Ramen is more than just a quick meal—it’s a bowl of comfort packed with flavor. While instant noodles are convenient, making ramen from scratch (or semi-scratch) is easier than you might think. With fresh toppings and a simple broth, you can turn an ordinary dinner into something special.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 packs of ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional, for depth)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 boiled eggs, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach or bok choy
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame oil (for finishing)
Instructions
1. Build the Broth
In a medium pot, heat a little oil and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add broth, soy sauce, and miso paste. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to deepen the flavor.
2. Cook the Noodles
In a separate pot, cook ramen noodles according to package directions, but leave them slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Toppings
Boil eggs to your liking (soft-boiled is traditional), slice mushrooms, and wash greens. These simple toppings make the ramen feel hearty and fresh.
4. Assemble the Bowl
Place noodles in a bowl, pour the hot broth over them, and add spinach, mushrooms, and eggs. Sprinkle green onions on top and drizzle with sesame oil.
5. Enjoy Your Creation
Grab chopsticks (or a fork!) and slurp away. Homemade ramen is best enjoyed steaming hot, with every bite bringing warmth and comfort.
Tips for Customization
- Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Spice it up with chili oil or sriracha.
- Try corn, seaweed, or bamboo shoots for extra texture.
Final Bowl
This easy ramen recipe takes less than 30 minutes but delivers a restaurant-style experience at home. Once you try it, you may never look at instant ramen the same way again.