Craving a restaurant-quality ramen experience without leaving your home? Then get ready to dive into this incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy Jinya Spicy Chicken Ramen recipe! This dish captures the essence of Jinya's famous spicy chicken ramen, bringing the bold, umami-rich broth and perfectly tender chicken right to your kitchen. Forget takeout – this quick dinner idea is a delicious and healthy meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2. Feel free to double (or triple!) for a larger crowd.
For the Broth:
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons sake
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more, to taste!)
- 1 inch ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Ramen:
- 8 ounces fresh ramen noodles
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 hard-boiled egg, halved
- Nori seaweed sheets, cut into strips (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Broth:
- In a medium saucepan, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, mirin, sake, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, ginger, and white parts of the scallions.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.
Cook the Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
- Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 15 minutes (longer is better!).
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until fully cooked and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes per side. Slice the chicken into thin strips.
Assemble Your Ramen:
- Cook the ramen noodles according to package directions. Drain well.
- Divide the noodles between two bowls.
- Ladle the hot broth over the noodles.
- Top with the sliced chicken, bean sprouts, chopped green onions, halved hard-boiled egg, nori seaweed (if using), and toasted sesame seeds (if using).
- Garnish with the remaining green parts of the scallions.
Tips for the Best Jinya Spicy Chicken Ramen:
- Broth Depth: For an even richer broth, consider adding a tablespoon of miso paste towards the end of simmering.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preferred spice level. Start with less and add more as needed.
- Chicken Marinade: Marinating the chicken for longer will result in more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Noodle Choice: Feel free to experiment with different types of noodles, such as udon or even egg noodles.
Variations:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu, pan-fried until golden brown. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Extra Vegetables: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, corn, or spinach to your ramen.
- Different Protein: Try using pork belly or shrimp instead of chicken.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This homemade Jinya Spicy Chicken Ramen is a delightful culinary adventure, showcasing the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients combined to create a complex and satisfying flavor profile. Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe, perfect for a cozy night in or a fun weeknight dinner. It’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite!