones or vegetables, will undoubtedly elevate the flavor of your ramen to another level, but store-bought options work perfectly well for a quick and easy weeknight meal.; ▢ 1 TBSP Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity and brightness to the ramen broth, balancing the richness and savory notes. It provides a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the broth and enhances the overall flavor profile. Rice vinegar is milder and slightly sweeter than other types of vinegar, making it a perfect complement to Asian-inspired dishes like ramen. Unseasoned rice vinegar is recommended, as seasoned rice vinegar may contain added sugar and salt that could alter the flavor balance of the recipe. If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in a pinch, but rice vinegar is the most authentic and recommended choice.; ▢ 3 TBSP Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (More to Taste): Soy sauce is the primary source of saltiness and umami in this ramen recipe. Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the sodium content and allow you to adjust the saltiness to your personal preference. Soy sauce adds a savory depth and richness to the broth, contributing to the characteristic umami flavor of ramen. Start with 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce and taste the broth before adding more. You can always add more soy sauce to adjust the saltiness to your liking. Different types of soy sauce, such as tamari (gluten-free) or shoyu (Japanese soy sauce), can also be used, each offering slightly different flavor nuances.; ▢ 1 TBSP Sriracha Sauce (More or Less, Depending on Your Heat Tolerance): Sriracha sauce adds a spicy kick and a touch of sweetness to the ramen broth. It provides a pleasant heat that warms you from the inside out and adds a layer of complexity to the flavor profile. The amount of Sriracha sauce can be adjusted to your personal heat tolerance. Start with 1 tablespoon and taste the broth before adding more. If you prefer a milder ramen, you can reduce the amount of Sriracha or omit it altogether. For those who love extra spice, feel free to add more Sriracha or other chili sauces like gochujang or chili garlic sauce to customize the heat level.; ▢ 2 3 oz Portions of Ramen (Discard the Flavor Packets): The noodles are, of course, an essential component of ramen. This recipe calls for 2 (3 oz) portions of ramen noodles, and importantly, instructs you to discard the flavor packets that typically come with instant ramen. We are creating our own flavorful broth from scratch, so the pre-packaged flavor packets are unnecessary and would likely clash with the homemade broth. Look for fresh ramen noodles in the refrigerated section of your grocery store or dried ramen noodles in the Asian foods aisle. Fresh ramen noodles have a superior texture and cook more quickly than dried noodles. If using dried noodles, follow the package instructions for cooking time, but be mindful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Other types of noodles, such as udon or soba noodles, can also be used as alternatives, but ramen noodles are the most traditional and recommended choice for this recipe.

Ingredients

- ▢ 1 TBSP Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is the aromatic cornerstone of this ramen. It’s crucial to use toasted sesame oil, as it boasts a rich, nutty flavor that is significantly more pronounced than regular sesame oil. The toasting process enhances the oil’s flavor profile, giving it a depth and complexity that is essential for authentic ramen taste. A tablespoon of sesame oil might seem small, but it infuses the entire dish with its characteristic fragrance, setting the stage for the symphony of flavors to come. Don’t skimp on this ingredient – it truly makes a difference!

- ▢ 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Garlic is a foundational flavor builder in countless cuisines, and ramen is no exception. Minced garlic, when gently sautéed in sesame oil, releases its pungent and savory aroma, creating a fragrant base for the broth. Two cloves provide a balanced garlic flavor that isn’t overpowering, but feel free to adjust this to your personal preference. If you’re a garlic lover, adding an extra clove or two will certainly enhance the dish. Freshly minced garlic is always recommended for the best flavor, but in a pinch, pre-minced garlic from a jar can be used as a convenient alternative.

- ▢ 2 tsp Freshly Grated Ginger: Fresh ginger is another key aromatic ingredient that brings warmth, spice, and a subtle citrusy note to the ramen broth. The slight zing of ginger complements the richness of the sesame oil and garlic, adding a layer of complexity that elevates the overall flavor profile. Freshly grated ginger is highly recommended for its vibrant and potent flavor. Using a microplane or a fine grater ensures that the ginger is finely grated, releasing its juices and maximizing its flavor infusion into the broth. If you don’t have fresh ginger on hand, you can use ginger paste as a substitute, but fresh ginger is undeniably superior in terms of flavor and aroma.

- ▢ ½ Cup Shredded Carrots: Carrots add a touch of sweetness, color, and subtle texture to the ramen. Shredded carrots cook quickly and soften beautifully in the simmering broth, releasing their natural sugars and adding a hint of sweetness that balances the savory and spicy elements of the dish. They also provide a visual appeal, adding vibrant orange streaks throughout the ramen bowl. Pre-shredded carrots are a convenient option to save time, or you can shred your own using a box grater or food processor.

- ▢ ½ Cup Shiitake Mushrooms, Sliced (Optional): Shiitake mushrooms are an optional but highly recommended addition to this ramen recipe. They impart a deep, earthy, and umami-rich flavor to the broth, adding a layer of savory depth that is characteristic of authentic ramen. Shiitake mushrooms have a meaty texture that adds substance to the dish and complements the other ingredients beautifully. Fresh shiitake mushrooms are ideal, but dried shiitake mushrooms can also be used. If using dried mushrooms, be sure to rehydrate them in hot water before slicing and adding them to the broth. The soaking liquid from dried shiitake mushrooms is also incredibly flavorful and can be added to the broth for an even deeper umami boost. If you’re not a fan of shiitake mushrooms, you can substitute other types of mushrooms like cremini or oyster mushrooms, or simply omit them altogether.

- ▢ 4 Cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The broth is the heart and soul of any ramen dish, and choosing the right broth is crucial for achieving a flavorful and satisfying result. This recipe calls for 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, allowing for flexibility based on your dietary preferences. Chicken broth provides a richer and more savory base, while vegetable broth offers a lighter and vegetarian-friendly option. Low-sodium broth is recommended to control the saltiness of the final dish, as soy sauce is also added for seasoning. You can use store-bought broth or homemade broth, depending on your preference and time constraints. If using store-bought broth, opt for a high-quality broth with a rich and flavorful base. Homemade broth, made from scratch with roasted chicken bones or vegetables, will undoubtedly elevate the flavor of your ramen to another level, but store-bought options work perfectly well for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

- ▢ 1 TBSP Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity and brightness to the ramen broth, balancing the richness and savory notes. It provides a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the broth and enhances the overall flavor profile. Rice vinegar is milder and slightly sweeter than other types of vinegar, making it a perfect complement to Asian-inspired dishes like ramen. Unseasoned rice vinegar is recommended, as seasoned rice vinegar may contain added sugar and salt that could alter the flavor balance of the recipe. If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in a pinch, but rice vinegar is the most authentic and recommended choice.

- ▢ 3 TBSP Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (More to Taste): Soy sauce is the primary source of saltiness and umami in this ramen recipe. Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the sodium content and allow you to adjust the saltiness to your personal preference. Soy sauce adds a savory depth and richness to the broth, contributing to the characteristic umami flavor of ramen. Start with 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce and taste the broth before adding more. You can always add more soy sauce to adjust the saltiness to your liking. Different types of soy sauce, such as tamari (gluten-free) or shoyu (Japanese soy sauce), can also be used, each offering slightly different flavor nuances.

- ▢ 1 TBSP Sriracha Sauce (More or Less, Depending on Your Heat Tolerance): Sriracha sauce adds a spicy kick and a touch of sweetness to the ramen broth. It provides a pleasant heat that warms you from the inside out and adds a layer of complexity to the flavor profile. The amount of Sriracha sauce can be adjusted to your personal heat tolerance. Start with 1 tablespoon and taste the broth before adding more. If you prefer a milder ramen, you can reduce the amount of Sriracha or omit it altogether. For those who love extra spice, feel free to add more Sriracha or other chili sauces like gochujang or chili garlic sauce to customize the heat level.

- ▢ 2 3 oz Portions of Ramen (Discard the Flavor Packets): The noodles are, of course, an essential component of ramen. This recipe calls for 2 (3 oz) portions of ramen noodles, and importantly, instructs you to discard the flavor packets that typically come with instant ramen. We are creating our own flavorful broth from scratch, so the pre-packaged flavor packets are unnecessary and would likely clash with the homemade broth. Look for fresh ramen noodles in the refrigerated section of your grocery store or dried ramen noodles in the Asian foods aisle. Fresh ramen noodles have a superior texture and cook more quickly than dried noodles. If using dried noodles, follow the package instructions for cooking time, but be mindful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Other types of noodles, such as udon or soba noodles, can also be used as alternatives, but ramen noodles are the most traditional and recommended choice for this recipe.

