Slurpworthy Weeknight Chicken Ramen
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a taste of Tokyo without the airfare? You know, sometimes you just crave a bowl of something comforting. That's where this chicken ramen recipe comes in! Get ready for a bowl of pure delight!
Quick Hook
Ever wondered if you could make amazing chicken ramen at home? This easy chicken ramen recipe delivers serious umami in under an hour.
Seriously, get ready for the best ever noodle soup recipe !
Brief Overview
Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup traditionally featuring broth, noodles, and toppings. Our homemade chicken ramen is a simplified version perfect for a weeknight ramen fix.
It's straightforward and yields four generous servings, perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits
This chicken broth ramen is packed with protein from the chicken and boasts immune boosting benefits thanks to the ginger and garlic.
It's the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening. What makes this recipe special? It's customizable! Add your favourite ramen toppings and you can taylor it to your palate.
You know what? I think that is the most amazing part.
Let's talk ingredients for this quick ramen recipe . You'll be slurping in no time!
Gear Up: Ingredients & Equipment for Easy Chicken Ramen
Alright, let's talk about what you need to whip up this homemade chicken ramen . Don't worry, we're not talking about needing a chef's pantry or anything.
We're aiming for a quick ramen recipe , something doable on a weeknight ramen craving. I remember the first time I tried making ramen.
I was so intimidated. Honestly, it's way easier than you think, especially this version!
Main Players (The Ingredients)
Here's the lowdown on the stars of our chicken broth ramen show. Exact measurements, people!
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For That Delicious Broth
- 8 cups (1.9 liters) of Chicken Broth. Low sodium's your friend. Nobody wants salty overkill, you know? Quality chicken broth is going to give you that umami ramen goodness we're after.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced. Fresh is always best, trust me.
- 2 inches Ginger, peeled and grated. That little kick is essential.
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce, low sodium. Again, sodium watch.
- 2 tbsp Mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine). Adds that authentic touch.
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil. Hello, flavour!
- 1 tsp Sugar. Just a pinch to balance things.
- Pinch of White Pepper. Subtly different from black.
- 2 spring onions, roughly chopped. Both green and white bits.
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Chicken Time!
- 1 lb (450g) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs. Thighs are juicier, but breasts work too.
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil. Any neutral oil will do.
- Salt and Pepper to taste. Obvs.
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Noodle Nirvana
- 12 oz (340g) Fresh Ramen Noodles. If you can't find fresh, dried is fine.
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Toppings Galore
- 4 Soft Boiled Eggs, peeled and halved. Runny yolk is the dream, right?
- 2 Green Onions, thinly sliced. For a pop of freshness.
- 1 cup Cooked Corn Kernels. Adds a bit of sweetness.
- 1 cup Bean Sprouts. Crunch factor!
- Nori Seaweed, cut into strips. That authentic Japanese flavour.
- Chili Oil or Chili Flakes. Only if you like it spicy, mate!
Seasoning Smarts
Okay, so the secret to good Japanese noodle soup is nailing those seasonings.
- Soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil are the trifecta. Don't skip them!
- Garlic and ginger are flavor bombs. The scent alone is amazing.
- No mirin? A pinch of sugar plus a splash of dry sherry will do in a pinch.
The Tool Shed (Equipment Needed)
Don't need much, thankfully. This isn't rocket science.
- A large stockpot or Dutch oven. Where the magic happens.
- A skillet. To brown that chicken.
- A small saucepan. For the all-important soft boiled eggs.
- Slotted spoon. For fishing things out.
- Soup bowls. Essential for serving this noodle soup recipe !
Cooking Method: Slurping Our Way to Easy Chicken Ramen
Right then, let's get down to business. We are making homemade chicken ramen . This chicken ramen recipe isn’t some fancy, cheffy thing.
It's dead simple, proper tasty, and perfect for a weeknight ramen fix. Honestly, it's so easy. You'll ditch those instant noodle packets forever.
Think of this as your shortcut to umami ramen goodness! Let’s get started!
Prep Steps: Getting Our Ducks in a Row
First things first, essential mise en place . Chop your spring onions. Grate your ginger and mince the garlic. Get your chicken broth ramen out.
This is boring, I know, but it saves time later. Trust me, a little bit of prep goes a long way.
For time saving organization tips , portion out your spices beforehand. Have all your toppings ready to go. I learned this the hard way, trust me.
Finally, mind those knives, yeah? We don’t want any accidents.
step-by-step: The Magic Happens
This quick ramen recipe is simple. Here’s how we make it:
- Sauté garlic and ginger in your stockpot.
- Add 8 cups of chicken broth, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and spring onions. Simmer for at least 20 minutes . The longer, the better, for a more intense flavour.
- Season chicken thighs. Sear in a skillet until cooked through. Internal temperature needs to be 165° F/ 74° C . Slice thinly.
