10 Best Ramen Recipes Easy for Quick and Delicious Meals

Ramen is a beloved dish known for its comforting flavors and versatility. With so many recipes available, it can be challenging to find quick and simple options that still taste great. I will share my top 10 easy ramen recipes that are perfect for any night of the week.

These recipes will guide you through making delicious ramen without spending hours in the kitchen. From classic flavors to unique twists, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, I hope these recipes inspire you to create your own ramen masterpiece.

1. Shoyu Ramen

Shoyu ramen is a popular Japanese noodle dish known for its savory soy sauce-based broth. I enjoy making it because it is relatively simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

To make shoyu ramen, gather your ingredients: ramen noodles, chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, and toppings like sliced green onions and boiled eggs. The process takes about 30 minutes.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Prepare Broth: In a pot, heat 4 cups of broth. Add 1/4 cup of soy sauce and bring it to a gentle boil.
2. Cook Noodles: In a separate pot, cook 2 servings of ramen noodles according to package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes.
3. Combine: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and add them to the broth.
4. Serve: Ladle the ramen into bowls and top with green onions, boiled eggs, and any other desired toppings.

Shoyu ramen is a delightful dish that I can whip up quickly. It offers a satisfying taste that warms the soul.

2. Tonkotsu Ramen

Tonkotsu ramen is a rich and creamy noodle soup made from pork bones. It features a flavorful and hearty broth, often with a hint of garlic and sesame. The term “tonkotsu” means “pork bone” in Japanese.

Making tonkotsu ramen is easier than it sounds. I enjoy the process, and it typically takes about 3-4 hours. Here are the steps I follow:

1. Prepare the Broth: Start by boiling pork bones in water for 10 minutes. This cleans them. Rinse the bones and return them to a pot with fresh water.
2. Simmer: Add aromatics like garlic and ginger. Let it simmer for 3-4 hours. This will develop a rich flavor and creamy texture.
3. Cook the Noodles: Toward the end of the broth cooking time, boil fresh ramen noodles according to the package instructions, usually 3-4 minutes.
4. Assemble: In a bowl, add the cooked noodles. Pour the hot broth over them. Top with sliced chashu (braised pork), green onions, and a soft-boiled egg.
5. Serve: Enjoy your bowl of homemade tonkotsu ramen hot.

This dish is a comforting meal that brings the flavors of a Japanese ramen shop right into my kitchen.

3. Miso Ramen

Miso ramen is a flavorful Japanese noodle soup that uses miso paste as the base for its broth. This type of ramen is hearty and rich, perfect for a comforting meal.

Making miso ramen is quite simple. I often find it easy to prepare, even for beginners. The process usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Boil water and cook fresh ramen noodles according to package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes.
2. In a separate pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, around 1 minute.
3. Stir in 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer.
4. Whisk in 3-4 tablespoons of miso paste until fully dissolved.
5. Add your choice of toppings, such as sliced green onions, soft-boiled eggs, and nori seaweed.

That’s it! Serving it hot is the best way to enjoy this delicious dish.

4. Shio Ramen

Shio ramen is a type of ramen that uses salt as its main seasoning. This gives the broth a light, clear flavor. It’s one of the oldest styles of ramen and celebrates the natural taste of its ingredients.

Making shio ramen is quite easy. I enjoy preparing this dish at home because it doesn’t require complicated techniques. The steps can be broken down simply.

1. Start by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and water for a rich broth. This usually takes about 4 hours.
2. Add salt gradually, tasting as you go. Aim for a balanced flavor that highlights the broth.
3. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions, usually around 3-4 minutes.
4. Serve the noodles in a bowl, pouring the hot broth over them.
5. Top with sliced green onions, nori (seaweed), and a soft-boiled egg for added flavor and texture.

With just these steps, I can enjoy a comforting bowl of shio ramen at home. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that can be customized based on my preferences.

5. Spicy Miso Ramen

Spicy Miso Ramen is a flavorful dish that combines the richness of miso with a spicy kick. Miso is a fermented soybean paste that adds depth and umami to the broth.

