Hey Lykkers! If you're looking for a delicious, comforting bowl of homemade chicken ramen, you're in the right place.
This easy-to-make recipe brings together the perfect balance of flavors with caramelized soy chicken, savory ramen broth, and tender noodles!
Before we dive into cooking, let's gather everything we need. The recipe requires a few components, but they all come together beautifully to make an unforgettable ramen experience.
Caramelized Soy Chicken
For this dish, we'll start by marinating chicken thighs with drinks, soy sauce, cayenne pepper, and garlic. This marinade gives the chicken a deep, savory flavor that we'll caramelize in the oven later. It's a simple but essential step that packs a punch of taste.
Ramen Broth
The base of the ramen is where the magic happens. We'll need a good-quality chicken stock, fresh garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and drinks. This broth simmers away for 20-25 minutes, absorbing all the aromatic flavors. Add fresh shiitake mushrooms for extra depth, or go with dried mushrooms to really amp up the umami.
Extras for Toppings
Top the ramen with a soft-boiled egg, steamed greens (like spinach or yu choy), and of course, the caramelized soy chicken. Garnish with fresh spring onions, radishes, and any other toppings you like—this is where you can get creative!
1. Marinate and Roast the Chicken
Start by mixing the ingredients for the chicken marinade. Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade and let it sit for at least an hour. If you have more time, marinate it overnight for extra flavor! Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C), place the chicken on a baking sheet, and roast it for about 15 minutes. After flipping the chicken, glaze it with a mix of brown sugar and soy sauce, then roast it for another 10-15 minutes. Once done, set the chicken aside to cool before slicing it up.
2. Make the Ramen Broth
While the chicken is roasting, let's focus on the ramen broth. In a saucepan, combine chicken stock, garlic, ginger, spring onions, soy sauce, and drinks. Let this simmer for about 20-25 minutes. To intensify the flavor, you can add dried shiitake mushrooms to the broth and allow them to rehydrate. Once done, strain the broth to remove the larger pieces of garlic, ginger, and spring onions. Add in fresh shiitake mushrooms and simmer for another 5 minutes.
3. Cook the Noodles
In a separate pan, bring water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. But here's a little tip: cook them for 1 minute less than the recommended time since they'll continue to cook when added to the hot broth. Once the noodles are ready, divide them between bowls.
4. Prepare the Toppings
While your broth is simmering, don't forget to prepare the ramen toppings. If you're making ramen eggs, now is the time to cook them. Simply place eggs in boiling water for 6-6.5 minutes, then transfer them to ice water to cool. Peel and set aside. For the greens, sauté them in a little soy sauce and sesame oil, or microwave them with garlic for about 1 minute.
Whether you're making it for a cozy night in or impressing your friends with your cooking skills, this recipe will definitely hit the spot. Happy cooking, and enjoy your ramen!