Are you craving a comforting and flavorful meal that can be prepared in no time? Look no further than quick homemade ramen. This dish takes the usual ramen to a whole new level with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a delicious homemade broth. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making this delightful dish. From the ingredients you’ll need to the step-by-step process, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets to creating a quick and tasty bowl of homemade ramen.
Everything You Need For Homemade Ramen
To make a delicious bowl of homemade ramen, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to gather before you start cooking:
Ingredients:
- Ramen noodles
- Garlic and ginger
- Broth (chicken or vegetable)
- Dried shiitake mushrooms
- Assorted vegetables like carrots or kale
- Your favorite toppings such as panko crumbs, soft-boiled egg, chili oil, etc.
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of creating this quick and flavorful homemade ramen.
How to Make Delicious Homemade Ramen
Making homemade ramen is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to create a bowl of ramen that’s bursting with flavor:
- Stir-Fry Aromatics: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add grated garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Make Your (Easy!) Broth: Add the broth and water to the skillet. Bring it to a simmer and add the dried shiitake mushrooms. Let it simmer for 10 minutes until the mushrooms have softened and the broth is flavorful.
- Add Noodles: Add the instant ramen noodles to the simmering broth along with some scallions. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the noodles have softened.
- Add Veg: Add thinly sliced kale, shredded carrots, or any other vegetables you prefer. Cook until they are just tender.
- Top It Off: Finish off your homemade ramen with crunchy panko crumbs, a soft-boiled egg, chili oil, and any other toppings you desire. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, hot sauce, or salt to taste.
By following these steps, you’ll have a bowl of homemade ramen that’s ready to be enjoyed. But why stop there? Let’s explore some ways to dress up your ramen and take it to the next level.
Ways to Dress Up This Ramen
The beauty of homemade ramen is its versatility. You can customize it to your liking and add various toppings to make it your own. Here are some ideas to dress up your ramen:
- Soft-boiled egg: Add a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg on top for added richness and creaminess.
- Crunchy panko: Toast some panko crumbs in a skillet until golden brown for a satisfying crunch.
- Scallions or chives: Sprinkle some freshly chopped scallions or chives for a burst of freshness.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a delightful crunch to your ramen.
- Corn: Add some sweet corn kernels for a burst of color and sweetness.
- Chili oil: Drizzle some spicy chili oil for an extra kick of heat.
- Nori (dried seaweed): Crumble some nori sheets over your ramen for a touch of umami flavor.
- Gochujang and kimchi: If you enjoy Korean flavors, add some gochujang (Korean chili paste) and kimchi for a tangy and spicy twist.
- Sriracha: For those who love heat, a drizzle of sriracha sauce will do the trick.
- Shredded chicken or thinly sliced beef or pork: Add some protein to your ramen by including shredded chicken or thinly sliced beef or pork.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your own unique version of homemade ramen. The possibilities are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
Now, let’s address some common questions you may have about making homemade ramen:
How do I make the crunchy panko topping?
To make crunchy golden panko crumbs, heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the panko and stir for one minute or until golden brown. Remove and place on paper towels to drain. Alternatively, you can toss the panko with a little oil and toast them in the oven to achieve a crispy texture.
I don’t like mushrooms. Can I leave them out?
Certainly! You can swap the mushrooms with your preferred vegetables or simply omit them. However, mushrooms add a rich umami flavor to the broth, so we recommend still cooking with the mushrooms to enhance the overall taste. You can remove the mushrooms before serving if desired.
How do I make the soft-boiled egg to go on top?
Making a soft-boiled egg is quite simple. Boil water in a pot, then add the egg straight from the refrigerator. Put the lid on the pot and let the egg boil for 6 minutes. Remove the egg and plunge it into an ice water bath. Peel the shell off, cut the egg in half, and place it on top of your ramen for a beautiful and delicious addition.
All I have is powdered broth. Can I use it?
Yes, you can use powdered broth as a substitute for liquid broth. Skip the ramen seasoning packet and replace it with your preferred powdered broth. Just make sure to choose a flavor that complements the other ingredients in your ramen.
My local grocery store didn’t have dried shiitake mushrooms. Where can I find them?
If you’re unable to find dried shiitake mushrooms at your local grocery store, you can easily order them online. Many online retailers offer a wide range of dried mushrooms, including shiitake mushrooms.
Have you used toasted sesame oil in this recipe?
Yes, we’ve used both toasted sesame oil and regular sesame oil in this recipe. Toasted sesame oil has a stronger flavor and is often used as a finishing oil to add depth and a nutty aroma to dishes. Regular sesame oil, on the other hand, has a milder flavor and is commonly used for cooking.
Favorite Ramen Cookbooks
If you’re a fan of ramen and want to explore more recipes and techniques, here are a couple of recommended ramen cookbooks:
- Ivan Ramen: Love, Obsession, and Recipes from Tokyo’s Most Unlikely Noodle Joint: This cookbook by Ivan Orkin provides a fascinating look into the world of ramen making and eating. It shares unique recipes, personal stories, and insights into the art of creating delicious ramen.
- Just One Cookbook Essential Japanese Recipes: Nami, the author of the popular blog Just One Cookbook, offers a comprehensive guide to Japanese cuisine, including a section on ramen. This cookbook is filled with authentic recipes and detailed instructions to help you master the art of Japanese cooking.
These cookbooks are great resources for expanding your ramen repertoire and delving deeper into the world of Japanese cuisine.
Conclusion
With this quick homemade ramen recipe, you can enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal in no time. By following the step-by-step process and adding your favorite toppings, you can create a customized bowl of ramen that suits your taste preferences. Whether you’re a ramen enthusiast or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and warm your soul. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary adventure with homemade ramen. Happy cooking!
“A deep bowl of bright veggies + flavorful broth + golden panko crumbs + soft-boiled egg + chewy, tangled noodles is not going to let you down.” – Pinch of Yum