This popular brothy noodle dish is basically a blank canvas.
Use our expert tips to experiment on your own, or try one of our ramen recipes.
Ready to make some delicious ramen at home?
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Chefs Israel and Okochi offer their expertise in making, serving, and even eating ramen.
Today, regional variations are vast and ramen componentsessentially broth, noodles, and toppingsvary widely.
Another variation,tsukemen,are cold noodles served with a dipping sauce or broth alongside for dunking.
José Picayo
Ramen broth can be made from vegetables, chicken, pork, beef, or any combination.
Traditionally it can take hours, even days, to prepare a proper ramen broth.
Here’s how to improve the flavors of at-home ramen broth.
Caitlin Bensel
(Choose a black-colored rice vinegar for a touch of drama!)
This way, everyone can add a touch of acidity to their own bowl based on their preference.
Enhance a Veggie Broth
Using vegetable broth for ramen yields an overall light broth.
Antonis Achilleos
Today, you’re free to find fresh and frozen ramen noodles at Asian food storesandmany supermarkets.
Sun Noodle is one of the most popular brands.
What’s certain is that it’s not ramen without the noodles.
Antonis Achilleos
(Fun fact: “men” means noodles in Japanese.)
The heavier (or more clingy) the broth you’re using, the thicker the noodle should be.
The lighter the broth, the thinner and wavier the noodle should be.
The rationale is that a thinner, wavier noodle carries more broth in each bite.
Remember that our experts say “there’s no wrong answer.”
(S&B Crunchy Garlic with Chili Oil is a favorite brand.)
This condiment’s spiciness also lends a kicky flavor to the broth.
Here’s the proper sequence:
Slurp Away!
To enjoy ramen as the Japanese do, hold the bowl up close to your mouth.
Yes, literally and unapologetically slurp when you eat ramen!
It’s not just satisfying, it’s actually customary and encouraged by our pros.
Turns out that slurping cools the noodles and enhances their flavor as you suck steaming air into your mouth.
Pork Ramen Soup
Thisspeedy dinnercalls on boneless pork chops for a weeknight-friendly ramen.
Pork drippings, along with scallions and ginger, flavor the soy sauce-spiked chicken broth.
Cook the noodles separately if you’re using fresh ones.
Thai Peanut Butter Ramen
Remember that bit about broth-less ramen?
This is one to try.
Fresh ramen noodles make this recipe even more delicious.
