This ramen noodle soup is warm and comforting, perfect for cozy nights. With soft noodles, tasty broth, and yummy toppings, it’s a big hug in a bowl!
Once you have a bowl in front of you, it’s hard to stop smiling! I love adding an egg and some veggies for extra flavor. Talk about a delicious meal! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth is key for this ramen. For a richer flavor, homemade broth is the best option, but store-bought works well too! If you’re vegetarian, always choose vegetable broth.
Soy Sauce: This adds that savory umami flavor. If you’re low-sodium, use a reduced-sodium soy sauce. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative!
Eggs: Soft-boiled eggs are a classic topping. If you’re vegan, you can skip the eggs or use marinated tofu for protein.
Greens: Spinach and kale add nutrients and color. Feel free to substitute with bok choy, collard greens, or even shredded carrots for a different twist!
Ramen Noodles: Traditional ramen noodles give the best texture, but instant noodles work just fine too. You can even use rice noodles for a gluten-free option!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Soft-Boiled Egg?
A soft-boiled egg adds a creamy richness to your ramen. To get it just right, follow these steps:
- Brought water to a boil before adding the eggs.
- Boil for exactly 7 minutes for a soft but set yolk.
- Transfer eggs to an ice water bath immediately after cooking. This stops the cooking process and makes peeling easier.
With practice, you’ll be able to get that perfect runny yolk every time!
What Should You Look for When Bringing the Broth to a Simmer?
Simmering the broth is crucial to develop flavors. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat; too high can boil away the good flavors.
- Once the broth starts to gently bubble, add your soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
- Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. You want it to stay warm but not boiling vigorously.
This gentle simmer allows the ingredients to blend together beautifully for a tasty broth.
Ramen Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For the Noodles:
- 1 package ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet if using instant)
For the Toppings:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- Seaweed flakes or nori strips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This ramen noodle soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be serving up a delicious bowl in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth:
Begin by pouring the chicken or vegetable broth into a medium pot and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling gently, add the soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Allow the broth to simmer for about 5 minutes; this helps all the flavors to come together beautifully.
2. Cook the Eggs:
While the broth simmers, take a small pot and fill it with water. Bring the water to a boil, then carefully add the eggs. Boil them for 7 minutes to get a soft but set yolk. Once done, remove the eggs and place them into a bowl of ice water for a few minutes. This cooling process makes them easier to peel—after a quick chill, peel them and slice each one in half.
3. Add the Noodles:
Next, add your ramen noodles to the simmering broth. Cook them according to the package instructions, which is usually about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until they are tender.
4. Incorporate the Greens:
With about a minute left until your noodles are done, toss in the chopped spinach or kale. Stir it in, allowing it to wilt slightly in the hot broth.
5. Assemble Your Bowls:
Now it’s time to serve! Divide the noodle and broth mixture evenly between serving bowls. Place two halves of the boiled eggs on top of each bowl to make it look delicious!
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
To finish off, sprinkle the bowls with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and if you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes. You can also sprinkle seaweed flakes or add nori strips for extra flavor.
7. Serve:
Enjoy your ramen noodle soup hot! Serve with chopsticks and a spoon, and savor the comforting warmth that this classic dish brings. Delicious!
Can I Use Other Noodles Instead of Ramen?
Absolutely! While traditional ramen noodles are ideal, you can use udon noodles, soba, or even rice noodles if you prefer a gluten-free option. Just adjust cooking times according to the noodle type.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this ramen noodle soup vegan, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace the eggs with marinated tofu or extra veggies for added texture and protein. You won’t miss the eggs at all!
Can I Add Extra Vegetables?
Of course! This soup is very versatile. Feel free to add sliced mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, or bok choy. Just add them to the broth a minute or two before the noodles are done so they’re cooked but still crisp.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles and ensure the soup remains flavorful. The noodles may absorb some broth, so don’t hesitate to add extra liquid when serving again!
