Name: Homemade Ramen
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: Mushrooms & Chicken: 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 2 tablespoons butter, divided; 8 oz. mushrooms (baby bella, sliced); 1 large boneless/skinless chicken breast, about ¾ lb.; Salt and pepper, to taste; Soup Base: ½ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc recommended); 1 tablespoon butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 2 teaspoons hot sauce (like Frank’s); 2 teaspoons honey; ¾ teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 2 (3 oz.) packets instant Ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets); 6 leaves Bok Choy, roughly chopped; Seasonings: ¾ teaspoon onion powder; ¾ teaspoon mustard powder; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; 1/8 teaspoon white pepper; 1 pinch red pepper flakes; For Serving: Chopped green onions; Roughly chopped honey-roasted peanuts; Soft-boiled eggs (see directions below)

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Experience the warmth and depth of flavors in this homemade ramen bowl, where every spoonful brings comforting noodles, tender chicken, and a rich, umami-packed broth. This ramen is topped with fresh green onions, honey-roasted peanuts for crunch, and a perfectly soft-boiled egg, making each bite a medley of textures and tastes. Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish is simple yet impressive, filling, and flavorful. You’ll love the balance of savory, slightly spicy, and mildly sweet elements, from the infused broth to the nutritious bok choy. Serve it to guests or enjoy it as a cozy meal for yourself—this ramen is an invitation to slow down and savor.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

Mushrooms & Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 8 oz. mushrooms (baby bella, sliced)
- 1 large boneless/skinless chicken breast, about ¾ lb.
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Soup Base:
- ½ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc recommended)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (like Frank’s)
- 2 teaspoons honey
- ¾ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 (3 oz.) packets instant Ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 6 leaves Bok Choy, roughly chopped
Seasonings:
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
For Serving:
- Chopped green onions
- Roughly chopped honey-roasted peanuts
- Soft-boiled eggs (see directions below)

Directions:

Sauté Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Sauté mushrooms until golden, about 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Prepare Chicken: Slice chicken in half lengthwise for two thinner pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Sear in remaining olive oil and butter for 4-5 minutes per side. Set aside to rest, then slice.
Deglaze Pot: Add white wine to the pot over medium heat, scraping the bottom. Cook until reduced by half, about 4 minutes.
Build Broth: Add butter and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, hot sauce, honey, sesame oil, and seasonings. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Add Ramen & Veggies: Bring to a boil, add ramen noodles, and cook for 1 minute. Reduce to simmer, add bok choy, mushrooms, and chicken. Simmer until noodles are tender, about 3 minutes.
Serve: Ladle into bowls, topping with green onions, peanuts, and a soft-boiled egg.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 511 kcal | Servings: 4

The Allure of Homemade Ramen: Comfort Food with Depth

Ramen is more than just a bowl of noodles—it’s an experience. While traditionally associated with Japan, ramen has evolved to embrace local flavors and ingredients globally, blending the comforting elements of brothy soup with the satisfying texture of chewy noodles. Making ramen at home allows you to enjoy a soulful, warming meal that’s both deeply flavorful and packed with wholesome ingredients. Unlike the instant versions, homemade ramen allows for control over flavors, nutritional content, and quality, making it a far healthier and tastier option. This version combines the umami-rich taste of mushrooms and soy with tender chicken, nutritious bok choy, and a perfectly soft-boiled egg to complete the experience.

Ingredients That Pack a Nutritional Punch

One reason why this ramen recipe shines is its carefully chosen ingredients, each with unique health benefits that turn this cozy meal into a powerhouse of nutrients:

Chicken: High in protein, chicken provides muscle-building nutrients and a satisfying, hearty texture. Cooking it in the broth releases flavors that permeate every spoonful.
Bok Choy: This leafy green is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. Bok choy not only adds a slight crunch but also delivers a burst of nutrition that elevates this ramen above traditional, carb-heavy noodle soups.
Mushrooms: Known for their umami flavor, mushrooms add richness to the broth and offer numerous health benefits, including immune support and antioxidants.
Soft-Boiled Egg: A staple in ramen, the egg provides protein and healthy fats, creating a creaminess that balances the soup’s savory notes.
Low-Sodium Broth and Soy Sauce: Opting for low-sodium ingredients helps make this ramen a heart-healthier choice, keeping the salt levels in check without sacrificing taste.

