Description
This Spicy Garlic Ramen is a flavorful and comforting bowl of noodles, packed with aromatic garlic, fresh ginger, and a spicy chili paste base. Enhanced with soy sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth, it’s topped with tender spinach, soft-boiled eggs, and green onions for a perfect balance of heat, savoriness, and freshness. Ideal for a quick and satisfying meal with an Asian flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 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, preparing it 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 to build the base flavor.
- Add ginger: Add the grated ginger to the pot and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release its fragrant oils.
- Incorporate chili paste: Stir in the chili paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing the heat and spice to blend with the aromatics.
- Mix in sauces: Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to combine with the garlic, ginger, and chili paste for depth of umami and nuttiness.
- Add broth: Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a boil to develop the soup base.
- Simmer broth: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Season broth: Stir in the rice vinegar and sugar, continuing to cook the broth for another 2 minutes to balance acidity and sweetness.
- Cook noodles: While the broth simmers, prepare the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, typically about 3 minutes, until tender.
- Drain noodles: Drain the cooked noodles and set them aside to be assembled later.
- Assemble noodles: Divide the cooked noodles evenly into serving bowls as the foundation for the soup.
- Ladle broth: Pour the hot broth over the noodles, ensuring they are fully submerged to soak up the flavors.
- Prepare eggs: Carefully peel the soft-boiled eggs and cut them in half, then place the halves on top of the ramen for richness.
- Add greens: Add the fresh spinach to the bowls, allowing it to wilt slightly from the heat of the broth, adding nutrition and color.
- Garnish: Top the ramen bowls with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds for texture and aroma.
- Finish with chili oil: Drizzle chili oil over the ramen for an extra layer of spicy heat and flavor boost.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the full depth of flavors and textures.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the soft-boiled eggs or replace with tofu.
- Adjust the amount of chili paste and chili oil based on your preferred spice level.
- Soft-boiled eggs can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for convenience.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor impact.
- Ramen noodles can be substituted with udon or soba noodles if desired.
