As the night grows colder, signaling the approach of winter, many find solace in cozying up with a hearty bowl of ramen. With Japanese media and entertainment popularizing this comforting dish for years, creating homemade ramen from pantry staples has become a delightful culinary adventure rather than a tedious task.
Crafting a delicious bowl of ramen with everyday ingredients is simpler than you may think. Here’s a recipe for a satisfying serving of ramen:
**Ramen**
**(Serves 1–2)**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 packets plain ramen noodles
– 2 cups chicken or beef bone broth
– Thinly sliced chicken or beef cold cuts
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
– 1 clove garlic, smashed
– 1 spring onion, chopped
– 1 soft-boiled egg
– Sesame seeds
– Nori (dried seaweed)
– 3 shiitake mushrooms, whole or thinly sliced
– Chili flakes or crushed dried red chilies
– Handful of spinach or bok choy (optional)
**Method:**
1. In a pot, combine bone broth, mushrooms, garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of sesame oil. Heat gently without boiling.
2. Add chicken or beef cold cuts to infuse flavors. Drop in noodles and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender.
3. For added nutrition, toss in spinach or bok choy in the last 30 seconds.
4. Transfer everything to a bowl. Top with spring onion, chili flakes, and a halved boiled egg.
**Optional Flavor Boosters:**
– Butter
– Lemon juice
– Fish sauce
– Chili oil
– Corn kernels
**Quick Variations:**
**Creamy Style:**
– Add 2 tablespoons of milk or 1 tablespoon of cream to the broth before adding noodles.
**Spicy Dhaka-Style:**
– Mix in crushed red chili, black pepper, and a dash of vinegar.
**Beef Version:**
– Use beef bone broth and beef cold cuts.
– Enhance the flavor with a touch of Worcestershire sauce.