Classic Japanese Ramen Recipe: A Comforting Bowl of Noodles and Flavor

Ramen is a beloved Japanese noodle soup that combines rich broth, savory toppings, and chewy noodles to create a comforting, umami-packed dish. While traditional ramen can take hours to prepare, this recipe will guide you through a simplified version that captures the essence of classic ramen, complete with a flavorful broth, tender pork, and a variety of delicious toppings.

Ingredients

For the Broth:

    •    6 cups chicken or vegetable broth   •    4 cups water   •    1/2 cup soy sauce   •    1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) or substitute with a bit of sugar   •    1 tablespoon sesame oil   •    1-inch piece of ginger, sliced   •    2-3 cloves garlic, smashed   •    1 sheet kombu (dried seaweed) or 1 tablespoon dried wakame (optional for extra depth)   •    2 green onions, chopped

For the Pork (Chashu):

    •    1/2 pound pork belly or pork shoulder   •    2 tablespoons soy sauce   •    1 tablespoon mirin   •    1 tablespoon sake (optional)   •    1 teaspoon sugar

For the Noodles and Toppings:

    •    4 servings of ramen noodles (fresh or dried)   •    2 soft-boiled eggs, halved   •    1 cup sliced shiitake or other mushrooms (optional)   •    Fresh spinach or bok choy (a handful per bowl)   •    Green onions, sliced, for garnish   •    Corn kernels (optional, for sweetness)   •    Nori (seaweed sheets), cut into strips   •    Bamboo shoots (optional, for texture)   •    Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

In a large pot, combine the chicken or vegetable broth, water, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, sliced ginger, smashed garlic, and kombu. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, allowing it to cook for about 20-30 minutes to infuse the flavors. If you prefer a stronger flavor, let it simmer longer; just be careful not to boil it too hard, as that can make the broth cloudy.

Once the broth has simmered, remove the kombu, ginger, and garlic. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce or mirin if needed. Keep the broth warm on low heat while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Prepare the Pork (Chashu)

To make tender chashu pork, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the pork belly or shoulder and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the pork is browned and caramelized. The sauce should reduce and glaze the pork, adding a savory sweetness.

Once cooked, remove the pork from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it thinly and set aside for later.

Step 3: Prepare the Soft-Boiled Eggs

A soft-boiled egg is a traditional ramen topping, with a creamy yolk that enriches the broth. To make them, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Gently lower the eggs into the boiling water and cook for about 6-7 minutes for a soft, jammy yolk. Remove the eggs and immediately place them in an ice bath to stop cooking.

Once cooled, carefully peel the eggs and slice them in half. Set aside for garnishing the ramen.

Step 4: Cook the Ramen Noodles

Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, typically around 3-4 minutes for fresh noodles or a bit longer for dried. Drain the noodles and rinse them briefly under warm water to remove any excess starch and keep them from sticking.

Step 5: Prepare Additional Toppings

While the noodles cook, prepare any additional toppings you’d like. Slice the mushrooms and sauté them if desired, blanch the spinach or bok choy until tender, and prepare any other vegetables or garnishes. Having a variety of textures, from soft spinach to crispy nori, adds depth to your ramen bowl.

Step 6: Assemble the Ramen Bowls

Now for the fun part—assembling your ramen! Divide the cooked noodles among four bowls, creating a nest in the center. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, ensuring each bowl gets a generous amount of broth.

Arrange the toppings on top of the noodles, including the sliced pork, soft-boiled egg halves, mushrooms, spinach or bok choy, green onions, corn, and nori strips. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if you like.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Your ramen is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately while the broth is hot and the toppings are fresh. Ramen is typically eaten with chopsticks and a spoon, allowing you to enjoy the noodles, broth, and toppings together in each bite.

This classic ramen recipe offers a rich and satisfying experience that’s perfect for cozy nights or when you’re craving comfort food. By following these steps, you’ll create a bowl of ramen that’s both flavorful and customizable, capturing the essence of this beloved Japanese dish in your own kitchen. Enjoy!