Craving a bowl of ramen that’s rich in flavor and packs a spicy kick? Look no further than this Spicy Umami Miso Ramen!
This recipe combines a deeply flavorful miso broth with an umami punch, tender ramen noodles, and a medley of toppings that will satisfy your taste buds.
The broth, infused with miso paste, soy sauce, and chili paste, creates a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and umami flavors.
Topped with soft-boiled eggs, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of chili oil, this ramen is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any time of the year.
From my experience, this ramen is a crowd-pleaser and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Let’s dive into this flavor-packed bowl of comfort!
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4 people
Difficulty: Medium
Let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious spicy umami miso ramen.
Ingredients
The necessary ingredients (possible in all kinds of variations):
- For the Broth:
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup white miso paste
- 1 tablespoon red miso paste (for extra umami, optional)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (like gochujang or sambal oelek, adjust to taste)
- 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
- For the Ramen:
- 4 servings of fresh or dried ramen noodles
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cups shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach or bok choy, washed and trimmed
- 1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 4 soft-boiled eggs, halved
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon chili oil (optional, for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Alternative Ingredients
- Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth and replace the eggs with tofu or additional vegetables.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free ramen noodles.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth to reduce the overall salt content.
Steps of Preparation
The steps of preparation (possible in all kinds of variations):
Before starting, ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready to go. The cooking process moves quickly once you start!
- Prepare the Broth: Heat the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Miso and Spices: Stir in the white miso paste, red miso paste (if using), soy sauce, and chili paste. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly to combine and release the flavors.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and mirin. Stir well to combine and bring the broth to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Noodles: While the broth simmers, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until tender and slightly browned.
- Add Spinach and Corn: Add the baby spinach (or bok choy) and corn kernels to the skillet with the mushrooms, and sauté for another 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the corn is heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Ramen: Divide the cooked ramen noodles among four bowls. Ladle the hot miso broth over the noodles, ensuring each bowl gets a good amount of broth.
- Add Toppings: Top each bowl with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, corn, halved soft-boiled eggs, bean sprouts, and sliced green onion.
- Garnish: Drizzle with chili oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
- Serve: Serve the ramen hot and enjoy immediately!
This Spicy Umami Miso Ramen is a perfect combination of spicy, savory, and umami flavors that will warm you up and satisfy your cravings. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily adjusted to your taste preferences.
Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe
This ramen provides several nutritional benefits:
- High in Protein: The eggs and broth provide a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Rich in Vitamins: Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bean sprouts add vitamins A, C, and K, which are important for immune function and bone health.
- Contains Antioxidants: Miso and soy sauce are fermented foods that offer beneficial probiotics and antioxidants, supporting gut health and digestion.
- Balanced Meal: This ramen offers a good balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to various dietary needs or preferences, making it a versatile dish for everyone.
Possible Additions or Upgrades
Here are some ideas to customize your spicy umami miso ramen:
- Add Meat: Add grilled chicken, pork belly, or thinly sliced beef for added protein and flavor.
- Extra Heat: Increase the amount of chili paste or add fresh sliced chilies for a spicier kick.
- Seafood Twist: Add shrimp, scallops, or crab for a seafood variation.
- Noodle Variety: Experiment with different noodles like udon, soba, or rice noodles for a unique twist.
- Top with Nori: Garnish with strips of nori (seaweed) for an extra layer of umami flavor.
Questions and Answers About Spicy Umami Miso Ramen
Can I make the broth ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the broth ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove before serving.
Can I freeze the broth?
Absolutely! The broth can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with this ramen?
This ramen pairs well with steamed dumplings, a simple side salad, or Japanese pickles for a complete meal.
Can I use different types of miso?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of miso, like red, white, or mixed miso, to create different flavor profiles.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover broth and toppings separately from the noodles to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy. Reheat the broth on the stove and assemble the ramen just before serving.
Is this ramen spicy?
This ramen has a moderate level of spice, but you can adjust the amount of chili paste to your taste preference.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
What if I don’t have miso paste?
Miso paste is essential for the flavor of this ramen, but if you don’t have it, you can use soy sauce and a dash of fish sauce or anchovy paste to mimic some of the umami flavors.
Can I use other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as carrots, snow peas, or bamboo shoots.
How do I make soft-boiled eggs?
To make soft-boiled eggs, bring a pot of water to a boil, then gently lower the eggs into the water and cook for 6-7 minutes. Transfer them to an ice bath to stop cooking, then peel and halve.
I hope you enjoy making this Spicy Umami Miso Ramen as much as I do! It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family – happy cooking!
