Description
This Spicy Garlic Ramen recipe offers a flavorful and comforting bowl of noodles infused with garlic, ginger, chili paste, and a rich chicken broth. Topped with soft-boiled eggs, fresh spinach, green onions, and sesame seeds, this dish is elevated with a drizzle of chili oil for an added spicy kick. It’s a perfect quick meal that balances heat and umami with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce and Broth Base
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons chili paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
Main Ingredients
- 2 packs ramen noodles
- 2 soft-boiled eggs
- 1 cup spinach
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon chili oil
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the vegetable oil to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté garlic: Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant, which helps release its flavor.
- Add ginger: Add the grated ginger to the pot and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to mix well.
- Incorporate chili paste: Stir in the chili paste and cook for 1 minute to let the flavors meld and deepen.
- Add soy sauce and sesame oil: Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to combine all the aromatics and seasoning in the pot.
- Add chicken broth: Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a boil for the base of the soup.
- Simmer broth: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer for 5 minutes to develop the flavors deeply.
- Add rice vinegar and sugar: Stir in the rice vinegar and sugar, cooking the broth for another 2 minutes to balance the acidity and sweetness.
- Cook noodles: While the broth simmers, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, generally about 3 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Assemble noodles: Divide the cooked noodles evenly into serving bowls as the base of the ramen.
- Ladle broth: Pour the hot broth over the noodles, ensuring they are fully submerged for maximum flavor absorption.
- Prepare eggs: Carefully peel and cut the soft-boiled eggs in half, placing them neatly on top of the ramen.
- Add spinach: Add the spinach to the bowls; the hot broth will gently wilt the greens, adding freshness to the dish.
- Garnish: Top the ramen with sliced green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds for texture and flavor contrast.
- Drizzle chili oil: Drizzle chili oil over the ramen to add an extra layer of heat and spice.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the ramen at its best, hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Soft-boiled eggs can be prepared in advance to save time.
- Adjust the amount of chili paste and chili oil to control the spice level according to your preference.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit eggs or replace with tofu.
- Adding mushrooms or other vegetables can enhance the texture and flavor diversity.
- Use freshly grated ginger and garlic for the best aromatic experience.
