Ramen is one of those dishes I find myself craving at least 3 or 4 times a week. Unfortunately, I live too far from a really good ramen place and can’t really satisfy those cravings other than making it myself. (Note to Ippudo: please open a Brooklyn location.)
A quick and easy version to make, if you don’t have the many hours it takes to create a luscious tonkotsu (pork bone) broth, is miso ramen. I use a red miso paste made with soy beans, but there are plenty of other red, white, or yellow varieties made with barley, rice, or buckwheat. Dashi is the soup stock usually used for miso ramen, which can also be quickly made with dashi granules, but you can substitute it with vegetable or chicken stock.
As for the other ingredients, I used corn, spinach, and eggs for this basic meatless version. But the beauty of ramen is that you can add or substitute leftovers in your fridge. Tofu, bean sprouts, mushrooms, cabbage, and leftover roast chicken come to mind. You can also be creative with fresh in-season produce. Today I made a delicious bowl of ramen with sautéed ramps in place of raw scallions. And yes, it was a-maze-ing.
For the seaweed garnish I like to use a few sheets from the little snack packs like Annie Chun’s or Seasnax, which are widely available and MSG-free. Though it is difficult to not snack on them and finish a pack or two before you’re done making the ramen. Hide them under a dishtowel if necessary.
- 2 large eggs
- 8 ounces spinach
- 2 packets dried instant ramen (about 6 ounces)
- 4 cups dashi, vegetable stock, or chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons miso paste
- Soy sauce to taste
- ½ cup corn kernels
- Dried seaweed (the individual packs of nori snacks are perfect for this)
- 2 scallions, green parts chopped
- In a medium pot, cover the eggs with water and bring the water to a boil. Lower the heat to a bare simmer. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes for soft-boiled eggs or 10 minutes for hard-boiled. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon or mesh strainer and rinse under cold water. Peel the eggs and slice in half. Set aside.
- Add more water to the pot (enough to cook the spinach) and return to a boil. Blanch the spinach for 1 to 2 minutes, then drain and run under cold water until it’s cool enough to handle. Squeeze the excess water out of the spinach and set aside.
- Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions, either in a pot or microwave. Drain and separate into 2 serving bowls.
- Bring a pot of dashi, vegetable stock, or chicken stock to boil, then lower to a simmer. Add the miso paste and stir until fully dissolved. Season to taste with soy sauce (miso pastes tend to differ in levels of saltiness, so taste before you add the soy sauce.) Turn off the heat.
- Pour the soup over the noodles in the bowls. Divide the eggs, spinach, and corn into the serving bowls. Top off each bowl with dried seaweed and chopped scallions and serve.
Where does one find dried instant ramen packages?
Do you recommend a particular ramen?
Lyn – You can find them in any grocery store. I use Koyo ramen, which is available at Whole Foods and other natural grocery stores, but Top Ramen is the one available almost everywhere. Or if you live near an Asian market, you have a wide choice of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean brands.
robinorig – Koyo ramen is a a good one, made with all natural ingredients. You can find it at organic/natural grocery stores or online. http://www.amazon.com/Koyo-Asian-Vegetable-2-1-Ounce-Packages/dp/tags-on-product/B000VK4CT4
MANY THANKS…I live in the Palm Springs area, no whole foods but I’ll check out Clarks (our natural grocery). By the way, I love your recipes and have been making quite a few of them. Next month, I’ll be in San Fransisco, I’ll stock up on hard to find items.
I tried this last night and it was fantastic! I’m going to try your cold sesame noodles next. Can’t wait!
Lyn – Thank you! San Francisco is always a great place to stock up on Chinese pantry items. :)
CeeCee – Oh, you’re in for a treat. The cold sesame noodles is one of my top 3 favorite recipes on this site.
Just returned from Japan and missing the wonderful ramen there something fierce… I think your post inspired me – it’s time to start making the good stuff at home!
this looks so perfect for a week night in a rush! I will add it to your amazing dan-dan noodles which we make once a week, ever since you shared that recipe!!!