How to Make Ramen from Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ramen, a popular Japanese noodle soup dish, is a staple in many Asian cuisines. With its rich, savory broth, springy noodles, and variety of toppings, it’s no wonder why ramen has gained a huge following worldwide. Making ramen from scratch is a fun and rewarding experience that requires just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of making ramen from scratch, from selecting the right ingredients to adding the finishing touches.
Ingredients: The Essentials
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the basic ingredients you’ll need to make ramen from scratch:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound of noodles (preferably ramen noodles or fresh spring noodles)
- 2 cups of chicken or pork broth
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon of ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
Protein:
- 1 pound of thinly sliced pork (such as pork loin or pork belly)
- 1/2 cup of sliced scallions
- 1/4 cup of bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup of shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup of sliced mushrooms
Seasonings:
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
Noodles:
- Types of Ramen Noodles:
- Traditional ramen noodles (soft and chewy)
- Thin and crisp ramen noodles (perfect for a more delicate broth)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until it’s translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Broth Components
Add the chicken or pork broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Step 3: Prepare the Protein
In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced pork and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Noodles
Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Toppings
In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced scallions, bean sprouts, and shredded carrots. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they’re tender, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Assemble the Ramen
To assemble the ramen, place a portion of noodles in a bowl. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles. Add the cooked protein, sliced scallions, bean sprouts, and shredded carrots. Garnish with sesame seeds and a sprinkle of green onions (if desired).
Tips and Variations:
- Experiment with Different Proteins: Try using chicken, beef, pork, or tofu for a change of pace.
- Add Your Favorite Toppings: Chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or pickled ginger are all great options.
- Adjust the Spices: Add more red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or more soy sauce for added depth.
- Make it a Meal: Add some fried eggs, steamed vegetables, or grilled fish for a complete meal.
Table: Ingredients and Equipment
| Ingredient | Type | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Ramen noodles | Type | 1 pound |
| Chicken or pork broth | Liquid | 2 cups |
| Vegetable oil | Liquid | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | Vegetable | 1 |
| Garlic | Vegetable | 2 cloves |
| Ginger | Vegetable | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground white pepper | Spice | 1 teaspoon |
| Soy sauce | Liquid | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sesame oil | Liquid | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red pepper flakes | Spice | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Protein | Meat | 1 pound |
| Scallions | Vegetable | 1/2 cup |
| Bean sprouts | Vegetable | 1/4 cup |
| Carrots | Vegetable | 1/4 cup |
| Mushrooms | Vegetable | 1/4 cup |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onion and cook until it’s translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Broth Components
- Add the chicken or pork broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot.
- Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Step 3: Prepare the Protein
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced pork and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Noodles
- Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Toppings
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced scallions, bean sprouts, and shredded carrots. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they’re tender, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Assemble the Ramen
- Place a portion of noodles in a bowl.
- Ladle the hot broth over the noodles.
- Add the cooked protein, sliced scallions, bean sprouts, and shredded carrots.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and a sprinkle of green onions (if desired).
Tips and Variations:
- Experiment with different proteins and toppings to create your own unique ramen recipe.
- Adjust the spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- Make it a meal by adding some fried eggs, steamed vegetables, or grilled fish.