Nothing can be more satisfying than to slurp down a bowl of hot ramen amid this cold weather in Dhaka. The perfect blend of noodles immersed in a steaming, flavorful broth adorned with various toppings marks a transformative experience for winter evenings. Those convenient packs of instant ramen have seamlessly integrated into our daily routines, revered as a go-to comfort food.
So here are a few tips on how you can elevate your instant ramen to the next level.
Use a flavourful broth
One of Tokyo’s finest ramen masters Kazumoto Ochiai thinks people distinguish the different kinds of ramen by the broth. You can use chicken or beef broth to elevate the taste of your instant ramen. Shrimp-based broth is always a great choice to cook ramen in. You can buy cubes at any department store or quickly boil some shrimp along with their heads for instant seafood broth.
Place an egg on it
Boiled eggs are always good to go in your ramen bowl. They are also a good source of protein along with vitamins B12 and D. You can use a soft-boiled egg cut in half that makes your ramen bowl look delicious. Also, you can use the egg-drop method that will make the soupy ramen tastier.
A choice of protein
You can use any of your favourite proteins to make your instant ramen a little heartier. Add a few chicken strips or some chicken balls to your ramen bowl. Or you can just pick beef cuts that are quite tender. If you are someone not allergic to shrimp, you can always add some shrimp to your ramen bowl which will level up your instant ramen game.
Pack the bowl with veggies
Always go for vegetables that take less time to cook. You can add baby spinach, thinly sliced carrots and cabbages, and a handful of frozen peas to make your ramen bowl more colourful and more filling and nutritious.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are great to go with ramen. Famous Chef Gordon Ramsay finds shiitake mushrooms are the best for ramen. You can go for button mushrooms as well.
Don’t forget your condiments
Condiments can make ramen broth more flavourful. Kazumoto Ochiai prefers soya sauce for its umami kick. You can add chilli oil, miso paste, and sriracha sauce to pack your instant ramen bowl with flavour.
How to make the easiest delicious ramen at home
Saute some sliced shiitake mushrooms with some ginger and garlic. Add chicken broth to it. Cook your noodles right in the broth with a dash of soya sauce and vinegar. Add thinly sliced carrots with green peas. Once everything is tender, serve the ramen with a generous amount of shredded grilled chicken, and soft-boiled egg (slice it in half). Finish it off with some chopped scallions and a bit of chilli oil for a spicy kick. Enjoy your cold winter days with a bowl of hot ramen.