The beauty of the ramen recipe is known to all. This is why you must know the ramen recipe. However, it is not the regular ramen recipe that you think you can make using any kind of noodles. This is because, to make an authentic ramen recipe, you will have to know the proper best instant ramen recipe.
Thus, get into knowing how to make ramen noodles. You can also look into various other ramen recipes which have a lot of different condiments. Therefore, get into knowing the authentic ramen noodle recipes. Only after this will you be able to know how to make ramen in the best manner possible.
About The Ramen Recipe
The ramen bowl or the ramen recipe is a Japanese noodle dish. It thoroughly consists of Chinese-style wheat noodles which is served in a broth. Common flavors which are used in the ramen recipe are soy sauce and miso. It also has typical toppings including sliced pork (chāshū), nori (dried seaweed), menma (bamboo shoots), and scallions.
The ramen recipe is known to have its roots in Chinese noodle dishes, and it is known to be a good part of Japanese Chinese cuisine. Nearly every region in Japan has its own variation of the ramen recipe. This is known to be the tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen of Kyushu and the miso ramen of Hokkaido.
Origins Of The Ramen Recipe
The origins of the ramen recipe can be traced back to Yokohama Chinatown in the early 20th century. The word “ramen” is a Japanese borrowing of the Chinese word lamian. This means “pulled noodles”. However, it is not derived from the northern Chinese dish of lamian. Instead, the dish evolved from southern Chinese noodle dishes.
This means that the ramen recipe is taken from regions such as Guangzhou, thus, reflecting the demographics of Chinese settlers in Yokohama. The ramen recipe further gained popularity in Japan. This was especially during food shortages following World War II. In 1958, instant noodles were invented by Momofuku Ando, further popularizing the dish.
The Present State Of The Ramen Recipe
At present, the ramen recipe is known to be a cultural icon in Japan. It is filled with many regional varieties and a wide range of toppings. These examples include Sapporo’s rich miso ramen, Hakodate’s salt-flavored ramen, Kitakata’s thick, flat noodles in pork-and-niboshi broth, Tokyo-style ramen with soy-flavored chicken broth, Yokohama’s Iekei Ramen with soy flavored pork broth.
The ramen recipe also includes examples such as Wakayama’s soy sauce and pork bone broth, and Hakata’s milky tonkotsu (pork bone) broth. Ramen is also known to be offered in various establishments and locations, with the best quality usually found in specialist ramen shops called ramenya.
Ramen Recipe And Its Popularity
The ramen recipe and its popularity has spread outside of Japan. In Korea, ramen is also known in its original name. this goes into having their own variation of the dish, ramyeon. In China, ramen is called rìshì lāmiàn. The ramen recipe has also made its way into Western restaurant chains. Along with it, the instant ramen was exported from Japan in 1971 and has since gained a lot of international recognition.
Know The Ramen Recipe
The ramen recipe is very tasty and to make authentic ramen, you must get down into knowing the ingredients to make the recipe in its best form.
Ingredients
- Chicken stock (unsalted)
- Spring onions (scallions)
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Fresh red chili (or dried red chili)
- Light soy sauce
- Mirin
- Fresh shiitake mushrooms (or dried shiitake mushrooms)
- Dried ramen noodles
- Mirin
- Dark soy sauce
- Light soy sauce
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Garlic
- Boneless chicken thighs (skin on or off)
- Brown sugar (for the glaze)
- Dark soy sauce (for the glaze)
- Asian greens such as bok choy and yu choy (you can also use spinach, water spinach, kale, Swiss chard, etc.)
- Sesame oil (for the greens)
- Soy sauce (for the greens)
- Garlic (for the greens)
- Spring onions (scallions)
- Chili oil
- Bean sprouts
- Seaweed
- Radishes
- Mushrooms
- Ramen egg (or regular soft-boiled egg)
- Asian greens such as bok choy, yu choy (you can also use spinach, water spinach, kale, Swiss chard etc.)
