This ramen noodle soup is warm and comforting, perfect for any day! With tasty noodles, flavorful broth, and your choice of veggies and proteins, it’s a delight in every bowl.
I love customizing my soup with lots of toppings—think soft-boiled eggs and green onions. It’s like a fun little party in the bowl! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up on a chilly evening.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broth: Chicken broth adds a rich flavor, but vegetable broth works well too. If you prefer a lower sodium option, choose low-sodium broth. Homemade broth can elevate the taste further!
Ramen Noodles: You can use fresh, dried, or even instant ramen noodles. If you’re gluten-free, look for rice noodles or soba noodles as a good substitute.
Miso Paste: Miso adds depth to the broth. If unavailable, you can skip it or use a bit of soy sauce for a similar umami flavor. Just keep in mind, it alters the final taste a little!
Eggs: Soft-boiled eggs are a classic topping, but if you’re egg-free, you can add more veggies or try tofu for protein.
Greens: Spinach is fantastic, but if you have kale or bok choy on hand, they’re great alternatives! Seaweed adds a unique flavor—you can find dried versions in Asian stores.
How Do I Get My Ramen Broth Just Right?
Creating the perfect broth is essential for a delicious ramen noodle soup. Here are some tips:
- Start with medium heat to gently sauté garlic and ginger in sesame oil. This brings out their flavors.
- Make sure to dissolve miso paste thoroughly for a well-blended taste.
- Don’t rush the simmering—allow around 5 minutes for optional vegetables to infuse their flavors into the broth.
- Always taste your broth before serving—adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or salt if needed!
Ramen Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Broth:
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional for depth)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
For the Noodles and Toppings:
- 2 packs of fresh or dried ramen noodles
- 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach or seaweed (wakame)
- 3 green onions, sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Optional: chili flakes or chili oil for heat
- Optional: sliced mushrooms or other vegetables
How Much Time Will You Need?
This ramen noodle soup takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 6-7 minutes for soft boiling the eggs. In total, you’re looking at around 20-25 minutes to enjoy this warm and comforting dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing them for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and golden. This step is crucial for bringing out the flavors in your broth!
2. Creating the Broth:
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot along with the soy sauce and miso paste. Stir everything well to dissolve the miso and mix the ingredients. Bring this flavor-packed broth to a gentle boil.
3. Adding Optional Vegetables:
If you’re using any optional vegetables like sliced mushrooms, add them now. Allow the broth to simmer for about 5 minutes so the veggies can soften and infuse their flavors into the soup.
4. Cooking the Noodles:
Add the ramen noodles to the boiling broth. Cook according to package instructions, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Stir gently to ensure the noodles separate and cook evenly.
5. Soft Boiling the Eggs:
While the noodles are cooking, soft boil your eggs. Simply place them in boiling water for 6-7 minutes. Once done, promptly transfer them to ice water to stop cooking, then peel and halve them.
6. Finishing the Soup:
Once the noodles are tender, reduce the heat to low. Add the fresh spinach or seaweed to the pot, allowing it to wilt for about 1 minute while gently stirring. This adds a lovely texture to your soup!
7. Serving:
Use a ladle to serve the soup and noodles into bowls. Top each bowl with two halves of soft-boiled egg, a sprinkle of sliced green onions, and a dash of sesame seeds for garnish.
8. Adding Heat (Optional):
If you like a little kick, sprinkle in some chili flakes or drizzle chili oil on top to taste. Adjust according to your preference!
9. Enjoy!
Serve the ramen hot, alongside chopsticks or a spoon. Dive into your comforting bowl of ramen noodle soup and savor every delicious bite!
Can I Use Leftover Broth for This Soup?
Absolutely! Leftover broth from another dish can add amazing flavor to your ramen noodle soup. Just make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning, as reheated broth can sometimes be more concentrated in flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Ramen Noodles?
If you don’t have ramen noodles, you can use any type of noodle you enjoy! Udon, soba, or even rice noodles work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodles you choose.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! Just use a good-quality vegetable broth, skip the eggs, and instead add tofu or extra vegetables for protein. You can also enhance the umami flavor by adding shiitake mushrooms or more miso paste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover ramen separately from the broth in airtight containers. The soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the broth on the stove and then add the noodles right before serving to keep them from getting mushy!
