How to Make Homemade Ramen from Scratch

Ramen is a beloved dish worldwide, known for its rich broth, tender noodles, and flavorful toppings. While it’s easy to grab a packet of instant ramen, there’s nothing quite like making your own homemade ramen from scratch. This guide will walk you through the process of creating authentic ramen in your own kitchen, from the broth to the noodles and toppings.

Why Make Homemade Ramen?

Homemade ramen offers a depth of flavor and customization that instant ramen simply can’t match. By making your own ramen, you can:

• Control the ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients and avoid preservatives and additives.
• Customize the flavors: Tailor the broth, noodles, and toppings to your personal taste preferences.
• Enjoy the process: Making ramen from scratch can be a fun and rewarding culinary project.

Ingredients for Homemade Ramen

Before you start making your ramen, gather the following ingredients:

For the Broth

• 2 lbs pork bones or chicken carcasses
• 1 large onion, halved
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
• 2-3 dried shiitake mushrooms
• 8 cups water
• 2-3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1-2 tbsp miso paste
• Salt to taste

For the Noodles

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 tsp baking soda

For the Toppings

• Cooked pork belly or chicken
• Soft-boiled eggs
• Nori (seaweed) sheets
• Sliced green onions
• Bean sprouts
• Corn kernels
• Menma (fermented bamboo shoots)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Ramen

1. Prepare the Broth

The broth is the heart of ramen, providing the dish with its deep, savory flavor. Here’s how to make a rich, flavorful broth:

1. Roast the bones: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the pork bones or chicken carcasses on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, until browned. This step is crucial for developing a rich, umami flavor in your broth.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until they start to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the bones and water: Transfer the roasted bones to the pot and add the dried shiitake mushrooms. Pour in the water, making sure the bones and vegetables are fully submerged.
4. Simmer the broth: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the broth simmer for at least 4-6 hours, skimming off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
5. Season the broth: After simmering, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids. Return the broth to the pot and season with soy sauce, miso paste, and salt to taste.

2. Make the Ramen Noodles

While you can use store-bought noodles, making your own ramen noodles from scratch is a rewarding experience. Here’s how to do it:

1. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Dissolve the baking soda in the warm water, then gradually add the water to the flour mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Roll and cut the noodles: Divide the dough into smaller portions. Roll each portion out into a thin sheet using a pasta machine or rolling pin. Cut the sheets into thin noodles, about 1/8 inch wide. Dust the noodles with flour to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles for 2-3 minutes, until they float to the surface and are tender but still slightly chewy. Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

3. Assemble Your Ramen Bowl

With your broth and noodles ready, it’s time to assemble your ramen bowl. Follow these steps for a perfect presentation:

1. Reheat the broth: Ensure your broth is hot before serving. If needed, bring it to a simmer on the stove.
2. Cook the toppings: If using pork belly or chicken, slice it thinly and heat it in a pan until warmed through. Prepare other toppings as needed, such as slicing green onions or soft-boiling eggs.
3. Arrange the noodles: Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls.
4. Add the broth: Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, making sure to cover them completely.
5. Top your ramen: Arrange the toppings on top of the noodles and broth. Common toppings include sliced pork belly, soft-boiled eggs, nori sheets, green onions, bean sprouts, corn, and menma.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Ramen

Here are some additional tips to ensure your homemade ramen turns out perfectly:

• Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different broths, such as chicken, beef, or vegetable. You can also add different seasonings like fish sauce, sake, or mirin for extra depth of flavor.
• Make ahead: Ramen broth can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage. This allows you to enjoy homemade ramen with minimal effort on busy days.
• Perfect your noodles: If you find making noodles from scratch challenging, consider using fresh or dried ramen noodles from an Asian grocery store as a convenient alternative.
• Customize your bowl: Ramen is highly customizable. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, proteins, and condiments to create a bowl that suits your taste.

Conclusion

Making homemade ramen from scratch is a rewarding culinary adventure that allows you to experience the rich, complex flavors of this beloved dish. By following this guide, you’ll be able to create authentic ramen in your own kitchen, tailored to your taste preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, the process of making ramen is sure to bring joy and satisfaction. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a delicious bowl of homemade ramen!