Easy Ramen Recipe (Quick & Homemade) (2024)

This Easy Ramen Recipe is certainly Not Your College Ramen of yester years? I've amped up the classic packaged noodles into a homemade ramen that's layered with incredible flavors, textures and deliciousness! Plus it's quick to make in just 30 minutes!

Instant ramen was a go-to budget-friendly, easy “meal” when I was in college. Its warmth and savory flavors brought comfort and satisfaction amidst the stressors of figuring out life in adulthood. I’ll admit, I still love those cheap packets, but now I prefer taking it to the next level by transforming them into an Easy Ramen Recipe at home!

I love a great bowl of comforting ramen, especially when it's cold outside. I've experimented with several broths and ingredients to make an approachable soup that tastes like its been simmering for hours when really it's made in just 30 minutes!

Starting with a rich store-bought or homemade broth, I add pho concentrate to reinforce those classic flavors. Once the broth is piping hot, I add tender pulled meat (chicken, pork or beef are great!), a boiled egg, vegetables, and fresh herbs to make this a ramen to remember!

I often use this as a clean out the fridge meal since it's a great way to use up any leftover proteins and veggies. I share below all of my favorite variations to customize this ramen to your heart's desire. If you love a warm bowl of soup, you'll have to try my other recipes.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• Quick-to-Make: This flavorful quick easy ramen recipe takes less than 30 minutes to throw together!
• A Fun and Creative Meal: Everyone can make their bowl just as they'd like. Serving toppings and condiments on the side makes it a fun meal to make with the family.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Easy homemade ramen is an affordable lunch or dinner. It's a great way to repurpose leftover meat, so there's less waste. It's also has simple ingredients that require minimal prep.

Ingredients for this Easy Ramen Recipe

Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Broth (variety as desired): Serves as the foundation of the ramen's flavor.
• Pho Concentrate: A concentrated form of the broth that adds an extra depth of flavor.
• Olive, Avocado or Sesame Oil: Adds flavor, tenderness, and caramelization to the vegetables.
• Vegetables (Baby Bok Choy, Garlic, and Mushrooms): Adds nutrients, color, and freshness to the ramen.
• Eggs: A soft-boiled or marinated egg (ajitsuke tamago) is a common ramen topping. It contributes a creamy texture and an additional layer of flavor when the yolk mixes with the broth.
• Ramen Noodles: Contributes to the dish's texture and structure. They should be cooked just right, offering a chewy and firm consistency.
• Cooked Shredded Chicken, Pork or Beef: The protein adds substance and richness to the dish.
• Garnish Options: Fresh Cilantro, Fresh Basil, Jalapeño, Lime Wedges, Green Onion, Oyster Sauce, Soy Sauce, Hot Sauce, Chili Oil

Tools You’ll Need

• Large Stockpot
• Large Skillet
• Small Saucepan
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• Silicone Tongs

Pro Tip: This is a great meal to have at the end of the week since it takes only 30 minutes to make and is a great way to clean out extra proteins and veggies in the fridge.

How to Make Ramen at Home

1. Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Gently lower eggs into the water. Set a timer for 6-10 minutes (depending on preferred doneness). Immediately transfer to an ice bath, and set a timer for 10 minutes. Drain and peel the shell away.

2. Pour broth, pho concentrate (if using), and garlic to a boil. Lower the heat to medium, and simmer 5 minutes.

3. Add oil to a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and bok choy. Season with salt and black pepper as desired. Cook until tender.

4. Add ramen noodles and meat to the simmering broth. Cook until the ramen is al dente.

5. To two large serving bowls, evenly divide the vegetables, noodles, meat and broth. Top with desired toppings.

Pro Tips and Substitutions

• Change up the proteins. If you don’t have leftover chicken, pork, beef or tofu, here’s a couple proteins you can start this meal from scratch:
  • Pork: Salt and pepper a 4-6 pound pork butt or shoulder. Add 4 cups of water to a Crockpot and cook pork on low for 6-8 hours or high 4-6 hours. Remove pork from the broth, discard fat, and shred meat. Cool broth and remove solidified fat. Use pork broth in place or in addition to chicken broth for ramen bowl base.
  • Chicken: Season chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper or desired seasonings. Place in 4 cups broth chicken broth in a stockpot or Crockpot. Crockpot cook on low 5-6 hours or high 3-4. Shred and use chicken broth for ramen bowl base.
• Make perfect boiled eggs. Check out my Perfect Peel Boiled Eggs. For a creamy yolk with set egg white, boil 7 minutes. For a half set yolk, boil 8-9 minutes. For a completely set yolk, boil 10 minutes.
• Best toppings for ramen. Be sure to get creative here! You can set out all the toppings and make a ramen bar for your friends and family. Here are some of my favorites:
  • Sliced green onions
  • Bamboo shoots
  • Nori (seaweed)
  • Corn
  • Sliced mushrooms
  • Sliced or shredded pork or chicken
  • Pickled ginger
• Condiment Options: Condiments are a great way to enhance the flavor of this ramen noodle recipe and allows individuals to customize their bowl. Here are some great options: soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil or paste, sriracha sauce, miso paste, Japanese seven spice (schichimi togarashi), and/or mirin or sweet sake.

Storage for Quick Ramen

• For the refrigerator: Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator up to 2-3 days. The noodles will soak up some of the broth over time.
• For the freezer: It's best not to store the ramen in the freezer since it will change the texture of the noodles as well as the vegetbles. You can freeze the broth easily, I recommend straining out the noodles and toppings first. Then place the broth into a freezer-safe container to store for up to 2 months.
• Reheating ramen: Microwave in a bowl for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every so often until warmed through. Alternative, place in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until warm, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Asian-Inspired Recipes

• Sweet and Crunchy Ramen Salad
• Crockpot Mongolian Beef
• Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
• Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

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