Quick Homemade Ramen

by Jeffrey KingYummy Meals

Ramen is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. From the savory broth to the chewy noodles and perfectly chosen toppings, it’s a bowl of comfort that can bring warmth on a cold day or satisfy that craving for something rich and hearty. While instant ramen is a convenient option for many, making ramen at home offers a whole new level of flavor, creativity, and personalization. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your own ramen from scratch—without spending hours in the kitchen—you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to whip up quick homemade ramen that’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for customizing. Whether you’re a ramen newbie or a seasoned enthusiast looking for a faster way to get your ramen fix, this recipe will have you enjoying a bowl of ramen that rivals your favorite ramen shop, all in under 30 minutes!

What is Ramen?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk a bit about what ramen actually is. Ramen, a beloved Japanese noodle dish, consists of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a rich, often savory broth. The broth can be made from a variety of meats (like pork or chicken) or vegetables and can be seasoned with soy sauce (shoyu), miso, or salt (shio), depending on the style of ramen. Toppings like chashu pork, green onions, a soft-boiled egg, and nori (seaweed) round out the dish.

A Brief History of Ramen

Ramen’s history dates back to the late 19th century. While many people associate ramen with Japan, its roots actually come from China. The dish was introduced to Japan in the early 20th century and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Over time, Japan adapted and refined ramen, creating distinct regional variations—like the rich and creamy Tonkotsu ramen from Fukuoka, the soy-sauce-based ramen from Tokyo, and the miso ramen from Sapporo.

In Japan, ramen is more than just food; it’s a symbol of comfort, social gatherings, and late-night snacks. The dish has become a central part of the culinary landscape, with ramen shops (known as “ramen-ya”) sprinkled across the country, each offering their unique take on this beloved meal.

Instant vs. Homemade Ramen

For many, instant ramen is the gateway into the world of ramen. It’s cheap, quick, and convenient—perfect for a busy day or when you’re in a pinch. However, while instant ramen can be satisfying, it often lacks the depth of flavor and customization that homemade ramen offers.

Making ramen from scratch allows you to control every element: from the broth to the toppings, the seasonings to the noodles. Homemade ramen offers the chance to get creative and experiment with flavors you can’t get from a packaged bowl. Plus, it’s often healthier since you can avoid preservatives and excessive sodium, which are common in instant ramen.

Why Make Ramen at Home?

You might be wondering, “Why should I bother making ramen from scratch when I can just buy a packet?” That’s a great question, and I’m here to tell you that making homemade ramen comes with a few major benefits:

  1. Complete Control Over Ingredients
    When you make ramen at home, you have full control over the ingredients. This means you can choose fresh, high-quality ingredients, avoid excessive sodium or MSG, and even adjust the flavor to suit your preferences. Want a richer broth? Use bone broth. Prefer a vegan option? You can make a delicious vegetable broth instead.
  2. Customization
    One of the best parts about homemade ramen is how customizable it is. You can experiment with different broths, noodle types, and toppings. Add spicy chili oil for a kick, or swap in your favorite vegetables for a lighter version. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make ramen exactly how you like it.
  3. Satisfaction of Making It Yourself
    There’s something incredibly satisfying about making ramen from scratch. From simmering the broth to watching the noodles cook, making ramen allows you to connect with the process and appreciate the flavors you create. Plus, it’s way more impressive to serve homemade ramen to guests than to open a packet of instant noodles!
  4. Cost-Effective
    At first glance, homemade ramen might seem like a more expensive option. After all, you’ll need fresh ingredients and possibly some specialty items like miso paste or soy sauce. However, when you break it down, homemade ramen is actually quite affordable—especially since you can use leftovers and repurpose ingredients for other meals.

Essential Ingredients for Quick Homemade Ramen

Let’s break down the key ingredients for making your own ramen. These are the basics you’ll need to create a flavorful bowl of ramen, and I’ll also give you some suggestions for quick shortcuts and substitutions.

1. Broth Base

The foundation of any good ramen is the broth. For a quick homemade ramen, you’ll want to start with a simple, flavorful broth. There are many options to choose from, but the two most popular are soy-based (shoyu) and miso-based broths.

