By Nourish Your Body and Soul with the Ultimate Wholesome Ramen Experience
Ramen is not just a dish; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has captivated food enthusiasts around the globe. Originally from China, the Japanese adapted and refined this noodly delight into the ramen we know and love today.
At its core, ramen consists of wheat noodles served in a savoury broth, often flavoured with soy sauce or miso, and topped with a variety of ingredients such as sliced pork, nori (seaweed), menma (bamboo shoots), and green onions.
The evolution of ramen has led to numerous regional and chef-specific variations, making it a versatile and deeply personal dish.
The Anatomy of Premium Quality Ramen
A bowl of good quality ramen is a symphony of taste and texture, harmonizing various elements to create a satisfying meal. The soul of ramen lies in its broth, which should be rich, flavorful, and simmered for hours to extract the depth of flavour from its ingredients.
The noodles, whether thick or thin, straight or wavy, should be cooked to the perfect degree of firmness, known as ‘al dente’ in Italian cooking. Toppings are not just garnishes but integral components that add layers of flavour and texture. Quality ramen should engage all the senses and leave a lasting impression with every slurp.
Health Benefits: A Wholesome Bowl
When prepared with wholesome ingredients, Ramen can be a nourishing meal that satisfies the palate and the body’s nutritional needs.
Homemade ramen allows for control over ingredients, ensuring the use of fresh, high-quality produce and lean meats and avoiding preservatives often found in instant varieties, including vegetables and fermented condiments like miso, which can provide essential nutrients and probiotics, promoting gut health and overall well-being.
The Joy of Home Cooking: Tailored to Taste and Health
Cooking ramen at home offers many benefits, from being able to tailor the dish according to personal dietary preferences and restrictions to ensuring a healthier meal.
Homemade ramen allows for portion control, an essential aspect of maintaining a balanced diet. It also provides the freedom to experiment with various ingredients, reducing sodium and avoiding additives commonly found in store-bought versions. Preparing ramen can be therapeutic, offering a sense of accomplishment and a moment of creativity in everyday life.
Cost-Effectiveness: Savvy Dining at Home
While dining out can be a delightful experience, it can also significantly dent your budget, especially for specialty dishes like ramen. In contrast, making ramen at home is a cost-effective alternative to ensure the ingredients’ quality.
The initial investment in basic ingredients for the broth and toppings can be used to prepare multiple servings, offering savings over time. Moreover, the versatility of ramen means that leftover ingredients from other meals can be repurposed, minimizing waste and maximizing value.
Table of Contents
Easy Ramen
Ingredients
For the broth
- 3 garlic cloves sliced
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sesame oil toasted
- 1 tsp sesame oil toasted
- 225 g ground pork
- 2 carrots grated
- 4 green onions sliced, white and green parts separated
- 1½ tbsp ginger grated
- 2 tsp chili garlic sauce
- 2 L chicken broth
- 4 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the toppings
- 4 large eggs soft boiled
- 230 g Ramen noodles dried
- chili garlic sauce
- 4 sheets nori chopped
- ½ cup bean sprouts
- 4 tbsp sweet corn canned
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
What you need to do
- Place the garlic with ¼ teaspoon of salt onto a chopping board, and using the edge of a knife, mash together into a paste. Set aside.
- Heat one tablespoon of the sesame oil in a large pot over a medium heat. Add the pork and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and cook for 5-7 minutes. Transfer the pork to a plate.
- Add the remaining one teaspoon of sesame oil to the same pot and cook the carrots, the white parts of the green onion and half of the green parts of the green onion. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until the carrots are tender.
- Push the vegetables aside to clear a space in the centre of the pot. Add the ginger, chilli garlic sauce and reserved garlic paste and cook for 30 seconds, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Next, stir in the pork and any pork juices, then add the chicken broth. Increase the heat to high and bring just to a boil. Add the miso and butter and stir until the miso is fully dissolved. Cover the pot and keep warm over low heat until ready to serve.
- Cook the noodles according to the instructions on the packaging and prepare all the other topping ingredients.
- To serve: Divide the noodles and pork between 4 bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the top. Top with egg halves, the remaining green onion, and the remaining toppings. Serve hot.
Notes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 617
- Fats: 31g
- Carbs: 59g
- Protein: 29g
- Fibre: 5g
1 Comment