Craving a bowl of comforting, flavorful ramen? Look no further than Miso Ramen. This hearty dish is packed with rich umami flavors, thanks to the savory miso paste that forms the base of the broth. Miso ramen is a classic Japanese dish known for its deep, flavorful broth and delicious toppings. Whether you’re a ramen enthusiast or new to the world of Japanese cuisine, this easy and satisfying recipe will transport your taste buds to a cozy ramen shop in Japan.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to make homemade Miso Ramen, from preparing the miso broth to adding the perfect toppings. This recipe is customizable, allowing you to adjust the level of spice, add extra vegetables, or choose your favorite proteins. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or when you need something filling and flavorful. Let’s dive into making this delicious bowl of miso ramen!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are so many reasons why you’ll love making Miso Ramen at home. First, it’s incredibly satisfying and packed with rich, umami flavors from the miso paste. The broth is the star of this dish, offering a creamy texture that’s comforting and delicious. The noodles, which can be cooked to your desired texture, perfectly soak up the flavorful broth.
Another reason to love this recipe is the ability to customize it to your preferences. Whether you prefer adding boiled eggs, vegetables like bok choy or mushrooms, or your favorite protein such as chicken or tofu, you can make this ramen your own. It’s a versatile dish that can easily be adjusted to meet your dietary needs or cravings.
The best part? Miso ramen can be prepared in less than 30 minutes, making it a quick, comforting, and hearty meal for busy days when you want something flavorful but easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons miso paste (red or white)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 packs of ramen noodles (or any noodles of choice)
- 2 boiled eggs (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup mushrooms (shiitake or button)
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1/4 cup bamboo shoots (optional)
- 1 sheet nori (seaweed) for garnish (optional)
- Chili oil or chili flakes (optional, for spice)
Equipment Used
- Medium Pot: To prepare the miso broth, you’ll need a pot large enough to hold the broth and allow it to simmer.
- Spoon or Whisk: A spoon or whisk will be useful for stirring the miso paste into the broth and ensuring it dissolves evenly.
- Strainer or Sieve: For draining the ramen noodles after cooking, use a strainer or sieve.
- Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for slicing the mushrooms, green onions, and other toppings.
- Cutting Board: A cutting board will provide a safe surface to chop your vegetables and proteins.
- Soup Bowls: Large soup bowls are essential for assembling and serving the ramen.
- Ladle: A ladle is helpful for serving the broth over the noodles and toppings.
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a medium pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the miso paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to release its flavors. Add the vegetable or chicken broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, and stir to combine. Bring the broth to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Noodles: While the broth simmers, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, usually for 3-4 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Prepare the Toppings: In the meantime, slice the mushrooms and green onions. If you’re adding boiled eggs, peel and halve them.
- Assemble the Ramen: Divide the cooked noodles between two bowls. Pour the hot miso broth over the noodles. Top with the sliced mushrooms, green onions, corn, bamboo shoots, and any other toppings you like.
- Garnish and Serve: Place the boiled eggs in each bowl if using, and garnish with a sheet of nori and chili oil or chili flakes if you like your ramen spicy. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
This Miso Ramen is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein and fiber, especially if you add in some protein like chicken or tofu. It’s a filling dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Variations
- Vegan Miso Ramen: Use vegetable broth, skip the boiled eggs, and add tofu or more vegetables like spinach or bok choy for a vegan-friendly version.
- Spicy Miso Ramen: Add a tablespoon of chili paste, chili oil, or red pepper flakes to the broth for a spicy kick.
- Extra Protein: Add grilled chicken, pork belly, or soft tofu for an extra protein boost.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables, such as spinach, bok choy, or baby corn, to make the ramen even heartier.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought miso paste? Yes! Store-bought miso paste is a convenient option that works perfectly for this recipe. You can find it in the international or refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
2. How can I make the broth thicker? If you prefer a thicker broth, you can add a spoonful of peanut butter or tahini along with the miso paste to create a richer, creamier texture.
3. Can I make this ramen ahead of time? The ramen broth can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the broth and add fresh noodles and toppings.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Use Fresh Noodles: If possible, use fresh ramen noodles instead of the dried packs for a more authentic taste and texture. Fresh noodles will soak up the broth beautifully.
- Adjust the Salt: Miso paste and soy sauce can be salty, so be sure to taste the broth before adding any additional salt.
- Boil the Eggs Perfectly: For the perfect soft-boiled egg, cook the eggs for 6-7 minutes and then immediately place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Miso Ramen with a side of gyoza or crispy tempura for a complete Japanese-inspired meal. You can also pair it with a light salad or pickled vegetables to balance the richness of the broth.
Delicious Miso Ramen: A Flavorful, Savory Japanese Classic
Equipment
- Medium Pot: To prepare the miso broth, you'll need a pot large enough to hold the broth and allow it to simmer.
- Spoon or Whisk: A spoon or whisk will be useful for stirring the miso paste into the broth and ensuring it dissolves evenly.
- Strainer or Sieve: For draining the ramen noodles after cooking, use a strainer or sieve.
- Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for slicing the mushrooms, green onions, and other toppings.
- Cutting Board: A cutting board will provide a safe surface to chop your vegetables and proteins.
- Soup Bowls: Large soup bowls are essential for assembling and serving the ramen.
- Ladle: A ladle is helpful for serving the broth over the noodles and toppings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons miso paste red or white
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 packs of ramen noodles or any noodles of choice
- 2 boiled eggs optional
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup mushrooms shiitake or button
- 1/4 cup corn kernels optional
- 1/4 cup bamboo shoots optional
- 1 sheet nori seaweed for garnish (optional)
- Chili oil or chili flakes optional, for spice
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a medium pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the miso paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to release its flavors. Add the vegetable or chicken broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, and stir to combine. Bring the broth to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Noodles: While the broth simmers, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, usually for 3-4 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Prepare the Toppings: In the meantime, slice the mushrooms and green onions. If you’re adding boiled eggs, peel and halve them.
- Assemble the Ramen: Divide the cooked noodles between two bowls. Pour the hot miso broth over the noodles. Top with the sliced mushrooms, green onions, corn, bamboo shoots, and any other toppings you like.
- Garnish and Serve: Place the boiled eggs in each bowl if using, and garnish with a sheet of nori and chili oil or chili flakes if you like your ramen spicy. Serve immediately and enjoy!