Spicy Garlic Ramen

$- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional) - 2 green onions, sliced - 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced - 1 cup baby spinach - 2 soft-boiled eggs (optional) - Toasted sesame seeds for garnish The base of this ramen is the broth. You can use chicken or vegetable broth. The garlic and ginger add a fresh kick. The chili paste gives it heat, and soy sauce adds depth. Miso paste is optional but adds umami. - Miso paste - Additional chili paste Miso paste can enrich the flavor. If you like it spicy, add more chili paste. Adjust it to your taste. These options let you play with the recipe and find your perfect balance. - Soft-boiled eggs - Sliced green onions - Toasted sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro (for color) Toppings bring this ramen to life. Soft-boiled eggs add creaminess. Green onions add freshness, while sesame seeds add crunch. A sprig of cilantro on top gives a pop of color and flavor. Try different toppings to make it your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the broth, start by heating 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 inch of grated ginger. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes. You want to smell their aroma, but don't let them brown. Next, pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer. Now, stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of chili paste. If you like it spicy, add more chili paste. If you want an extra layer of flavor, you can add 1 tablespoon of miso paste at this point. Let this mixture simmer for a bit. After 5 minutes, add 1 cup of sliced shiitake mushrooms. This will give your broth depth and taste. Let it simmer again until the mushrooms soften. While the broth simmers, it's time to cook the ramen. Grab 2 packs of instant ramen noodles, but make sure to discard the seasoning packets—they won't serve you here. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Once they're done, drain them and set them aside. After the broth has simmered and the mushrooms are tender, add 1 cup of baby spinach. Stir it in until the spinach wilts, which should only take about 1-2 minutes. Now it’s time to serve! Divide the cooked ramen noodles into two deep bowls. Ladle the spicy garlic broth with mushrooms over the noodles. If you want to elevate your dish, top each bowl with a soft-boiled egg, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. For a cozy look, you can garnish with a sprig of cilantro. Enjoy your spicy garlic ramen! To get the best garlic and ginger taste, use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic has a strong flavor. Grate the ginger finely for a nice kick. Cook them in sesame oil over medium heat. Do not let them brown. Just cook until fragrant. This brings out their natural oils. Spice can make or break your ramen. Start with one tablespoon of chili paste. Taste the broth before adding more. You can always add more spice later. If you want a milder dish, use less chili paste. Serve extra chili paste on the side for those who like it hot. Everyone can enjoy their bowl just how they like it. Presentation adds to the meal's joy. Use deep bowls for your ramen. This gives a cozy feel. Top each bowl with a soft-boiled egg and green onions. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for crunch. For a pop of color, add a sprig of fresh cilantro. Your ramen will look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: Always start with less chili paste, as you can add more later if needed. This way, you can control the heat to suit your taste. Perfect Soft-Boiled Eggs: For a creamy yolk, boil the eggs for exactly 6-7 minutes, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor of your broth significantly compared to powdered alternatives. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like nori, bean sprouts, or even tofu for extra flavor and texture in your ramen. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian or vegan version of spicy garlic ramen. Start by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This swaps out the meat while still giving you a rich flavor. You can also skip the soft-boiled eggs. Instead, add tofu for protein. Firm tofu works well as it holds its shape. Just cut it into cubes and add it to the broth while it simmers. If you want to add protein, there are many choices. You can try chicken, pork, or shrimp. For chicken, use cooked and shredded pieces. For pork, thin slices work best. If you love seafood, shrimp is a great choice too. Simply add them to the broth a few minutes before serving, so they cook through. This keeps everything juicy and flavorful. You can make your spicy garlic ramen even better by adding different veggies. Broccoli, bok choy, or bell peppers add a nice crunch. You can also use carrots for a little sweetness. Just chop them up and toss them in the broth. Let them cook for about five minutes until they are tender but still crisp. This way, you can customize your ramen to match your taste and enjoy a colorful meal. To store leftovers, let the ramen cool down first. Place the broth and noodles in separate containers. Using airtight containers helps keep the flavors fresh. Store the broth in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the noodles safe from moisture to prevent them from getting soggy. When you are ready to eat, reheat the broth in a pot. Heat it gently over medium heat until it simmers. If you stored the noodles, add them in just before serving. This keeps them tender. For a quick option, you can microwave the broth in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir it every minute for even heating. If you want to save the ramen for later, freezing works well. Store the broth and noodles in freezer-safe bags or containers. This keeps them fresh for about three months. When you want to enjoy it, thaw the broth overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for a tasty meal. You can use tahini or almond butter as a substitute for miso paste. Both add a creamy texture and depth of flavor. If you want a salty taste, try soy sauce or tamari. Each choice gives the ramen a unique twist. Yes, you can use any broth you like. Chicken broth adds a rich flavor. Vegetable broth makes it lighter and vegan-friendly. You can even try beef broth for a stronger taste. Each option will change the overall flavor of your dish. Spicy Garlic Ramen lasts about three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. The flavors will meld together, making it even tastier. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Enjoy it warm for a quick meal! You've learned how to make Spicy Garlic Ramen from scratch. We discussed the key ingredients that build bold flavors. I've shared step-by-step instructions to ensure success in the kitchen. You now know tips to perfect the dish and variations to suit your tastes. Lastly, I covered how to store this tasty meal for future enjoyment. Embrace this recipe and make it your own. Enjoy every bite of your delicious creation!$

A flavorful and spicy ramen dish with garlic, ginger, and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 2

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon miso paste (optional)
2 pieces green onions, sliced
1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1 cup baby spinach
2 pieces soft-boiled eggs (optional)
to taste toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the soy sauce, chili paste, and miso paste (if using). Adjust the amount of chili paste based on your preferred spice level.
Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the broth and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms soften.
Meanwhile, cook the instant ramen noodles according to package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Add the baby spinach to the broth and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Divide the cooked ramen noodles into serving bowls and ladle the spicy garlic broth and mushrooms over them.
Top each bowl with a soft-boiled egg, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls for a cozy look, and add a sprig of fresh cilantro on top for color. Adjust the spiciness by providing extra chili paste on the side.

Keyword noodles, ramen, soup, spicy