Quick Homemade Ramen Recipe Easy 20-Minute Dinner Idea

Let me tell you, the smell of simmering broth and the gentle steam rising from a bowl of freshly made ramen is enough to make anyone’s stomach rumble. The first time I made this quick homemade ramen, I was completely hooked—it was the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, but honestly, it’s so good you’ll crave it even in the middle of summer. My family? They couldn’t stop slurping it up, and I found myself making batch after batch just to keep up!

Years ago, I used to think homemade ramen was too complicated—a recipe reserved for special occasions or skilled chefs. I couldn’t have been more wrong. This version is a game-changer, and I wish I had known how easy it was sooner. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or just when you need a quick pick-me-up meal. Trust me, once you taste those perfectly cooked noodles swimming in the deeply flavorful broth, you’ll want to bookmark this recipe forever.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute dinner plans.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh veggies—no fancy trips to specialty grocery stores required.
• Customizable: Tailor it to your preferences with your favorite toppings and proteins.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The broth is rich and flavorful, and the noodles are delightfully chewy.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love it, and you can adjust the spice level to suit everyone.

What makes this ramen truly special is how it strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and restaurant-quality taste. The broth is made with a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic, offering that savory umami flavor we all love. Plus, it’s completely customizable—load it up with fresh veggies, boiled eggs, or even leftover chicken. It’s fast, satisfying, and has that soul-soothing quality that only a warm bowl of ramen can deliver.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create bold flavors without the fuss. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• For the Broth:
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (fresh works best!)
• 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional, for extra depth)
• For the Noodles:
• 8 ounces ramen noodles (fresh or instant)
• For Toppings:
• 2 soft-boiled eggs
• Sliced green onions
• Shredded carrots
• Baby spinach
• Sesame seeds
• Optional: cooked protein like chicken, tofu, or shrimp

Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, and you can swap or adjust them to suit your taste. For instance, you can use beef broth instead of chicken, or add chili paste for a spicy kick. The toppings are where you can get creative—use whatever you have on hand for a personalized touch!

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this quick homemade ramen:

• Medium saucepan or pot (for the broth)
• Small pot (for boiling the eggs)
• Fine grater (for the ginger)
• Sharp knife and cutting board (for chopping veggies)
• Soup ladle (to serve your ramen)

If you don’t have a fine grater, you can mince the ginger with a knife instead. And if you don’t own a ladle, a large spoon works just as well. No fancy equipment needed—just your everyday kitchen basics!

Preparation Method

1. Start by preparing the broth. In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and miso paste (if using). Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. While the broth is simmering, boil your eggs. Bring a small pot of water to a boil, carefully lower the eggs into the water, and cook for 6 minutes for soft-boiled eggs. Transfer the eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then peel and set aside.
3. Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Prepare your toppings. Slice the green onions, shred the carrots, and rinse the baby spinach. If you’re adding protein, make sure it’s cooked and ready to go.
5. Assemble your ramen bowls. Divide the cooked noodles between bowls, ladle the hot broth over them, and arrange your toppings on top. Add the soft-boiled egg halves and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy! Don’t forget to grab your chopsticks and savor every slurp.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to ensure your ramen turns out just right:

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Ramen noodles cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid mushiness.
• Perfect Soft-Boiled Eggs: Use an ice bath to stop the cooking process and get that perfect jammy yolk.
• Layer the Flavors: Don’t skip the simmering step for the broth—it’s where the magic happens.
• Customize the Spice: Add a dollop of chili paste or sriracha if you prefer a spicy kick.
• Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and cook your protein in advance to save time when assembling the bowls.

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

• Vegetarian Ramen: Use vegetable broth and skip the eggs or swap them with tofu for protein.
• Spicy Ramen: Stir in chili paste, sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Gluten-Free Ramen: Use rice noodles or gluten-free ramen noodles instead of traditional ones.
• Seasonal Veggies: Swap spinach for bok choy, or add fresh corn and mushrooms depending on what’s in season.

Personally, I love adding a splash of rice vinegar to the broth for a hint of tang—it’s a little twist that keeps things exciting!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Ramen is best served immediately while the broth is hot and the noodles are perfectly chewy. Pair it with a side of steamed dumplings or a crisp cucumber salad for a complete meal. If you have leftovers:

• Refrigerator: Store the broth and toppings separately from the noodles in airtight containers. They’ll keep for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm the broth on the stove and add fresh noodles when ready to serve.
• Freezer Option: Freeze the broth for up to 2 months—just add fresh ingredients when reheating.

Pro tip: The flavors in the broth deepen after sitting overnight, making it even tastier the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This ramen recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:

• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving (varies with toppings and protein).
• Protein: Eggs and optional protein make it a great source of protein.
• Vitamins: Fresh veggies like spinach and carrots provide vitamins A, C, and K.
• Low Fat: Made with wholesome broth and minimal oil.

Keep in mind, you can adjust the recipe to meet dietary needs—gluten-free, vegetarian, or low-sodium options are all easy to achieve!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s comforting, quick, and endlessly customizable, this quick homemade ramen is the answer. It’s a dish that brings smiles to the table with its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. I love how easy it is to tweak the toppings or spice level to make it perfect for everyone. Honestly, it’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes one in yours too.

Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Did you add a unique twist or discover a favorite topping? I’d love to hear your ideas. Let’s bring the joy of homemade ramen to every dinner table—happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use instant ramen noodles for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just discard the seasoning packet that comes with them and use the homemade broth instead.

How do I make the broth richer?

Add a tablespoon of butter or increase the amount of miso paste for a more decadent flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the broth and toppings in advance, but cook the noodles fresh to maintain their texture.

What’s the best way to peel soft-boiled eggs?

After cooling the eggs in an ice bath, gently roll them on a countertop to crack the shell, then peel under running water.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Store the broth and toppings separately in containers and combine them with freshly cooked noodles when ready to eat.

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