Each component works together, turning a simple bowl of noodles into a balanced meal that provides energy, supports immunity, and satisfies cravings with comforting, wholesome ingredients.

Flavor Profile: A Symphony of Umami and Comfort

One reason ramen is beloved worldwide is its robust, layered flavor profile. This homemade ramen combines:

Umami Base: Mushrooms, soy sauce, and sesame oil lay the foundation of umami, creating depth and savoriness that’s unique to Japanese cuisine.
Balance of Sweet and Spicy: A hint of honey offers a mild sweetness that rounds out the broth, while hot sauce brings a gentle kick. This harmony between sweet and spicy makes each bite a new experience.
Earthy and Fresh Tones: Bok choy and green onions lend fresh, earthy notes that lighten the dish and offer a satisfying textural contrast to the rich broth and noodles.

When making ramen at home, each of these flavors can be adjusted to your taste, letting you find your perfect balance between salty, spicy, sweet, and savory.

Why This Recipe is the Best Choice for a Cozy Meal

This recipe stands out because it incorporates techniques and ingredients that maximize flavor without overly complicating the cooking process. Here’s why it’s an ideal choice:

Searing the Chicken for Extra Depth: By searing the chicken before simmering it in the broth, this recipe develops a deeper flavor through fond (the caramelized bits left in the pot), which infuses the broth with a rich, almost smoky character.
Wine for Extra Flavor Complexity: White wine is added to the broth for a layer of acidity and depth that enhances the flavor of every ingredient. If you prefer an alcohol-free option, substituting with chicken broth works well too, but the wine adds a unique touch.
Homemade Broth with Customizable Salt Levels: Store-bought ramen can be high in sodium and preservatives, but making your broth from scratch allows you to control salt levels and choose healthier ingredients. Using low-sodium chicken broth and soy sauce ensures a savory yet heart-conscious dish.

This ramen doesn’t rely on pre-packaged seasonings or shortcuts; instead, it builds each layer of flavor, making it as enjoyable to cook as it is to eat.

Tips for Perfecting Your Ramen

The beauty of homemade ramen is that it’s adaptable, and with a few tricks, you can enhance its quality even further:

Choose Your Ramen Noodles Wisely: The choice of noodles can make or break a ramen dish. Look for fresh ramen noodles if available, or go for brands that offer chewy, satisfying textures. The noodles will soak up the broth’s flavor and should retain a slight firmness for the best eating experience.
Customize Toppings for Added Flair: Traditional toppings like nori (seaweed), pickled ginger, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds can add dimension to your bowl. While this recipe uses green onions and honey-roasted peanuts for crunch, feel free to experiment with other toppings based on your preferences.
Get the Eggs Just Right: The key to a perfect soft-boiled egg is precision. Cook them for exactly six minutes in simmering water, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process immediately. The result is a slightly runny, golden yolk that enhances the dish with richness.

Health Benefits of Enjoying Ramen at Home

Compared to store-bought or restaurant ramen, this homemade version is a nutritional step up. Here’s why:

Lower in Sodium: This recipe uses low-sodium soy sauce and broth, making it a much heart-healthier choice than many ramen options that are high in salt.
Balanced Macronutrients: With a balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and high-quality protein, this ramen offers a complete meal that keeps you full and energized without the crash.
Immune-Boosting Ingredients: From garlic to green onions and mushrooms, this dish contains immune-supportive ingredients that can help keep colds at bay, especially comforting during colder months.

Why Homemade Ramen is a Satisfying Choice for All Seasons

Though ramen is often enjoyed as a warming dish during colder weather, its versatility makes it suitable year-round. In warmer months, you can lighten the broth with extra greens and add seasonal vegetables for a fresh take. During winter, the hot, savory broth becomes a source of comfort, helping to fight off chills and boost hydration. With options to add, substitute, or reduce ingredients, this ramen can be personalized for any season or dietary need.

Conclusion

Making ramen from scratch brings a sense of accomplishment and creativity into the kitchen. From carefully slicing the chicken and choosing the perfect vegetables to assembling each topping, the process of building your own ramen is both meditative and rewarding. Unlike instant ramen, which is convenient but lacks the same nutritional value, homemade ramen becomes a mindful cooking experience. Each step, from simmering the broth to perfecting the soft-boiled eggs, allows for customization and control over flavor, healthiness, and presentation.