Spicy Garlic Ramen

$- 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets) - 4 cups vegetable broth - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust for spiciness) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or button) - 1 cup bok choy, chopped - 2 green onions, sliced - 2 soft-boiled eggs (optional for topping) - Sesame seeds for garnish - Salt and black pepper to taste You can add a lot of fun extras to your ramen. Try adding: - Sliced carrots for crunch - Baby corn for sweetness - Spinach for greens - Tofu for protein - Seaweed for umami flavor These choices let you change the taste and texture. Feel free to mix and match! This spicy garlic ramen is not only tasty but also good for you! Here are some health perks: - Garlic: Boosts your immune system and may lower blood pressure. - Ginger: Aids digestion and can reduce nausea. - Mushrooms: Provide vitamins and minerals, plus they are low in calories. - Bok Choy: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, good for your bones. - Chili Paste: May help boost metabolism and add flavor without extra calories. Each ingredient brings its own health benefits, making this dish both hearty and nourishing. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. You need: - 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets) - 4 cups vegetable broth - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust for spiciness) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or button) - 1 cup bok choy, chopped - 2 green onions, sliced - 2 soft-boiled eggs (optional for topping) - Sesame seeds for garnish - Salt and black pepper to taste Next, prep your veggies. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and slice the mushrooms. Chop the bok choy and green onions. This makes cooking easier. In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but don't let them brown. This step builds flavor. Now, add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until they soften. Then, pour in the vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the soy sauce and chili paste. Adjust the chili paste based on your spice level. Once the broth simmers, add the ramen noodles. Cook them according to package instructions, usually 3-4 minutes. In the last minute of cooking, toss in the chopped bok choy. It will wilt nicely in the broth. Taste the broth and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve the ramen hot in bowls. Top each bowl with a soft-boiled egg, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For a nice look, use deep ramen bowls. Add extra green onion and sesame seeds for color. Enjoy your spicy garlic ramen! To make the broth really shine, focus on the base. Start with good vegetable broth. Look for low-sodium options if you want to control salt. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. This step adds a lot of flavor. Use fresh mushrooms for a rich taste. Shiitake or button mushrooms work well. Don't forget to taste the broth. Adjust with soy sauce, salt, and pepper as needed. You can control the heat in your ramen. Start with one tablespoon of chili paste. If you like more spice, add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away. Consider adding sliced fresh chili peppers for extra kick. This way, each bowl can match your taste. Soft-boiled eggs add creaminess to your ramen. Start by boiling the eggs for six to seven minutes. After that, place them in ice water to stop cooking. Once cool, peel them gently. Cut the eggs in half just before serving. The runny yolk will blend perfectly with the broth. This adds a great touch to your dish. Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, start with a smaller amount of chili paste and gradually increase it to suit your taste. Perfect Soft-Boiled Eggs: For the best soft-boiled eggs, cook them for exactly 6-7 minutes, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Enhance umami with Toppings: Consider adding additional toppings like nori, bamboo shoots, or tofu for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Garnish for Presentation: Use fresh herbs like cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving to brighten up the dish visually and flavor-wise. {{image_2}} You can easily make Spicy Garlic Ramen vegetarian or vegan. Use vegetable broth as the base. For a vegan twist, skip the soft-boiled eggs. You can add firm tofu instead. Just cut the tofu into cubes and sauté it with the garlic and ginger. This adds protein and texture. If you love protein, there are many choices. For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken. Slice it thin and mix it into the broth. You can also use shrimp for a seafood option. Just cook them until pink and tender. Tofu is a great choice for both vegetarians and meat lovers. It absorbs flavors well. Change up the flavor by adding miso paste. Stir a spoonful into the broth for a rich taste. For a tropical flair, use coconut milk instead of some broth. This makes the ramen creamy and sweet. Experiment with spices like curry or turmeric for unique flavors. Each option gives you a new experience. To store your spicy garlic ramen, first let it cool. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to keep the broth and noodles together for best flavor. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you only have broth left, store it separately. When you are ready to eat, take the ramen out of the fridge. Pour the ramen into a pot and add a splash of water if the broth is thick. Heat it over medium heat. Stir it gently until hot, which should take about five minutes. If you have soft-boiled eggs, add them just before serving. If you want to freeze your ramen, it’s a bit different. Only freeze the broth and veggies, not the noodles. Noodles can become mushy when thawed. Store the broth in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To use, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat following the instructions above. Add fresh noodles when you reheat the broth. You can use chicken broth or beef broth as a substitute. Both will add rich flavor. If you want a lighter option, try water with soy sauce. This mix gives a nice taste without broth. To make this ramen gluten-free, choose gluten-free ramen noodles. Many brands offer great options. Also, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari tastes similar but has no gluten. Yes, you can use fresh noodles. They will cook faster than instant ramen. Add them to the broth for only 2-3 minutes. This keeps them tender and tasty. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time! This post covered essential ingredients and their health benefits. You learned how to prepare and cook ramen, along with helpful tips for flavor and texture. I shared variations to match your taste, including vegetarian options and protein choices. Proper storage and reheating advice ensures you enjoy every bowl. Ramen is not just a meal; it’s an experience that you can enjoy and customize. Try different ingredients and techniques to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

A flavorful and spicy ramen dish with garlic, ginger, and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 2

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets)
4 cups vegetable broth
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust for spiciness)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or button)
1 cup bok choy, chopped
2 pieces soft-boiled eggs (optional for topping)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
to taste salt and black pepper

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the soy sauce and chili paste, adjusting the amount based on your heat preference.
Once the broth is simmering, add the ramen noodles, cooking according to package instructions (typically 3-4 minutes).
In the last minute of cooking, add the chopped bok choy to the pot, allowing it to wilt in the broth.
Taste the broth and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Serve the ramen hot in bowls, topped with a soft-boiled egg, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

Serve in deep ramen bowls for a traditional look. Add a few extra slices of green onion and sesame seeds on top for a colorful touch!

Keyword ramen, spicy, vegetarian