The moment you step into your kitchen, there’s often a delightful opportunity waiting to unfurl. Imagine the sound of sizzling garlic mingling with savory broth, filling your home with the warmth and nostalgia of comforting meals. When my week just needs a lift, I turn to this Homemade Ramen recipe—packed with bold flavors and a cozy vibe that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Recently, I found myself craving something hearty and satisfying, but I wanted to steer clear of the usual fast-food temptations. After rummaging through my pantry and fridge, I discovered the perfect ingredients to create a bowlful of joy. The best part? This homemade ramen is not just about convenience; it’s a delightful adventure in your kitchen that brings fresh ingredients to life in a matter of minutes.
Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply enjoy a quiet night in, this easy-to-follow recipe makes everything luscious and fulfilling. Let’s dive into crafting a version of ramen that’s not only a feast for the senses but also 100% made with love and care.
Why choose Homemade Ramen for dinner?
Warmth, There’s nothing like a comforting bowl of homemade ramen that wraps you in a cozy embrace on a chilly night.
Bold Flavors, A perfect blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates layers of taste you simply can’t find in fast food.
Quick and Easy, With just a few steps, you can whip up this delectable dish without breaking a sweat.
Crowd-Pleaser, Perfect for family dinners or get-togethers, everyone will love their personalized ramen bowl!
Healthy Twist, Customize your toppings and enjoy a nutritious meal that’s as good for you as it is delicious.
For helpful tips on perfecting your culinary skills, check out my easy cooking techniques.
Ingredients for Homemade Ramen
For the Broth
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons for sautéing ingredients to create a rich flavor.
- Butter – 3 tablespoons total—two for the broth and one for sautéing the garlic.
- Dry white wine – ½ cup adds depth and enhances the overall taste of the broth.
- Low sodium chicken broth – 6 cups form the base of your Homemade Ramen, providing essential warmth.
- Low sodium soy sauce – 2 tablespoons contribute umami without excessive salt.
- Hot sauce – 2 teaspoons bring a kick to the dish, so feel free to adjust to your preference!
- Honey – 2 teaspoons help balance the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- Toasted sesame seed oil – ¾ teaspoon gives an aromatic nuttiness that elevates the broth.
For the Noodles and Toppings
- Instant Ramen noodles – 2 (3 oz.) packets offer convenience while soaking up the delicious broth.
- Bok Choy – 6 leaves, roughly chopped, provide nutrients and a fresh crunch to your ramen.
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced to create fragrance and robust flavor in your broth.
- Mushrooms – 8 oz. baby bella, sliced for a savory added texture that’s delightful in every bite.
- Chicken breast – 1 large, about ¾ lb., serves as the heart of the meal—protein-packed and tender.
- Green onions, chopped – for serving, add a pop of color and crunch on top.
- Honey roasted peanuts – roughly chopped, offer a nice contrast in texture when sprinkled on.
- Soft boiled eggs – perfect for richness and creaminess, elevating your homemade ramen experience.
Seasonings
- Salt/Pepper – to taste, essential for flavor enhancement.
- Onion powder – ¾ teaspoon brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Mustard powder – ¾ teaspoon adds a unique flavor twist.
- Ground ginger – ¼ teaspoon contributes warmth and spice to the mix.
- White pepper – ⅛ teaspoon enhances the overall seasoning without overwhelming.
- Red pepper flakes – a pinch to sprinkle on for an extra kick, adjust to your spice preference!
Gather these ingredients and get ready for a nourishing, soul-satisfying bowl of Homemade Ramen that will surpass those fast-food cravings any day!
How to Make Homemade Ramen
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Sauté Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breast in half lengthwise to create two thinner pieces. Cover with plastic wrap and pound until they are about ½ inch thick for even cooking.
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Season Chicken: Pat the chicken slices dry and generously season each side with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
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Sear Chicken: In the same pot, heat the remaining olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken slices in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside, allow to rest for 10 minutes, then cut into strips.
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Reduce Wine: Add the dry white wine to the pot and reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until it bubbles and reduces by half.
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Cook Garlic: Add the tablespoon of butter and minced garlic to the pot, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
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Create Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, hot sauce, honey, sesame oil, and all the seasonings. Bring to a gentle boil and let it reduce for 10 minutes while you soften the eggs.
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Cook Ramen: Increase the heat to bring the soup to a rapid boil, add the instant ramen noodles, and cook for 1 minute. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the chopped bok choy, cooked mushrooms, and chicken. Continue simmering for about 3 minutes until noodles are cooked through.
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Serve: Transfer the ramen soup into serving bowls, and garnish with chopped green onions, honey roasted peanuts, and a soft-boiled egg on top for added richness.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Homemade Ramen?
There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a delicious bowl of ramen to set the stage for a cozy dinner.
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Steamed Edamame: Lightly salted and served warm, these tender green soybeans add a fresh touch and a satisfying crunch, perfect alongside your steaming ramen.
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Japanese Pickles: A small side of tangy pickles balances the rich flavors of ramen, adding a refreshing contrast that complements the savory broth beautifully.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: Crunchy on the outside and filled with savory vegetables, these bites provide a complementary texture and flavor that will keep your taste buds dancing.
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Garlic Fried Rice: Serve alongside your ramen for a flavorful twist! The subtle garlic and savory notes will harmonize with your noodle dish while adding heartiness to the meal.
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Chilled Soba Noodles: These buckwheat noodles offer a nutty flavor and refreshing taste, served cold with a dipping sauce for an intriguing contrast to hot ramen.