I find this recipe easy and quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Here are the steps I follow to make it:

1. Start by cooking 4 cups of broth in a pot. I prefer chicken or vegetable broth.
2. In a separate bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of red miso paste with 1 tablespoon of chili paste.
3. Once the broth is simmering, add the miso mixture and stir until it dissolves.
4. Cook 2 packs of ramen noodles in a different pot according to package instructions.
5. Drain the noodles and divide them into bowls.
6. Pour the hot miso broth over the noodles.
7. I like to top mine with sliced green onions, soft-boiled eggs, and nori for extra flavor.

This dish is comforting and satisfying, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals.

6. Vegetarian Ramen

Vegetarian ramen is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional ramen. It features vegetable-based broth and toppings, making it suitable for those who do not consume meat. I enjoy making vegetarian ramen because it is both easy and satisfying.

To prepare vegetarian ramen, gather your ingredients. You will need vegetable broth, ramen noodles, and your choice of vegetables like bok choy, carrots, and mushrooms. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil for added flavor.

Here’s a simple way to make it:

1. Boil 4 cups of vegetable broth in a pot.
2. Add 2 packs of ramen noodles and cook for 4 minutes.
3. In the last minute, add your chopped vegetables.
4. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

This dish is not only quick to make, but it is also nutritious. Vegetarian ramen offers various flavors and textures, making it a favorite for many people.

7. Chicken Ramen

Chicken ramen is a flavorful noodle dish that features tender chicken and a rich broth. It’s a popular choice for many due to its comforting taste and simplicity.

Making chicken ramen is easy and can be done in about 30 minutes. I often prepare it on busy weeknights. The ingredients are usually easy to find.

Here’s how I cook it:

1. Start by boiling 4 cups of chicken broth in a pot.
2. Add 1 cup of sliced chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink.
3. Meanwhile, boil 2 servings of ramen noodles in a separate pot for about 3-4 minutes until tender.
4. Add 1 cup of chopped vegetables like bok choy or carrots to the broth, letting them cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Drain the noodles and place them in a bowl.
6. Pour the chicken and vegetable broth over the noodles.
7. I like to top mine with green onions and a soft-boiled egg for extra flavor.

Chicken ramen is satisfying and can easily be customized to my taste with different toppings and spices.

8. Beef Ramen

Beef ramen is a delicious variation of the classic Japanese noodle dish. It features tender beef, savory broth, and fresh noodles. The combination of flavors is what makes it so enjoyable.

I find beef ramen quite simple to prepare. It typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish. Here are the basic steps to make it:

1. Prepare the Broth: Start by simmering beef bones or a beef broth in a pot. Add soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for flavor. Let it cook for at least 20 minutes.
2. Cook the Noodles: Boil ramen noodles according to package instructions. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Cook the Beef: While the broth simmers, thinly slice beef steak and sauté it in a pan until it’s cooked to your liking.
4. Combine: Drain the noodles and place them in a bowl. Pour the hot broth over the noodles and top with the sautéed beef.
5. Garnish: Finish with green onions, a soft-boiled egg, and any other preferred toppings like seaweed.

This method leads to a comforting bowl of beef ramen that you can easily enjoy at home.

9. Seafood Ramen

Seafood ramen is a delicious dish that features a flavorful broth enriched with various seafood. It’s a great way to enjoy the tastes of the ocean in a comforting bowl of noodles.

I find seafood ramen easy to make at home. With just a few ingredients, I can create a rich and satisfying meal.

Here are the steps I typically follow:

1. Gather Ingredients: I use ramen noodles, shrimp, scallops, and fish. Fresh or frozen seafood works well.
2. Prepare the Broth: I start by simmering seafood stock or water with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for about 10 minutes. This builds a flavorful base.
3. Cook the Noodles: I cook the ramen noodles in a separate pot according to the package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Seafood: I then add the seafood to the broth, cooking for about 5 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and the scallops are opaque.
5. Combine and Serve: Finally, I combine the cooked noodles with the broth and seafood and top with green onions, nori, or sesame seeds.

This simple method allows me to enjoy a warm bowl of seafood ramen any time.

10. Curry Ramen

Curry ramen is a delicious twist on traditional ramen. It combines rich curry flavors with the comforting texture of ramen noodles. This dish is easy to make at home, even for beginners.

To prepare curry ramen, I start with a simple broth. I use store-bought curry paste and coconut milk for a creamy base. This combination creates a flavorful and aromatic soup.

Here are the steps to make curry ramen:

1. Cook the Noodles: Boil the ramen noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Make the Broth: In a pot, combine 2 cups of water, 1 cup of coconut milk, and 2 tablespoons of curry paste. Bring it to a simmer.
3. Add Proteins and Veggies: I often add cooked chicken or tofu and vegetables like spinach or bok choy. Cook for about 5 minutes until heated through.
4. Serve: Place the cooked noodles in a bowl and pour the curry broth over them. Add toppings like sliced green onions or a soft-boiled egg if desired.

This curry ramen recipe is not only quick to make but is also satisfying and flavorful.

What Are the Basic Ingredients for Easy Ramen?

Creating a delicious bowl of ramen starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that authentic flavor. I’ll cover essential broth ingredients, noodle types, and the perfect toppings that make ramen memorable.

What Are the Essential Components of Ramen Broth?

The broth is the foundation of any ramen dish. A rich, flavorful broth can elevate your ramen experience. I often start with a base of either chicken, pork, or vegetable stock, as they each bring unique flavors.

To deepen the taste, I add ingredients like soy sauce, miso paste, and mirin. Soy sauce gives a salty, savory kick. Miso paste adds a creamy depth and complexity, while mirin contributes slight sweetness.

Don’t forget spices. I find that garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil enhance the flavors significantly. For an umami boost, consider adding dried shiitake mushrooms or kombu. These components create a rich and inviting broth base for any ramen bowl.

What Types of Noodles Are Best for Ramen?

The noodles in ramen play a crucial role in texture and taste. I usually opt for fresh ramen noodles when available, as they offer a chewy, satisfying bite. They come in various shapes, such as straight or curly, which can affect how the broth clings to them.

Another popular option is dried noodles, which are convenient and can still taste great. I check for the “chukamen” variety, which is specifically made for ramen. Their slightly thicker texture holds up well in the broth.

Cooking the noodles to the right firmness is essential. I prefer al dente, as it provides a nice contrast to the warm broth. Always rinse them under cold water after boiling to stop cooking and keep them from sticking together.

What Are Some Flavorful Toppings for Ramen?

Toppings complete the ramen experience and add layers of flavor. I love using sliced chashu (braised pork), which is tender and rich, enhancing the dish’s heartiness.

Other popular toppings include soft-boiled eggs, often marinated in soy sauce for added flavor. Narutomaki (fish cake) adds color and texture. I also sprinkle green onions for freshness and crunch.

Don’t forget vegetables. I often include bok choy, corn, or mushrooms for additional taste and nutrition. Finally, a dash of nori (seaweed) or sesame seeds on top can add a delightful finish, bringing all the flavors together.

What Are the Step-by-Step Cooking Techniques for Ramen?

In this section, I’ll cover essential cooking techniques to make delicious ramen at home. Understanding how to prepare the broth, cook the noodles, and assemble the bowl will elevate your ramen experience.

How Do You Prepare the Ramen Broth?

To make a flavorful ramen broth, I usually start with a base of meat or vegetable stock. Common choices include chicken, pork, or a rich miso base.

First, I simmer my choice of bones or vegetables in water for several hours. This allows the flavors to develop fully.

For added depth, I often include ingredients like ginger, garlic, and scallions. Adding soy sauce or miso paste toward the end can enhance the flavor, balancing saltiness with richness.

It’s crucial to strain the broth to ensure a silky texture. After that, keep it warm until I’m ready to serve.

How Do You Cook Ramen Noodles?

Next, I focus on the noodles, which are essential for a great ramen dish. I usually select fresh ramen noodles if available, as they absorb the broth well.

To cook them, I bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. I add the noodles and cook them for about 3-4 minutes, but it’s important to check the package instructions.

I’m careful not to overcook them. Once ready, I drain the noodles but reserve a bit of the cooking water. This helps if I need to loosen the broth later.

If using dried noodles, the cooking time might be longer, usually around 5-7 minutes.

How Do You Assemble the Perfect Bowl of Ramen?

Finally, the assembly is where creativity shines. I start by adding the cooked noodles to a bowl. Then, I pour the hot broth over them.

For toppings, I choose a mix of sliced chashu pork, green onions, and soft-boiled eggs. I often sprinkle some sesame seeds or seaweed for extra flavor and texture.

To finish, a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of togarashi can enhance the dish. I present it beautifully, ensuring each ingredient is visible and inviting.

This attention to detail in assembly makes every bowl special and delicious.