Ponyo Ramen Recipe: How to Make This Beloved Dish at Home

Ramen has always been a staple in Japanese cuisine, but it gained international fame thanks to its portrayal in Studio Ghibli’s beloved film, “Ponyo.” In this heartwarming movie, a bowl of ramen becomes a comforting symbol of family and friendship. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate the magic of Ponyo ramen at home, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step recipe for making this delicious dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this Ponyo ramen recipe. Having everything prepared in advance will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

For the Broth

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon miso paste
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 piece kombu (dried seaweed)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

For the Toppings

Ingredients:

• 2 packs of fresh or dried ramen noodles
• 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved
• 1 cup of sliced green onions
• 1 cup of baby spinach
• 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup of corn kernels
• 1/2 cup of narutomaki (fish cake), sliced
• 1/2 cup of cooked chicken or pork, sliced

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these steps to create a delicious bowl of Ponyo ramen.

1. Prepare the Broth

Start by making the broth, as it requires the most time to develop its rich flavors.

Instructions:

• In a large pot, combine the chicken broth and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
• Add the soy sauce, miso paste, sesame oil, kombu, garlic, and ginger. Stir well to combine.
• Let the broth simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Remove the kombu before serving.

2. Cook the Ramen Noodles

While the broth is simmering, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Fresh noodles will typically take about 2-3 minutes, while dried noodles may take 4-5 minutes.

Pro Tip: To prevent the noodles from becoming mushy, cook them slightly less than the package recommends. They will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot broth.

3. Prepare the Toppings

While the noodles are cooking, prepare the toppings:

• Soft-Boiled Eggs: To make soft-boiled eggs, bring a pot of water to a boil. Gently add the eggs and boil for 6-7 minutes. Transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool. Once cooled, peel and halve them.
• Green Onions: Slice the green onions thinly.
• Baby Spinach: Rinse the spinach leaves thoroughly.
• Mushrooms: Slice the mushrooms thinly.
• Corn Kernels: Use either fresh or canned corn kernels.
• Narutomaki: Slice the narutomaki into thin rounds.
• Cooked Meat: Slice the cooked chicken or pork into thin strips.

4. Assemble the Ramen Bowls

Once everything is prepared, it’s time to assemble your ramen bowls:

• Divide the cooked ramen noodles evenly between two bowls.
• Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, ensuring that each bowl gets a good amount of broth.
• Arrange the toppings on top of the noodles. Place two egg halves, a handful of spinach, sliced mushrooms, corn kernels, narutomaki slices, and cooked meat in each bowl.
• Garnish with sliced green onions.

Tips for Perfecting Your Ponyo Ramen

Making ramen at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some additional tips to help you perfect your Ponyo ramen:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of your ramen. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible.
• Customize Your Broth: Feel free to adjust the seasoning of your broth to suit your taste. Add more soy sauce for a saltier broth or more miso paste for a richer flavor.
• Experiment with Toppings: Ramen is highly customizable. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings such as bamboo shoots, nori (seaweed), or even a dash of chili oil for some heat.
• Serve Immediately: Ramen is best enjoyed fresh. Serve your bowls immediately after assembly to ensure the noodles maintain their perfect texture.

Why Ponyo Ramen is a Fan Favorite

Ponyo ramen holds a special place in the hearts of many fans, and for good reason. The simple yet comforting dish is not only delicious but also brings back fond memories of the beloved film. Here are a few reasons why Ponyo ramen is a fan favorite:

• Nostalgia: For many, Ponyo ramen is a nostalgic reminder of their childhood and the magical world of Studio Ghibli. Recreating this dish allows fans to relive those cherished moments.
• Simplicity: Unlike some complex ramen recipes, Ponyo ramen is straightforward and easy to make at home. This simplicity makes it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
• Comfort: There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of ramen. The combination of rich broth, tender noodles, and flavorful toppings makes Ponyo ramen the ultimate comfort food.

Conclusion

Making Ponyo ramen at home is a delightful way to bring a piece of Studio Ghibli magic into your kitchen. With its rich broth, tender noodles, and customizable toppings, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. By following our step-by-step guide and incorporating our tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and heartwarming bowl of Ponyo ramen. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite Ghibli movie, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure!

We hope you enjoy making and eating this beloved dish. Don’t forget to share your Ponyo ramen creations with us on social media using the hashtag #PonyoRamen. Happy cooking!