This easy homemade ramen is the perfect bowl of comfort! With a warm broth, chewy noodles, and tasty toppings, it’s a cozy meal ready in no time.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself slurping away! I love adding my favorite veggies and a soft-boiled egg for extra yum. It feels like a hug in a bowl! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broth: Vegetable broth is my go-to for a lighter soup, but feel free to use chicken broth for a richer flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free soy sauce!
Miso paste: This adds depth to the broth. If you don’t have miso, you can skip it but it really enhances the taste. Some folks even use tahini as a substitute, though it will change the flavor a bit!
Ramen noodles: Instant ramen noodles are super convenient! But if you want more texture, try unseasoned fresh noodles from the grocery store. They cook quickly and taste amazing!
Tofu or chicken: I love firm tofu for a vegetarian option, but grilled chicken is a tasty alternative. Shrimp or beef will also work if you prefer something different!
Mushrooms: Cremini or shiitake mushrooms add excellent umami flavor. If you can’t find them, button mushrooms are a great substitue and still delicious.
How Do I Perfectly Cook Soft-Boiled Eggs?
Getting that perfect soft-boiled egg to top your ramen can be tricky! Here’s how I like to do it:
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil first.
- Gently lower the eggs into the water, then set a timer for 6-7 minutes for that ideal runny yolk.
- Once the time’s up, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water for a few minutes to stop further cooking.
- Peel and slice in half just before serving to keep it fresh.
It’s worth the effort when you get that creamy yolk cascading into your ramen!
Easy Homemade Ramen Recipe for Delicious Comfort
Ingredients:
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp miso paste
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet if using instant)
- 4 oz firm tofu or chicken breast, sliced into strips
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or shiitake)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves or bok choy
- 2 soft-boiled eggs (cooked to slightly runny yolk)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes or to taste (optional)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or canola oil (for cooking tofu/chicken and mushrooms)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This easy ramen recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and cooking the components, with only about 20 minutes of cooking time. So, get ready to enjoy a cozy bowl of homemade ramen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Soft-Boiled Eggs:
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Gently add the eggs and boil for about 6-7 minutes for a slightly runny yolk. Once done, transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, peel and set them aside.
2. Cook Noodles:
While the eggs are cooking, prepare the ramen noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside for later.
3. Make the Broth:
In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the vegetable broth and soy sauce, along with the miso paste. Whisk everything together until the miso is dissolved and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook Protein and Vegetables:
While the broth is simmering, heat vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced tofu or chicken strips and cook until they are nicely browned and cooked through. This will take about 4-5 minutes per side for chicken, or 2-3 minutes for tofu. Once cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for another 4-5 minutes until they’re browned and tender.
5. Assemble the Ramen Bowl:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Divide the cooked noodles into bowls. Layer the sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach on top of the noodles—watch as the spinach wilts in the hot broth. Pour the delicious broth over the noodles and vegetables to warm everything through.
6. Add Toppings:
Finish your ramen by topping it with the browned tofu or chicken strips. Slice your soft-boiled eggs in half and place them gently on top. Garnish with the sliced green onions, and add chili flakes if you like some extra heat.
7. Serve:
Your homemade ramen is ready! Serve it hot, and enjoy each slurp with chopsticks and a spoon. It’s a delightful, comforting meal you’ll want to have again and again!
This recipe is perfect for quick, flavorful comfort food with easy, fresh ingredients and hearty textures. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Ramen Recipe
Can I Use Instant Ramen Noodles?
Yes! Instant ramen noodles work great for this recipe. Just cook them according to package instructions and discard the seasoning packet for a cleaner flavor.
What Can I Use Instead of Miso Paste?
If you don’t have miso paste on hand, you can either omit it or substitute with a teaspoon of soy sauce for a bit of umami. Keep in mind the flavor will be different, but still delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the broth separately and add it to freshly cooked noodles to keep everything nice and fresh!
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as sliced radishes, corn, bamboo shoots, or even kimchi for an extra kick. Customize it to your taste!
