Are you craving a comforting bowl of ramen that's both familiar and exciting? Forget the usual broth – we're diving into a world of sweet and savory perfection with this unique brown sugar ramen recipe. This easy recipe delivers a delicious, healthy meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat. Get ready to experience ramen in a whole new light!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2. Feel free to double or triple it depending on your needs.
- For the Broth:
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- For the Ramen:
- 8 ounces ramen noodles (choose your favorite brand)
- 1 cup cooked chicken or tofu, shredded or cubed (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms (optional)
- 1/4 cup bean sprouts (optional)
- Soft boiled egg (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Broth: In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken or vegetable broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the brown sugar is completely dissolved. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Cook the Noodles: While the broth simmers, cook the ramen noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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Assemble the Ramen: Divide the cooked noodles between two bowls. Ladle the warm brown sugar broth over the noodles.
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Add Toppings: Top with your choice of protein (chicken or tofu), scallions, shiitake mushrooms, bean sprouts, and a soft-boiled egg, if desired.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade brown sugar ramen!
Cooking Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Ramen:
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet broth, reduce the amount of brown sugar to 1-2 tablespoons. For a sweeter version, add up to 1/3 cup.
- Broth variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of broth, such as pork broth or mushroom broth.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth for a spicy kick.
- Fresh herbs: Enhance the aroma and flavor with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Brown Sugar Ramen: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the broth for a fiery twist.
- Vegetarian Brown Sugar Ramen: Omit the chicken and use extra vegetables like bok choy or spinach.
- Kimchi Brown Sugar Ramen: Stir in some kimchi for a tangy and spicy flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Fat: 10-15g
This brown sugar ramen recipe is a testament to the versatility of ramen and how simple adjustments can transform a classic dish into something truly special. It's a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!