Korean ramen noodles are a warm, tasty treat that’s quick to make. Packed with delicious broth and chewy noodles, this dish is sure to please your taste buds!
I love adding extra veggies and a boiled egg for a boost. Plus, slurping up those noodles brings back fun memories of my favorite noodle spots! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Water or Anchovy Broth: Using anchovy broth gives a rich flavor. However, if you prefer a vegetarian option, just stick to plain water or vegetable broth. You can also make your own quick broth by simmering vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, and seaweed.
Korean Instant Ramen: While instant ramen is convenient, fresh ramen noodles are amazing! If you can’t find these, any Asian noodle type will work. Just remember, cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on them.
Pork or Chicken: You can swap the meat for tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based option. I often go for chicken as it cooks quickly, but thinly sliced beef also works great!
Gochujang: This chili paste is key for authentic flavor. If you cannot find it, sambal oelek can be a spicy substitute, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference!
How Do I Get the Perfect Broth for My Ramen?
The broth is the heart of your ramen, so let’s make it great! Start by sautéing the garlic to release its flavor. Then, add the gochujang and soy sauce once your meat is browned. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Heat your oil in a pot and sauté garlic just until fragrant.
- Add your meat and let it brown before mixing in the gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar.
- Pour in your broth and bring to a boil for that perfect savory base.
Let it simmer for a few minutes to make sure all the flavors come together. The broth should be rich and aromatic before adding the noodles!
Korean Ramen Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Broth and Noodles:
- 4 cups water or anchovy broth
- 1 pack Korean instant ramen noodles (or fresh ramen noodles)
For The Protein:
- 200g thinly sliced pork or chicken breast
For The Seasoning:
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
For The Veggies:
- 1 cup spinach or bok choy, washed
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts, washed
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
For Topping:
- 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved
- Optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Korean ramen noodle recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Garlic:
In a pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds. The aroma will be heavenly!
2. Cooking the Meat:
Next, add your thinly sliced pork or chicken to the pot. Cook it until it is lightly browned and cooked all the way through. This step adds a great flavor to your broth!
3. Mixing in the Flavors:
Now, it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Mix everything well to coat the meat evenly with those wonderful flavors.
4. Creating the Broth:
Pour in either the water or anchovy broth and bring it to a boil. This is where the magic happens, and your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
5. Cooking the Noodles:
Once boiling, add in the ramen noodles. Cook according to the package instructions, which is usually about 3-4 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally!
6. Adding the Veggies:
In the last minute of cooking, toss in the spinach or bok choy and the bean sprouts. This will help them wilt just perfectly without losing their crunch.
7. Serving Your Ramen:
Once everything is cooked, ladle the noodles and broth into bowls. Look at that beautiful color!
8. Toppings Galore:
Top each bowl with halved soft-boiled eggs and sprinkle over the green onions. If you like a little extra heat, now’s the time to add those red pepper flakes!
9. Enjoy Your Meal:
Grab some chopsticks, dig in, and enjoy your flavorful Korean ramen noodles! Don’t forget to savor each bite!
Can I Use Any Other Protein Instead of Pork or Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use tofu for a vegetarian option, or even shrimp if you prefer seafood. Just ensure whatever protein you choose is cooked through before serving!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, use vegetable broth instead of anchovy broth, replace the meat with tofu, and omit the eggs. You can enhance flavors with more vegetables and spices.
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store any leftover ramen in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the noodles and prevent them from becoming too thick.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes! If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of gochujang or skip the red pepper flakes. You can always add more spice when serving if needed!