How To Make Ramen Noodles

Take the usual ramen up a notch with this quick homemade ramen. Fresh veggies and herbs make this extra delicious, healthy, and cozy!

NOTE: This recipe uses packaged ramen noodles with a quick and tasty homemade broth + fresh veggies. If you are looking for homemade ramen noodles, here is a great recipe for the ramen noodles made from scratch.

Fresh vegetables? Quick and easy homemade broth? A soft-boiled egg and a pile of our favorite curly-cue packaged ramen noodles that remind us of college? That's this homemade ramen.

If today is your day for an authentic Japanese cooking adventure, I highly recommend Nami's amazing blog Just One Cookbook.

On the flip side, this recipe leans more in the direction of I-have-a-package-of-ramen-and-some-vegetables-can-we-make-lunch practical. Sort of healthy and fast and a little nostalgic (packaged ramen!) but also fresh-ly delicious with a ton of flavor.

Ramen Noodle Throwback

Controversial opinion alert, but there is a time and a place for a big warm pot o' ramen noodles, complete with – I'm going to say it – the ramen seasoning packet. For me, that would be circa 2007 sitting on the floor of a small dorm room with millions of Christmas lights hanging up for no reason whatsoever, or on the couch at home during a rainy sick day home from work when that extra-salty broth hits just right.

But I'd like to try to encourage you to go to the Packaged Ramen + level with this recipe. I mean, when you can make your own yummy broth in 20 minutes? And it's delicate and light and full of flavor, in a more fresh and veg-heavy way? That is the way to do it, says Adult Me.

How To Make Delicious Homemade Ramen

Simmering some garlic, ginger, and dried mushrooms with your chicken broth makes for a great quickie "stock". A good while in the pot will get some nice flavors going that will soon be soaked up by those noodles. And by good while, I mean 19 minutes, because the whole thing takes 20. The soft egg on tops will get you all the Instagram likes, and the panko and extra chili oil or Sriracha will light your mouth up with joy.

At the end of the day, a deep bowl of bright veggies + flavorful broth + golden panko crumbs + soft-boiled egg + chewy, tangled noodles is not going to let you down. ♡

Close-up image of Quick Homemade Ramen with chopsticks and a soft egg.

Homemade Ramen: FAQs

How do I make the crunchy panko topping?

To make crunchy golden panko crumbs, heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the panko, stir for one minute or less, or until golden brown. Remove and place on paper towels to drain. You can also toss the panko with a little oil and toast them in the oven to get them golden and crispy.

I don't like mushrooms. Can I leave them out?

Sure! You can swap just about any veggie in its place or leave them out entirely. We'd recommend still cooking with the mushrooms though to give the broth a nice umami flavor and then just remove the mushrooms before serving.

How do I make the soft-boiled egg to go on top?

Good news – this is super easy! Boil water on the stove in a pot. Add your egg straight from the fridge and put the lid on the pot. Boil the egg for 6 minutes. Remove the egg and plunge it into an ice water bath. Peel the shell off, cut the egg in half, and place your beautiful jammy egg on top of your ramen.

Prefer To Watch Instead Of Read?

Source Notes: This recipe is what I make at home when I want to enjoy the grocery store 50 cent packaged ramen, but with a little more freshness and fanciness. True Japanese ramen is a work of art and is worth a) trying, if you have access to it! and b) learning more about it. In the Twin Cities I really enjoy Tori Ramen (their Bali ramen is my favorite). I also love the Ivan Ramen cookbook for a really interesting look at the ramen making and eating process (like… slurping is a good thing!). And like I mentioned before, Nami's website Just One Cookbook is a great resource for authentic Japanese food.

Description

Take the usual ramen up a notch with this quick homemade ramen. Fresh veggies and herbs make this extra delicious, healthy, and cozy!

1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 teaspoons grated ginger
4 teaspoons grated garlic
4 cups broth (I used chicken, but vegetable would also work)
4 cups water
1 ounce dried shiitake mushrooms
2 packages instant ramen (noodles only!)
1/2 cup chopped scallions or chives
2 cup chopped kale
1 cups shredded carrots
Sriracha to taste
crunchy golden panko crumbs for topping (see FAQs)

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium low heat. Add the garlic and ginger; stir fry for 2 minutes or until soft and fragrant.
Add the broth and the water. Bring to a simmer; add the mushrooms and simmer for 10 minutes or until the mushrooms have softened and the broth is flavorful.
Add the instant noodles to the hot liquid and simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until the noodles have softened. Add the scallions and stir to combine.
Remove from heat, stir in the kale and carrots, and top with crunchy panko crumbs (see notes) and a soft-boiled egg (optional). Season with chili oil, hot sauce, sesame oil, and/or soy sauce and salt to taste.