Ramen, a dish that symbolizes Japan's rich food culture, has captivated the hearts of food lovers around the world. We think you're one of them! Its complex flavors and soothing warmth provide a slice of Japanese culture that many Europeans, enchanted by the charm of the East, are eager to recreate in their kitchens.
Interestingly, I was actually not that much of a ramen fanatic in Japan. But for some reason, now that I've moved to the UK and now live in the Netherlands, I find myself often tempted by the nostalgic feeling of ramen and wanting to eat it!
If you're a European resident who's starting to get interested in Japan and its delicious cuisine, this guide is your golden ticket to mastering the art of ramen making in the comfort of your own home. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey to uncover the secrets of making authentic ramen using ingredients available on European markets. Welcome to a world where gastronomy and simplicity come together. Of course, everything will be delivered in English.
I. Understanding Ramen: A brief history and types
Before getting into the cooking process, it is essential to understand the origins of ramen and the variety it offers. In this section, we'll briefly introduce the path of ramen from China to becoming a Japanese staple, discuss the different types such as soy sauce, miso, tonkotsu, and salt, and prepare you for subsequent recipes.
II. Step-by-step guide to homemade ramen
It's difficult to make ramen authentically in Europe, but you can get creative with local ingredients and spices.
noodles
Pasta: Pasta is often used as a substitute for noodles in ramen. If you add baking soda to the noodles and boil them, the texture will be more similar to Chinese noodles.
★Tips★Use baking soda
Boil water in a pot and add about 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
Add the pasta and boil for about 2 minutes longer than the package directions.
Once boiled, wash thoroughly with water and drain.
Adding baking soda gives the pasta a chewy, springy texture similar to Chinese noodles.
Rice Flour Noodles: Rice flour noodles are a popular gluten-free ramen noodle. You can use rice flour noodles such as pho or vermicelli.
Udon: Udon is thicker and chewier than ramen noodles. It goes well with ramen made with Japanese-style soup stock.
soup
Chicken bones: Chicken bones are a staple in ramen soups. In Europe, chicken bones are relatively easy to obtain.
Pork bones: Pork bones are great for making rich ramen soups. In Europe, pork bones may be harder to come by than chicken bones.
Seafood: Seafood adds depth and flavor to your ramen soup. In Europe, seafood can be harder to come by than chicken bones or pork bones.
Vegetables: Vegetables add nutrition and flavor to your ramen soup. Vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery are often used.
Mushrooms: Mushrooms add flavor and richness to ramen soups. Mushrooms such as dried shiitake and enoki mushrooms are often used.
Spices: You can use spices to give your ramen soup a unique flavor. Spices such as ginger, garlic, sesame, and chili pepper are often used.
topping
Char siu: Char siu is a standard topping for ramen. It is made by simmering pork belly with soy sauce and mirin.
Boiled eggs: Boiled eggs are another classic topping for ramen. It is made by boiling eggs in soy sauce or mirin.
Menma: Menma is made by boiling bamboo shoots. Adds accent to the texture and flavor of ramen.
Nori: Nori adds flavor and color to ramen noodles.
Cheese: Cheese gives ramen a rich and creamy flavor.
Herbs: You can use herbs to add fresh flavor to your ramen noodles. Herbs such as basil, cilantro, and mint are often used.
others
Soy sauce: Soy sauce is the most common seasoning used to flavor ramen soup.
Miso: Miso is used to make miso ramen soup.
Salt: Salt is used to make salt ramen soup.
Chili oil: Chili oil adds spiciness and flavor to ramen noodles.
Vinegar: Vinegar adds a sour taste to ramen noodles.
Try making your own original ramen using these ideas. With these tips and variations, anyone can enjoy the flavors of Japan without leaving the house. Happy cooking!