Discover our Instant Noodles Ramen recipe, a gourmet twist on a classic favourite. Quick, delicious, and perfect for any meal!
List of Contents:
The Everlasting Appeal of Quick, Satisfying Meals
In a world where time is a luxury, the allure of quick and delicious meals is undeniable. This has led to the meteoric rise in the popularity of instant noodles.Â
Originating from Japan, these noodles have transcended borders, becoming a beloved staple in kitchens worldwide. Their ease of preparation and versatility make them a go-to option for a speedy, flavourful meal.
The Enduring Charm of Instant Noodles
Instant noodles have earned their place in the culinary world thanks to their simplicity and adaptability. They are the epitome of convenience – a quick boil, a few minutes of patience, and there it is - a warm, hearty meal.
Instant noodles are great when you feel like you need to prepare something and just want something nice and quick to eat while watching your favourite TV show. Conveniently, their long shelf life adds to their appeal, making them a pantry essential.
The three fundamental elements of Ramen
The essence of a great ramen dish lies in its three fundamental elements:
Broth and Flavouring:
The soul of any ramen bowl is its rich and aromatic broth. Typically, this base is crafted from a blend of chicken or pork stock combined with dashi, a Japanese stock renowned for its deep umami taste.Â
This forms the foundation of the ramen's flavour. A specific seasoning known as tare is added, crucial in defining the variety of ramen.
Noodles:
Central to the dish are the ramen noodles, traditionally made from wheat flour or a high-protein flour, which imparts a distinct bite and texture.Â
These ingredients, salt, water, and an alkaline substance called kansui, are combined to produce the noodles' signature chewy consistency and appearance. Ramen noodles vary in shape and thickness, adding to the dish's diversity.
Toppings:
Toppings add an array of flavours and textures to ramen. Classic Japanese ramen often features toppings like thinly sliced meat (such as chicken, as used in this recipe, or pork belly), bean sprouts, nori (dried seaweed), scallions, bamboo shoots, and specially prepared ramen eggs. These ingredients enhance the dish's taste and visual appeal.
Crafting Gourmet Ramen from Instant Noodles
Instant noodles are often enjoyed in their basic form, but they also serve as a blank canvas for culinary creativity. This recipe transforms a simple packet of instant noodles into an exquisite, flavour-packed dish.Â
By incorporating marinated chicken thighs and homemade Ramen Eggs, we elevate the humble instant noodle packet to a gourmet level, reminiscent of traditional ramen but with the convenience of instant preparation.
How to make Ramen Eggs (Ajitsuke Tamago)
Preparing Ramen Eggs, also known as Ajitsuke Tamago, is a delightful way to add depth and flavour to your ramen. Begin by gently placing eggs in boiling water and cooking them for exactly 7 minutes until the yolk is perfectly runny. Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath to halt the cooking process.Â
Once cooled, peel the eggs carefully. The magic happens in the marinade: mix soy sauce, mirin, water, and a touch of sugar to create a sweet and savoury bath. Submerge the eggs in this mixture and let them marinate for at least 12 hours, preferably in the refrigerator.Â
The eggs absorb the flavours, turning them into a delicious, umami-packed component that elevates any bowl of ramen.
Ingredients and Method
Serves 1
Ingredients:
1 packet of instant noodles
700ml vegetable stock
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small piece ginger, grated
2 marinated chicken thighs, sliced
1 Bok Choi
100g shiitake mushrooms, sliced
2 spring onions, chopped
Ramen Eggs (Ajitsuke Tamago)
Fresh coriander, for garnish
Salt and pepper, to taste
Method:
Prepare the Ramen Eggs in advance following the instructions given above.
Take the boneless chicken thighs and marinate them in dark soy sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
Put the marinated chicken thighs in the oven and cook until golden and crispy (should take at least 20 minutes so take your time before starting the noodles)
According to the instructions, cook the instant noodles in a pot with chicken stock. We suggest undercooking them just a bit, as they will keep cooking in the broth. You want your noodles to stay warm and not soggy.
Once the noodles and steamy broth have been transferred in a bowl, add the mushrooms and Bok Choi (two leaves should be enough).
Place the slices of chicken thighs alongside the mushrooms and Bok Choi.
Cut the Ramen Egg in half and gently place it near the chicken.
Serve the ramen hot, topped with spring onions and fresh coriander.
Why This Instant Noodles Ramen Recipe
This recipe is a celebration of flavours and textures. The rich, aromatic broth, the tender marinated chicken, and the unique taste of Ramen Eggs create a delightful experience.Â
It's a testament to the versatility of instant noodles and how they can be transformed into a gourmet dish that's both comforting and sophisticated. For more easy recipes, head over to our dedicated recipe section.
Conclusion: A Gourmet Twist on a Convenient Classic
This Instant Noodles Ramen recipe perfectly blends convenience and culinary artistry. It demonstrates that quick meals can also be extraordinary, elevating a simple packet of instant noodles into a gourmet experience.Â
Ideal for those seeking a fast yet flavourful dish, this recipe proves that even the most humble ingredients can become a culinary masterpiece.