Ramen is a Korean soul food known for its
simplicity and deep flavor. However, the taste of ramen can vary significantly
depending on how it’s cooked.
In this guide, we’ll share tips for
elevating your ramen game.
With these methods, you can enjoy ramen at home that's as delicious as you’d find in a Korean street food stall.
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| [Photo credit] Alex Bundo, Korea Tourism Organization |
The Importance of Water Quantity and Cooking Time
The foundation of delicious ramen lies in precisely measuring water and cooking time.Typically, 550ml of water per packet is
recommended.
Too much water dilutes the flavor, while
too little makes it overly salty.
Use a measuring cup for accuracy.
Cooking the noodles for 4 minutes and 30 seconds achieves an
ideal texture.
Sequence of Adding Ingredients
Most ramen brands suggest adding the noodles and seasoning packet simultaneously as the optimal method.This ensures that the seasoning evenly
infuses the noodles, enhancing the overall taste.
Heat Control
When boiling water, start with high heat.Once the noodles and seasoning are added,
reduce to medium heat for gentle simmering.
This technique preserves the chewiness of
the noodles while enriching the broth’s depth of flavor.
Perfecting Noodle Texture
Lift the noodles occasionally with chopsticks while cooking.This circulates air, giving the
noodles a bouncier, more elastic texture.
Enhancing with Additional Ingredients
Add green onions, eggs, minced garlic, or other ingredients to elevate your ramen.Slice green onions diagonally for better
texture, pre-whisk eggs, and add 1 spoonful of minced garlic for a richer
broth.
Using a Frying Pan for Cooking
Try cooking ramen in a frying pan instead of a pot.The higher heat conductivity cooks the
noodles faster, resulting in a chewier texture and slightly thicker
broth.
Adding Fish Sauce for Umami
If the broth feels bland, enhance it with a spoonful of fish sauce.This adds umami and deepens the overall
flavor profile.
Egg Cooking Technique
When adding eggs, do so near the end of the cooking process.Slowly drizzle pre-whisked eggs in a
circular motion into the broth to maintain its clarity and achieve a soft,
silky egg texture.
Utilizing Scallion and Chili Oil
Fry thinly sliced scallions in oil to make scallion oil, then add chili powder to create chili oil.These steps give your ramen a robust aroma
and a spicy kick.
Incorporating Unique Ingredients
Add mung bean sprouts, garlic chives, perilla leaves, or tofu to enhance texture and nutrition. Perilla leaves, in particular, balance the richness of ramen with their refreshing aroma.
Adjusting Seasoning Levels
Instead of using the full seasoning packet, adjust according to your taste.Avoid adding all the seasoning at once when cooking two or more packets of ramen.
Start with half and gradually add more
after tasting.
Making Natural Broth
To reduce sodium intake, consider making your seasoning mix.Combine shrimp powder, garlic powder, onion
powder, paprika, and Parmesan cheese powder for a healthier ramen broth.
Use these tips to craft a personalized
ramen recipe.
Turn a simple bowl of ramen into a
masterpiece infused with care and expertise.
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| [Photo credit] Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization |
Bonus: My Go-To Ramen Recipe
Let me share my favorite ramen recipe, perfect for a quick yet flavorful upgrade.It might differ slightly from the tips
above, but it’s guaranteed to rejuvenate your ramen experience.
Kimchi Bean Sprout Ramen or Kimchi Mung Bean Sprout Ramen
Ingredients
- 1 pack of Jin Ramen (Spicy Flavor)
- 550ml water + an additional 100ml
- 50g kimchi, 3 tablespoons kimchi brine
- 50g bean sprouts (or mung bean sprouts)
- 20g green onions (diagonally sliced)
- 1/2 green chili (optional)
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic, 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
(optional)
- 1 egg (optional)
Preparation Steps
- Wash the bean sprouts or mung bean sprouts thoroughly and
drain.
- Chop kimchi into bite-sized pieces and slice green onions
diagonally.
- If you prefer spicier ramen, finely slice a green chili.
