Homemade Ramen Recipe: Quick and Easy Version to Try at Home

This easy ramen recipe is perfect when you want something warm, tasty, and filling—but don't have much time. You can make it in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients you might already have.

Ingredients:

- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

- 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional but adds great flavor)

- 1 teaspoon sesame oil

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 teaspoon grated ginger

- 1 egg

- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms

- 1/2 cup chopped green onions

- 1/2 cup baby spinach or bok choy

- Optional: cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp

Instructions:

1. In a medium pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in the soy sauce and miso paste. Bring to a gentle boil.

3. Add the mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes.

4. Carefully add the ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 3-4 minutes).

5. Crack the egg directly into the pot. Cover with a lid and let it poach for 2-3 minutes until the white is set but the yolk is still soft.

6. Add the baby spinach or bok choy and cook for 1 more minute until wilted.

7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce or miso if needed.

8. Pour the ramen into bowls. Top with green onions and your choice of protein like chicken, tofu, or shrimp.

Adding toppings to your ramen makes it more delicious and personal. Here are some of the best toppings you can try:

1. Soft-boiled Egg – A jammy egg with a runny yolk adds richness and protein.

2. Nori (Seaweed) – Thin sheets of seaweed give your ramen extra flavor and texture.

3. Corn – Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch to your bowl.

4. Bamboo Shoots – Traditional and tasty with a nice texture.

5. Pickled Ginger – Offers a tangy and refreshing contrast.

6. Chili Oil or Paste – Great if you like your ramen spicy.

7. Toasted Sesame Seeds – Adds a nutty flavor and a little crunch.

8. Green Onions – Bright and fresh, they enhance the flavor of the broth.

9. Fried Garlic or Onions – Add a crispy texture and deep flavor.

10. Bean Sprouts – Light and crunchy, perfect for balancing a rich broth.

To make your ramen recipe even better, follow these simple tips:

1. Use Good Broth – A delicious ramen starts with flavorful broth. Use a low-sodium base and add ingredients like soy sauce or miso to make the taste deeper and more satisfying.

2. Don't Overcook the Noodles – Cook your noodles until just tender, not mushy. They will continue to soften after cooking, so remove them from the heat right on time.

3. Add Greens at the End – Leafy vegetables like spinach or bok choy should be added last. This keeps them bright, fresh, and full of nutrients when served.

4. Poach the Egg Gently – Crack an egg directly into the hot broth, then cover the pot. Let it cook gently to get soft whites and a runny yolk.

5. Taste Before Serving – Always sample the broth before serving. Adjust the flavor with more seasoning so it suits your taste perfectly.

6. Prep Ingredients First – Before you begin cooking, slice, measure, and prepare everything. This helps things go smoothly and prevents overcooking.

7. Don't Skip the Aromatics – Garlic and ginger give the broth a strong, inviting flavor. Cooking them in oil first brings out their best taste.

8. Try Different Proteins – Make your ramen exciting by adding tofu, grilled chicken, pork, or even seafood. It changes the flavor and adds variety.

9. Serve Hot – Ramen tastes best when it's steaming. Hot broth and freshly cooked noodles are key to enjoying the dish.

10. Add Toppings Last – To keep toppings like eggs and vegetables fresh and tasty, add them to the ramen just before serving.

If you enjoy ramen, you should also try these famous Japanese variations:

1. Shoyu Ramen – This soy sauce-based ramen has a clear, brown broth that is slightly salty and deeply savory. It's one of the most classic and commonly found ramen types across Japan and worldwide.

2. Miso Ramen – Made with fermented soybean paste, miso ramen has a creamy, nutty, and rich broth. It's especially popular in colder regions due to its warming, hearty flavor and thicker consistency.

3. Shio Ramen – A salt-based ramen that is light, clear, and slightly yellow in color. It's delicate and simple broth allows the flavor of the noodles and toppings to stand out more.

4. Tonkotsu Ramen – This ramen is made by boiling pork bones for hours to create a creamy, white broth. It's rich, thick, and full of umami flavor, making it a favorite among ramen lovers.