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Base: Sauté Garlic and Ginger (Prep Time – 5 minutes, Cook Time – 3 minutes): Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a medium-large saucepan over moderate heat. The type of saucepan isn’t critical, but one with a heavy bottom will distribute heat more evenly and prevent scorching. Once the oil is shimmering and fragrant (this will take just a minute or two), add the 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger. The key here is to sauté them gently until they become fragrant, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from browning. Burnt garlic will impart a bitter flavor to your ramen, which is something we want to avoid. The goal is to release their aromatic oils and create a flavorful foundation for the broth. You’ll know they’re ready when the kitchen is filled with the enticing aroma of garlic and ginger.

1. Introduce Vegetables: Soften Carrots and Mushrooms (Cook Time – 2 minutes): If you’re using the optional shiitake mushrooms, now is the time to add them, along with the ½ cup of shredded carrots, to the saucepan. Continue to sauté and stir frequently for about a minute, or until the carrots begin to soften slightly and the mushrooms start to release their moisture. This quick sautéing step helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the carrots and the earthy flavor of the mushrooms, adding another layer of depth to the ramen broth. Don’t overcook the vegetables at this stage; they will continue to cook in the simmering broth.

1. Building the Broth: Simmer and Infuse Flavors (Cook Time – 10 minutes): Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, followed by 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of Sriracha sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and ensure that the soy sauce and Sriracha are evenly distributed. Bring the broth mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and deepen, creating a richer and more complex broth. This step is crucial for developing the signature ramen flavor. As the broth simmers, the aromas will intensify, and your kitchen will smell absolutely divine.

1. Taste and Adjust: Fine-Tune the Flavor Profile (Cook Time – 2 minutes): After simmering for 5 minutes, it’s time to taste the broth and adjust the seasonings to your liking. This is where you can truly personalize your ramen. If you prefer a spicier ramen, add more Sriracha sauce, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired level of heat. If you want a saltier broth, add more low-sodium soy sauce, starting with half a tablespoon at a time. Remember to taste after each addition and adjust accordingly. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors if needed, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness. This step ensures that the ramen broth perfectly suits your taste preferences.

1. Cook the Noodles: Prepare Ramen Separately (Cook Time – Varies, typically 3-5 minutes): While the broth is simmering, prepare the ramen noodles in a separate pot according to the package instructions. Most ramen noodles cook very quickly, typically in just 3-5 minutes. It’s important to cook the noodles separately from the broth for a couple of reasons. Firstly, cooking the noodles directly in the broth will cause them to absorb a significant amount of liquid, potentially making the broth less flavorful and leaving you with less broth to enjoy. Secondly, cooking noodles in the broth can make it cloudy and starchy. Cooking them separately and then adding them to the bowl ensures that the broth remains clear and flavorful, and the noodles retain their perfect texture. Once the noodles are tender but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente), drain them immediately and rinse them under cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.

1. Assemble Your Ramen Bowls: Noodle Base, Broth, and Toppings (Assembly Time – 5 minutes): Divide the cooked and drained ramen noodles evenly between two soup bowls. Ladle the hot ramen broth generously over the noodles, ensuring that they are submerged in the flavorful liquid. Now comes the fun part – adding your toppings! This recipe suggests sliced scallions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, and a soft-boiled egg as toppings. Arrange these toppings artfully over the ramen bowls. Feel free to get creative and add other toppings that you enjoy, such as sliced cooked chicken or pork, bean sprouts, nori seaweed sheets, kimchi, corn kernels, or spinach. The possibilities are endless!

1. Serve and Slurp: Enjoy Your Homemade Ramen Immediately! Your Easy Homemade Ramen Bowls are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately while they are hot and flavorful. Encourage everyone to slurp their ramen with gusto – it’s part of the ramen experience! Provide chopsticks and spoons for easy eating. Get ready for a satisfying and comforting meal that is sure to become a new family favorite.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 450-550
Fat: 20-25 grams
Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
Fiber: 5-7 grams
Protein: 20-25 grams