  • Soy Sauce Broth (Shoyu): Made with a combination of soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), and sometimes a little sugar, this broth is savory, rich, and slightly salty.
  • Miso Broth: This broth is made using miso paste, which adds a deep umami flavor. It’s often paired with a bit of chicken or vegetable stock to create a hearty and comforting base.

If you’re short on time, you can also use pre-made stock (chicken, vegetable, or even dashi) and enhance it with miso or soy sauce for added depth of flavor.

2. Noodles

The noodles are the heart of the ramen. The texture of the noodles is just as important as the broth, so don’t skimp here! Traditional ramen noodles are wheat-based and come in various thicknesses and shapes. You can find ramen noodles at most grocery stores, but if you can’t, udon or even spaghetti can work as an alternative.

For an authentic touch, you can even try making your own ramen noodles from scratch, but for a quick homemade ramen, store-bought noodles are perfectly fine. Look for fresh or frozen noodles if you can.

3. Toppings

Ramen toppings are where you can get creative! Here are a few classic options:

  • Soft-Boiled Eggs: These eggs are cooked just right—firm whites and runny yolks. The key is to simmer them for about 6-7 minutes for that perfect texture.
  • Chashu Pork: This is a slow-braised pork belly, often served in thick slices on top of the ramen. While you can buy pre-cooked chashu pork, a simple sautéed or pan-fried pork or chicken can work in a pinch.
  • Nori (Seaweed): A crispy sheet of nori adds a salty, umami flavor to the ramen.
  • Green Onions: Fresh, crunchy green onions add a nice contrast to the warm broth and noodles.
  • Bamboo Shoots: These can be found canned or fresh, and they add a nice texture and subtle flavor.
  • Sweet Corn: In Hokkaido-style ramen, sweet corn is a popular addition, bringing a touch of sweetness that balances the savory broth.

Feel free to get creative with your toppings! You can add anything from mushrooms and spinach to chili oil and sesame seeds.

Quick Homemade Ramen Recipe

Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to dive into the recipe! This version of quick homemade ramen can be made in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal or whenever you’re craving something delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional, for miso ramen)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 packs of ramen noodles (fresh or dried)
  • 2 soft-boiled eggs
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, pork, or tofu
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 sheet nori, torn into strips
  • Optional toppings: bamboo shoots, corn, mushrooms, spinach, chili oil, sesame seeds

Instructions:

  1. Make the Broth
    In a medium saucepan, heat the chicken or vegetable stock over medium heat. Stir in the soy sauce and miso paste (if using). Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  2. Prepare the Noodles
    While the broth is simmering, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Be sure not to overcook them—they should still have a slight bite to them. Drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Toppings
    While the broth and noodles are cooking, prepare your toppings. Soft-boil the eggs by placing them in boiling water for about 6-7 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Slice your cooked protein (chicken, pork, or tofu), and chop your green onions.
  4. Assemble the Ramen
    Once everything is ready, it’s time to assemble your ramen. Place the cooked noodles into bowls, then ladle the hot broth over the top. Arrange your toppings on the ramen—half a soft-boiled egg, some slices of protein, green onions, nori, and any other toppings you like.
  5. Serve and Enjoy
    Garnish with a drizzle of sesame oil, chili oil for heat, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Ramen

  • Noodle Cooking Tip: If you’re using dried noodles, make sure you don’t overcook them. They should be just slightly firm (al dente) when you remove them from the pot since they’ll continue cooking in the hot broth.
  • Enhancing Your Broth: If you have extra time, simmer your broth for longer to develop more depth. Add some ginger, garlic, or even a dash of mirin to take the flavor to the next level.
  • Storing Leftovers: If you have leftover broth or noodles, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Noodles can become mushy if stored in broth, so keep them separate.

Conclusion

Making quick homemade ramen at home is easier than you think, and it’s a fun way to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. With a rich, savory broth, fresh noodles, and your favorite toppings, you can enjoy a bowl of ramen that’s tailor-made just for you. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, this homemade ramen is bound to be a hit. So, grab your chopsticks, slurp away, and enjoy your delicious creation!