Cooking & Finishing
- Boiling Base: Pour 650ml of water
into a pot, add the dried vegetable packet, and bring to a boil on high
heat.
- Flavor Build-Up: Once boiling,
reduce the heat to medium, then add kimchi, kimchi brine, minced garlic,
and sliced green chili. Cover and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Adding Noodles and Seasonings: When
the kimchi is softened, add bean sprouts, noodles, soup powder, and chili
powder. Cook uncovered for 4 minutes and 30 seconds. Leaving the lid off
prevents a bean sprout odor.
- Final Touch: Add the sliced green
onions 30 seconds before the end.
- Perfect Noodles: During cooking,
lift the noodles with chopsticks or tongs to expose them to air. This step
enhances their chewy texture.
- Hangover Remedy: This method is
especially comforting after a night of drinking.
- For Mung Bean Sprouts: Add
them after the noodles and seasonings have cooked for 2 minutes, then
simmer for 2–3 minutes. This preserves their crunch. As with bean sprouts,
keep the lid off.
Tip:
- Spicy ingredients like green chili, minced garlic, and chili
powder can be omitted for a milder taste. Korean ramen is flavorful even
with just the soup powder. Adjust water to 600ml if omitting these
ingredients.
- Substitute Jin Ramen Spicy Flavor with Mild Flavor for a softer
taste.
- Whisk the egg in advance, and when adding mung bean sprouts,
gently pour the egg around the edge of the pot, moving gradually toward
the center. Note that egg may reduce the broth's refreshing taste, so I skip
it.
Time-Saving Method:
l Start by boiling water and add bean sprouts, kimchi, kimchi brine,
minced garlic, and green chili. Boil on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
l Add all other ingredients except green onions and cook on high for
another 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
l Always add green onions 30 seconds before the end.
l Keep the lid off when sprouts or mung beans are added.
[Appendix]
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| Ramen with added dumplings [Photo credit] Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization |
Adjusting Spiciness for Global Audiences
Korean ramen is famous for its bold spice,
but it can sometimes be overwhelming for non-Koreans. Here are a few tricks to
manage the heat without compromising on flavor:
l Reduce Soup Powder: The soup powder determines the level of
spice. Use half the packet and season with salt or soy sauce to taste. This is
a great way to share ramen with friends unfamiliar with spicy food.
l Add Milk or Cream: Adding 1/2 cup of milk or cream after
cooking creates a creamy ramen that softens the spice. It’s especially
appealing to those who enjoy creamy pasta-like dishes.
l Incorporate Cheese: Place a slice of cheese into the broth.
The cheese enhances the umami while reducing the heat, making it a universally
loved addition.
l Sweet Vegetables: Add vegetables like mung bean sprouts,
cabbage, or onions to naturally balance the spice. Mung bean sprouts, in
particular, provide a crunchy texture that adds charm to the dish for
international palates.
l Diluting with Water: Adding extra
water while cooking can reduce the spiciness and adjust the broth's thickness.
If the added water makes the flavor too mild, season lightly with salt to
maintain balance.
l Adding Eggs: Eggs are an
excellent ingredient for mellowing the spiciness. You can whisk them directly
into the broth or poach them for a creamy texture. A soft-boiled egg placed on
top can also create a more soothing flavor.
l Choosing Milder
Ramen Options: If spice is overwhelming, opt for milder versions of Korean ramen, such
as Jin Ramen Mild or Shin Ramen Black. Introducing these to
friends unfamiliar with Korean ramen ensures they can enjoy the experience
without being intimidated by the heat.
l Adding Sugar or
Honey: A teaspoon of sugar or honey in the broth can soften the sharpness of
the spice, creating a more balanced flavor. This trick works particularly well
for beginners trying spicy ramen for the first time.
Enjoy Ramen with Adjusted Spice Levels
Spiciness is integral to Korean ramen’s appeal, but tailoring it to your preference can enhance the overall enjoyment. Whether hosting friends or experimenting for yourself, these tips will help create a flavorful and accessible dish. Remember, "Ramen is for everyone!" Embrace the challenge of balancing flavors and enjoy Korean ramen's unique experience.
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