Thereβs something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of Japanese Ramen. Whether youβre slurping it at a cozy ramen shop or making it at home, this iconic dish is a perfect balance of savory broth, chewy noodles, and flavorful toppings. From the rich, umami-packed broth to the tender slices of pork, every element in ramen comes together to create a satisfying and deeply nourishing meal.
At the heart of Japanese Ramen is the broth, and the best ramen broths are slow-simmered for hours to develop a deep, complex flavor. There are different types of ramen broth, each with its own unique twist. Shoyu (soy sauce) ramen has a salty, savory depth, while Miso ramen adds a rich, nutty sweetness. Shio ramen, on the other hand, is light and delicate, with a subtle briney note. Then thereβs Tonkotsu, a creamy, rich pork-based broth thatβs hearty and indulgent.
The noodles are just as important as the broth. Authentic ramen noodles are typically made with wheat flour and have a slightly chewy texture that holds up perfectly in the hot broth. Theyβre served al dente, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the soup without getting soggy.
Toppings are where the fun really begins. Chashu (braised pork belly) is a classic choice, with its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and slightly sweet flavor. You can also add a soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk, marinated bamboo shoots, green onions, seaweed, and a dash of chili oil for some extra heat. The possibilities are endless, and each topping enhances the overall ramen experience.
Whether youβre making it from scratch or using a store-bought base, Japanese Ramen is a versatile and customizable dish thatβs sure to impress. Itβs a great way to enjoy a hearty, soul-warming meal, whether youβre seeking comfort on a cold night or just craving something delicious. With the right ingredients, you can create a bowl of ramen that feels like a taste of Japan in your own kitchen.

Ingredients
- 4 servings ramen noodles
- 4 eggs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 slices pork belly
- 4 Green onions sliced
- 2 sheets nori torn into small pieces
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. In a pot, bring water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 2. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the eggs for 6-7 minutes for a soft-boiled consistency. Transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool, then peel and set aside.
- 3. In a large pot, heat the chicken broth over medium heat. Add the sliced pork belly and simmer for 1 hour.
- 4. Add the sliced mushrooms, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the pot and simmer for another 30 minutes.
- 5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6. To serve, divide the cooked ramen noodles among 4 bowls.
- 7. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, then top each bowl with a soft-boiled egg, sliced green onions, torn nori, bean sprouts, and any additional toppings desired.
- 8. Serve hot and enjoy!
My kids loved this! They said itβs better than the restaurant we usually go to!
Why do you add water before cooking ramen noodles? Just cook it how it says on the package!
This was okay, but the broth was a bit bland. Needs more seasoning.
I think the broth is supposed to be subtle. Maybe you just need to experiment with the seasoning more? Adding garlic or ginger could work too!
Bland? I liked it as it was! Maybe your taste buds are off? Try using more soy sauce next time.
I put some chili flakes and it tasted bomb! Thx for the recipe!
Is it really authentic if I skip the pork? I donβt eat meat. π€·ββοΈ
too complicated for me. I donβt have time for all those steps! give me instant ramen any day.
Iβm not a cook but this was easy to follow! My kids loved it.
So glad you and your kids enjoyed it! Ramen is such a fun dish to make. What toppings did you use?
Followed the recipe but my noodles got really mushy. What did I do wrong? π
The broth was way too salty for my taste. I followed the recipe but ended up adding more water.
I had the same issue! Maybe you should try a lower sodium broth next time. It made a big difference for me.
I ainβt got no chicken broth, so I just used water with some soy sauce. Not the same thing, but it was tasty enough for me. π
Ramen noodles vs spaghetti? Why not just use spaghetti? It worked alright, lol!
Lol, I guess if it works for you? But Ramen is kinda special. You sure about spaghetti?
Spaghetti might work, but ramen has its own unique flavor and texture that just canβt be beat! π€€
Pretty quick to make but I burnt the noodles π±
This ramen recipe is absolutely delicious! I followed it step by step and it turned out perfect. The eggs were so creamy!
I think ramen is overrated. Itβs just noodles in a soup, right? Not impressed π€·ββοΈ
I get where youβre coming from, but ramen can be so much more than just noodles in soup! Itβs all about the flavors and the toppings. You should try a different version sometime! π
Overrated? Nah! Itβs like saying pizza is just bread with cheese! You gotta taste the depth of flavors. π
Amazing recipe! Tastes just like what I had in Japan. Will definitely make again!
Iβm really glad you liked it! Ramen is the best comfort food. Did you use any special toppings?
It was good but I donβt think it tasted anything like the one from Japan. Maybe I did something wrong? π€
Just a bowl of noodles?? 5 stars? I donβt think so. Not worth it.
Easy and delicious! Never thought making ramen could be so simple.
I tried it too! Super easy and my family loved it. Thanks for sharing!
Isnβt it just noodles and broth? Seems kinda basic. π€¨
Im loved it! But why is it called Ramen if itβs a soup? Ramen is just noodles, right? Anyway, still very good!
Easy to follow instructions! I made this for my family and they devoured it. Will make again!
So glad to hear it turned out well for you! Ramen is the best comfort food. π
Iβve never made ramen before. Tried this out and it was surprisingly good! Way better than instant noodles!
Ramen is good, but like, is it really that much better? Instant noodles are quick and still tasty. Just saying!
Iβm glad you liked it! Homemade ramen really hits different than those instant ones. You should try adding some spicy sauce next time for an extra kick!
Ramen is life! I added extra mushrooms and it was even better!
Totally agree! Mushrooms make everything better. I also like adding some chili oil for a kick! π
I tried this recipe and it turned out pretty bland. I think it needs more seasoning. 2/5
I found it really flavorful! Maybe try adding some chili flakes for a kick? πΆοΈ
Bland? Nah, I thought it was delicious. Maybe you just need to experiment more with spices!
This ramen is SO good! I canβt believe I made it myself. Definitely a 5-star recipe!
This is the best ramen recipe Iβve Tried. Simple ingredients but sooo good!
I didnβt have nori, can I just skip it? The ramen still tasted fine tho. π
I donβt think you should skip anything in a recipe! Nori is important! π
Skipping the nori is fine, but it does add a unique flavor! Glad you still enjoyed it! π
Eh, it was okay. My noodles got mushy. Maybe I overcooked them? Not sure Iβll make it again.
Yum! The soft-boiled eggs were perfect. I added some chili oil for extra kick.
I love chili oil too! Adds such a nice flavor. Did you try any other toppings?
Soft-boiled eggs? More like mushy blobs! I donβt see the appeal. Iβll stick to hard-boiled.
Yum! But whatβs the deal with the soft-boiled eggs? they were hard-boiled for meβ¦ π€¦ββοΈ
I had the same issue with my eggs! They came out hard-boiled even though I followed the timings. Frustrating! π€
Absolutely loved this recipe! It tasted just like the ramen I had in Japan. Definitely a keeper!
I donβt know about the pork bellyβ¦ isnβt that a bit fatty? I used chicken instead.
I used chicken too! Itβs lighter and still super tasty. Pork belly is too rich for me.
Pork bellyβs the classic choice for ramen. Just gotta trim the fat. Chickenβs okay, but it ainβt the same!
Ramen is overrated and this recipe is just like any other. Meh.