How to make authentic ramen at home from scratch

Ramen is more than just instant noodles

Ramen has evolved from student food into one of the world's most beloved noodle dishes. The secret lies in the interplay of four elements: broth, flavoring sauce (tare), noodles, and toppings. When these come together, you get a bowl full of depth and warmth.

The Four Building Blocks

• Broth: The foundation. It can be based on chicken, pork, fish, or vegetables, and is simmered until rich and full-bodied.
• Tare: The concentrated flavoring sauce at the bottom of the bowl, often based on soy sauce (shoyu), miso, or salt (shio).
• Noodles: Fresh wheat noodles with a springy texture are the classic choice.
• Toppings: Marinated egg, spring onion, nori, bamboo shoots, and slices of pork or chicken.

Easy Ramen in an Evening

You don't need to simmer broth for 12 hours to make good ramen. Here's how to get a good result quickly:

1. Heat up a good chicken or vegetable broth.
2. Add one tablespoon of miso or two tablespoons of soy sauce and a little sesame oil to the bottom of the bowl.
3. Cook the noodles separately so they don't get mushy, then transfer them to the bowl.
4. Pour the hot broth over and stir in the flavoring sauce.
5. Top with marinated egg, spring onion, corn, and nori.

The Marinated Egg (Ajitama)

A soft-boiled egg that has been marinated in soy sauce and mirin is a favorite. Cook the egg for 6.5 minutes, cool it in ice water, peel it, and place it in a mixture of soy sauce, water, and a little sugar for a few hours. The golden, creamy yolk elevates the entire dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not cook the noodles in the broth itself, as they will release starch and make the soup cloudy. Always taste the flavoring sauce before pouring in the broth to ensure the salt level is correct. And serve immediately, ramen doesn't wait.

Find Ingredients at FUDI

At FUDI, you'll find everything you need for authentic ramen: fresh and dried noodles, miso, soy sauce, nori, sesame oil, and bamboo shoots. Assemble your own favorite bowl, and experiment with flavors until you find your signature ramen.