- Sesame oil (for the greens)
- Soy sauce (for the greens)
- Garlic (for the greens)
- Spring onions (scallions)
- Chili oil
- Bean sprouts
- Seaweed
- Radishes
- Mushrooms
- Ramen egg (or regular soft-boiled egg)
What Types Of Broth are Included in The Ramen?
The types of broth that are included in the ramen recipe are as follows:
Soy Sauce
This sauce is what makes the ramen broth a shoyu ramen. Therefore, you can leave out the soy sauce for a shio ramen base or you can add some white miso for a miso ramen base.
Mirin
This is a classic addition to Japanese ramen that really enhances the flavor. It is known to be a sweet rice wine with a slight tang. Also, supermarkets usually sell “Aji-Mirin,” which isn’t really mirin. However, it works just well.
Garlic
You should always add garlic. However, because there’s ginger in the recipe, the garlic isn’t a necessity. Or you can leave out the ginger and just add garlic. This is totally up to you.
Dried shiitake mushrooms
These are optional. However, it is a fantastic and easy way to add umami flavor without adding MSG.
MSG
MSG is known to have a bad reputation. However, it should not because mono-sodium glutamate is also present in tomatoes, and this vegetable fruit is incredibly delicious! Therefore, if you have MSG, you can absolutely go onto add a pinch of this to your broth too.
What Type Of Noodles Should You Add In The Ramen Recipe?
The kind of noodles that you can use in the ramen recipe are as given below:
Straight ramen noodles
Usually, it is known that this type of noodle is used with heavier broths. However, you could use them on a regular basis too especially for homemade noodles.
Wavy ramen noodles
These noodles are known to work just better for lighter ramen bases. It is in its best form, such as the shoyu ramen recipe. Therefore, if you do have them, then you are more than welcome to use them for this ramen recipe.
Instant ramen noodles
This is perhaps the most popular type of ramen noodles, which are known to be overcooked very quickly. This is because they swell up in the broth and get soggy. Soggy noodles are an absolute no-go for an authentic ramen bowl. However, you can use them for this chicken ramen recipe. Just take care to under-cook these noodles so that they don’t get soggy in the ramen broth.
Udon, soba, somen noodles
These are usually sold as dry noodles in supermarkets, and you can use them too if you prefer.
Fresh noodles vs dried noodles
You can get into using either fresh noodles or dried noodles. Therefore, if you have access to fresh ramen noodles, just make sure to cook them according to the instructions on the packet.
Conclusion
The ramen recipe is known to be very tasty, and you must get into your hands to make the best ramen recipe. This will help you taste ramen in the best manner possible. Plus, there are many options by which you can enhance your ramen. Thus, research the best alternatives and use them in your ramen today.
FAQs
What is ramen?
Ans: Ramen is known to be a Japanese noodle soup dish made with wheat noodles, broth, and various toppings.
What types of ramen are there?
Ans: Common types of ramen recipe are known to include Shoyu (soy sauce), Miso (fermented soybean paste), Shio (salt), and Tonkotsu (pork bone broth).
Are ramen noodles used in the ramen recipe gluten-free?
Ans: Traditional ramen noodles are made from wheat, so they are not gluten-free. However, there are gluten-free alternatives available.
How is the ramen broth in ramen recipe made?
Ans: Ramen broth can be made from various ingredients, including bones, vegetables, and seasonings, and it typically simmers for several hours to develop flavor.
What toppings are commonly used in ramen?
Ans: Popular toppings include sliced pork (chashu), green onions, nori (seaweed), soft-boiled eggs, and menma (bamboo shoots).
Can ramen be healthy?
Ans: Ramen is known to be a part of a balanced diet, especially if made with fresh ingredients and vegetables, but it can also be high in sodium.
How do you eat ramen properly?
Ans: It is known to be traditional to slurp the noodles, which is believed to enhance flavor and show appreciation for the meal.
Can you freeze ramen?
Ans: You can freeze homemade broth and toppings, but fresh noodles are best cooked right before serving.
What is the origin of ramen?
Ans: Ramen has its roots in Chinese wheat noodle soup and evolved in Japan in the early 20th century.
Where can I find good ramen?
Ans: To get good ramen you must look for specialized ramen shops or izakayas in your area, or try making it at home.