- Soft boil eggs.
- Cook noodles following package directions. Drain well.
Ladle hot broth over noodles. Arrange sliced chicken, egg halves, toppings, and serve! Visual cues for doneness ? The chicken should be golden, eggs should have a runny yolk, and your broth should smell divine.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Ramen Game
Want to really nail this Japanese noodle soup ? Here are a few tips. Don't skimp on the broth simmering time .
Seriously, it makes all the difference. I once rushed it, and the ramen was just… meh. Plus, for the perfect soft boiled egg, aim for a runny yolk.
About 6- 7 minutes does the trick. Avoid these common mistakes .
This noodle soup recipe has great potential. Experiment with the Ramen toppings ! I love adding a bit of chilli oil for some heat.
You can make the broth ahead of time too. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Boom! Weeknight ramen sorted.
Recipe Notes for Your Slurp Worthy Weeknight Chicken Ramen
Right, so you're about to dive into this easy chicken ramen recipe. Ace! Before you start slurping up this Japanese noodle soup , let's chat about a few things.
These little nuggets will make your homemade chicken ramen experience even better. I swear, it's like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings, and honestly, who doesn't love a good noodle soup recipe ?
Ace Presentation: Serving Suggestions for Your Weeknight Ramen
First up, presentation! I always reckon a pretty bowl of chicken ramen just tastes better. Plating is key, bruv! Think layers.
Noodles at the bottom, broth poured over, then strategically place your toppings.
Want to be fancy? A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few extra spring onion slices does the trick. Serve it with steamed edamame or gyoza.
A crisp green salad with a ginger dressing cuts through the richness. As for drinks? A cold glass of Japanese beer (Asahi or Sapporo) is a belter.
Storing Your Umami Ramen: Top Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This quick ramen recipe is even better the next day.
- Fridge Time: Store the broth and noodles separately. This stops the noodles from going all soggy. The broth will happily keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing the Broth: The broth freezes like a dream. Portion it out into freezer bags or containers. It'll last for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the broth on the hob until piping hot. Cook fresh noodles (or reheat the old ones in hot water). Assemble and enjoy!
Mixing it Up: Chicken Ramen Variations
Fancy a change? Easy peasy!
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and add tofu or mushrooms.
- Spice It Up: A dash of sriracha or chili flakes will turn up the heat!
Know Your Nosh: Nutrition Basics
Okay, let's get a bit serious. This chicken broth ramen is packed with goodness. It's got protein from the chicken, carbs from the noodles, and vitamins from the veggies.
The broth is full of flavour, and you can load it with all sorts of healthy ramen toppings . A single serving has around 550 calories, 40g protein, 25g fat, and 45g carbs.
Remember, these are just estimates. It's all about balance, innit?
Give this chicken ramen recipe a go. Have a bit of fun, get creative with your toppings, and enjoy! You've got this, mate! It's easier than you think, and the results are amazing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this chicken ramen recipe suitable for beginner cooks?
Absolutely! While it has a few steps, this chicken ramen recipe is designed with simplicity in mind. Think of it like baking a cake just follow the steps and you'll be slurping up a delicious bowl in no time. Plus, there's plenty of room to customize toppings to your liking.
Can I make chicken ramen ahead of time?
You can definitely get a head start! The broth can be made a day or two in advance; in fact, the flavour improves with time, like a good stew. Cook your noodles fresh just before serving to avoid them getting soggy. You can also prep your toppings and store them separately, ready to assemble when it's chow time!
What are some good variations for this chicken ramen recipe?
Fancy a change? Add a dollop of sriracha or gochujang for a spicy kick, or swap out the chicken for sliced pork belly. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and add tofu or mushrooms.
And If you're feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different toppings like pickled ginger, kimchi, or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Get creative there's no wrong answer!
How do I store leftover chicken ramen?
Store the broth, noodles, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This prevents the noodles from soaking up all the broth and becoming mushy. When you're ready to enjoy, simply reheat the broth, cook fresh noodles (if needed), and assemble your ramen with your favourite toppings.
Leftovers are best consumed within 2-3 days.
What kind of noodles are best for chicken ramen?
Fresh ramen noodles are ideal for that authentic slurp, but dried ramen noodles work just fine, too. In a pinch, you can even use spaghetti or linguine just cook them al dente. Keep in mind that different types of noodles will affect the texture and overall experience, so choose what you fancy!
But hey, if it hits the spot then it works!
Is chicken ramen healthy? What's the nutritional value?
Chicken ramen can be a relatively healthy and balanced meal, providing protein, carbohydrates, and some essential nutrients. It depends on the ingredients used and portion sizes. To make it even healthier, use low-sodium broth, load up on vegetables for the toppings, and be mindful of added salt or oil.
Check the nutritional information provided in the recipe and adjust accordingly.
Slurpworthy Weeknight Chicken Ramen
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |