Simplified Ramen Bowl was my go-to dinner last night when I wanted something quick but warm and satisfying. I had just returned home after a long day and didn’t have the energy to make a fancy meal. Then, the idea of a Simplified Ramen Bowl struck me—something cozy, full of flavor, yet easy to make. With just a few ingredients already in my pantry, I managed to create a bowl of goodness that felt like a warm hug in every bite.
A Flash of Inspiration
The thought behind this Simplified Ramen Bowl was born out of my love for traditional ramen, but let’s be honest, making authentic ramen takes hours. So, I decided to take shortcuts without compromising the flavors. I grabbed instant noodles, some chicken broth, and a few fresh veggies from the fridge. In just fifteen minutes, I had a steaming bowl of noodles topped with sliced boiled eggs, green onions, and sesame seeds. It looked as delightful as it tasted!
Fresh Ingredients, Big Flavors
What makes this Simplified Ramen Bowl stand out is the balance between fresh ingredients and convenience. While the noodles cooked, I quickly sautéed garlic and ginger for that authentic aroma. Adding soy sauce and a hint of chili oil elevated the broth, giving it a rich and bold flavor. The best part? You can customize it however you like—throw in leftover chicken, tofu, or even shrimp. It’s simple, versatile, and always delicious.
Sharing the Warmth
After my first bite, I realized this recipe wasn’t just about a meal; it was a little act of self-care. Simplified Ramen Bowl has now become my favorite quick comfort food, and I’ve shared the recipe with friends who love it just as much. They tell me it’s a lifesaver on busy evenings, and I couldn’t agree more. It’s proof that even with simple ingredients, you can create something truly heartwarming.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Simplified Ramen bowl
- Broth Depth: To enhance the depth of the broth, consider adding a piece of kombu (dried kelp) or a few dried shiitake mushrooms while simmering the broth. These ingredients will infuse the broth with a richer umami flavor, mimicking traditional ramen flavors.
- Customize Your Protein: The recipe uses chashu pork belly, but feel free to use tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative. If using tofu, press it first to remove excess moisture and pan-fry it for extra texture.
- Perfecting Noodles: Thin egg noodles cook quickly, so be sure to not overcook them. They should be tender yet slightly firm, providing the perfect texture that complements the rich broth. If the noodles are overcooked, they can become mushy and detract from the dish’s overall experience.
- Sesame Oil: Add the sesame oil just before serving. This preserves its fragrance and ensures it doesn’t lose its aroma during the long simmering process. It enhances the final flavor of the broth, giving it that authentic ramen touch.
- Toppings & Garnishes: The beauty of ramen is in its customizability. You can add or substitute toppings such as soft-boiled eggs, bamboo shoots, corn, or a drizzle of chili oil for extra spice. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your garnishes based on what you have available.
- Broth Substitution: If you’re looking for a lighter broth, you can substitute the tonkotsu (pork) broth with an extra amount of chicken or vegetable broth. This still yields a flavorful base while keeping the dish lighter.
- Prep in Advance: To make meal prep easier, prepare the broth ahead of time and store it in the fridge. You can also cook the noodles and toppings in advance and assemble the ramen when ready to eat. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights.
- Garnishing Tip: To keep the greens fresh, like spinach and spring onions, add them to the bowl right before serving, so they remain vibrant and crisp, adding color and freshness to the final dish.
Simplified Ramen Bowl
4
bowls25
minutes30
minutes450
kcal55
minutesDive into a delightful bowl of simplified ramen, perfected with a rich chicken and pork broth, tender thin egg noodles, and savory toppings. This recipe brings the authentic taste of Japanese cuisine straight to your kitchen, making it easier than ever to enjoy a comforting, customizable meal that’s both healthy and budget-friendly. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this ramen bowl is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings. Get ready to elevate your homemade ramen game!
Ingredients
- Broth Base
8 cups chicken stock
4 cups tonkotsu pork broth
4 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp mirin
2 tbsp sake
1 tbsp sesame oil
- Protein Toppings
⅔ pound sliced chashu pork belly
1 tablespoon sesame oil
12 slices of narutomaki fish cakes
1 cup cooked spinach
2 teaspoons soy sauce
8 sheets of nori
4 sliced spring onions
- Noodles
4 packages of thin egg noodles
- Alternative Ingredients:
Thin egg noodles: Use gluten-free rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
Soy sauce: Substitute with tamari to accommodate gluten-free diets.
Pork broth: Replace with additional chicken or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Pork belly: Opt for tofu or tempeh as a plant-based protein alternative.
Narutomaki: Omit or use sliced vegetables like carrots for a different texture.
Sake: Use dry white wine or additional mirin if sake is unavailable.
Directions
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, combine the chicken stock, tonkotsu pork broth, soy sauce, mirin, and sake. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and let it cook for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Just a few minutes before serving, stir in the tablespoon of sesame oil to enhance the broth’s aroma and depth.
- Cook the Toppings: Heat the tablespoon of sesame oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chashu pork belly and sear each side for approximately one minute until lightly browned. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the cooked spinach and sauté for about three minutes, adding the soy sauce towards the end to infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Noodles and Garnishes: Boil the narutomaki fish cakes in water for five minutes if frozen, then remove and slice them. Cook the thin egg noodles according to the package instructions, typically around five minutes. Drain the noodles using a colander.
- Assemble the Ramen Bowls: Divide the hot broth into four bowls. Top each bowl with the cooked noodles, seared chashu pork, nori sheets, sliced spring onions, narutomaki slices, and sautéed spinach. Serve immediately and enjoy a hearty, flavorful ramen meal.
Equipment
- stainless steel cookware set
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- colander
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 1500mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 4mg
FAQ- Simplified Ramen Bowl
Can I make the broth ahead of time?
Yes, the broth can be made up to 3 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it before serving.
What can I use instead of pork belly?
If you prefer a different protein, you can use chicken breast, tofu, or tempeh. For a more traditional ramen experience, chashu pork is ideal, but feel free to customize based on your preferences.
How can I make the ramen vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian or vegan version, replace the pork broth with vegetable broth and substitute the pork belly with tofu or tempeh. You can also replace the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
What if I can’t find narutomaki (fish cakes)?
If narutomaki is unavailable, you can omit it or replace it with thinly sliced carrots or shiitake mushrooms for an extra texture and flavor in the ramen bowl.
How do I make the ramen spicier?
To add spice to your ramen, drizzle some chili oil on top before serving or add sriracha to the broth while simmering. You can also include chili flakes or fresh chili slices for extra heat.