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Asian-inspired Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, sesame dressing, and sliced veggies will brighten your meal and provide a refreshing crunch that pairs well with rich broth.
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Chai Tea: Warm and aromatic, chai tea spices enhance the flavors in your ramen and set a relaxing, comforting mood for your dinner.
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Mochi Ice Cream: As a sweet ending, this delightful dessert adds a chewy, creamy contrast that will leave you with a perfect balance of flavors after your savory ramen.
How to Store and Freeze Homemade Ramen
Fridge: Store any leftover Homemade Ramen in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the broth and noodles separate to maintain texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the broth and chicken in separate containers for up to 2 months. Noodles are best cooked fresh and added later.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the broth overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. Cook fresh ramen noodles separately according to package instructions.
Additional Tips: Add fresh vegetables just before serving to enhance flavor and texture; this brings your Homemade Ramen back to life!
Expert Tips for Homemade Ramen
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Perfect Chicken: Ensure the chicken is Thinly sliced: This helps it cook evenly and remain tender in your homemade ramen.
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Broth Balance: Taste your broth: Adjust flavors by adding more soy sauce or honey until it hits the perfect balance of savory and sweet!
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Veggie Variety: Add more veggies: Feel free to include additional vegetables like carrots or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor in your homemade ramen.
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Noodle Timing: Don’t overcook noodles: Cooking instant ramen for just 1 minute keeps them firm, allowing them to soak up the broth’s deliciousness.
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Presentation Matters: Garnish beautifully: Take time to add toppings like green onions and peanuts artfully, elevating both the taste and aesthetic of your homemade ramen.
Make Ahead Options
These Homemade Ramen are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can slice and season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerating it so it stays fresh and flavorful. Additionally, the broth can be made ahead of time, lasting up to 3 days in the refrigerator; just store it in an airtight container to maintain quality. When ready to serve, simply reheat the broth, boil the ramen, and add in the sautéed mushrooms and bok choy right before serving. This way, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort on busy weeknights, ensuring your homemade ramen is just as delightful as when freshly prepared.
Variations & Substitutions for Homemade Ramen
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that will add a personal touch and still keep the cozy vibes alive!
- Vegetarian: Swap the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Seafood Delight: Substitute chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist that adds a briny freshness to your ramen bowl.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the hot sauce or add sliced jalapeños for a fiery version that will warm you from the inside out.
- Nutty Flavor: Use peanut butter or tahini as a creamy alternative to honey for added richness and a nutty taste that elevates the broth.
- Mushroom Medley: Mix different types of mushrooms like shiitake or enoki for a depth of flavor and an enriched umami experience.
- Gluten-Free: Use rice noodles instead of instant ramen to accommodate gluten sensitivities while still enjoying a comforting bowl of goodness.
- Herbal Infusion: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil before serving for a refreshing lift that brightens the overall flavor.
- Broth Variations: Experiment with miso paste or coconut milk for a unique broth that offers various flavor profiles and creamy textures.
Let your culinary creativity shine as you customize your Homemade Ramen into your own delightful masterpiece!
Homemade Ramen Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right mushrooms for my Homemade Ramen?
Absolutely! For a rich flavor, I recommend using baby bella mushrooms, as they add a lovely earthy taste and meaty texture. Look for mushrooms that are firm and free from dark spots or sliminess, as they indicate freshness.
How should I store leftover Homemade Ramen?
Very good question! Store leftover Homemade Ramen in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, I suggest keeping the broth and noodles separate until you’re ready to reheat them.
Can I freeze Homemade Ramen?
Yes, you can! To freeze, separate the broth and chicken into airtight containers for up to 2 months. However, I recommend cooking the noodles fresh when you’re ready to enjoy your ramen again, as they don’t freeze well.
What if my broth tastes bland?
If your broth isn’t as flavorful as you’d like, don’t worry! Simmer it longer to deepen the taste. You can also add a splash more soy sauce, a drizzle of sesame oil, or a pinch of salt until the flavors pop. Don’t be afraid to adjust according to your preference!
Are there any dietary considerations for Homemade Ramen?
Absolutely! If anyone in your household has allergies, be mindful of the soy sauce, as it contains gluten. You can easily substitute with a gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos. For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth, adding tofu for protein.
How do I reheat frozen Homemade Ramen?
To reheat, first thaw the broth overnight in the refrigerator. Pour it into a pot and gently bring it to a simmer. Meanwhile, cook fresh ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Once everything is warm, mix it all together, and feel free to freshen it up with new veggies or toppings!
Delicious Homemade Ramen for Cozy Nights In
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Slice the chicken breast in half lengthwise to create two thinner pieces. Cover with plastic wrap and pound until they are about ½ inch thick for even cooking.
- Pat the chicken slices dry and generously season each side with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- In the same pot, heat the remaining olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken slices in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside, allow to rest for 10 minutes, then cut into strips.
- Add the dry white wine to the pot and reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until it bubbles and reduces by half.
- Add the tablespoon of butter and minced garlic to the pot, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, hot sauce, honey, sesame oil, and all the seasonings. Bring to a gentle boil and let it reduce for 10 minutes while you soften the eggs.
- Increase the heat to bring the soup to a rapid boil, add the instant ramen noodles, and cook for 1 minute. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the chopped bok choy, cooked mushrooms, and chicken. Continue simmering for about 3 minutes until noodles are cooked through.
- Transfer the ramen soup into serving bowls, and garnish with chopped green onions, honey roasted peanuts, and a soft-boiled egg on top for added richness.