Ramen is a Japanese dish that has been welcomed all over the world for its comforting, warm, and filling nature. Noodle Ramen is a staple in Japanese cuisine, and it has become a favourite dish for many people from different cultures due to its versatility (it can truly accommodate various dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or low-carb. and ease of preparation).
Traditionally Japanese ramen soup is made with broth, noodles, and various ingredients, such as meats, vegetables, and eggs. In this article, I’d like to show you an easy recipe for ramen-noodle soup with chicken and Bok Choy.
Ramen-Noodle soup recipe
Learn how to make a delicious and comforting bowl of noodle ramen with chicken and Bok Choy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 bunches Bok Choy
- 4 portions of fresh ramen noodles
- 4 spring onions sliced
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In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the chicken breasts and cook until fully cooked about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool before shredding.
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In the same pot, add the garlic and ginger to the broth and cook for 1-2 minutes.
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Add the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to the pot and stir to combine.
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Add the bok choy to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
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Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions and divide them among 4 bowls.
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Pour the broth and bok choy mixture over the noodles and top each bowl with shredded chicken.
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Garnish with sliced spring onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
A brief history of Ramen
Ramen is a dish that has been enjoyed in Japan for over 100 years. Not many people know but ramen originated in China and was brought to Japan by Chinese immigrants in the 19th century.
Initially, this dish was considered a cheap, quick, and convenient meal for labourers and students. Over time, it became a staple in Japanese cuisine, and today it is enjoyed by people of all ages and social classes.
Ramen has evolved over the years, and nowadays there are many different styles and variations of this dish in Japan and across the world. Some of the most popular styles of ramen include Shoyu, which is made with a soy sauce-based broth, Shio, which is made with a salt-based broth, and Miso, which is made with a miso paste-based broth. The ingredients used in ramen can also vary, from different meats to seafood to vegetables and eggs.
Health benefits of Bok Choy
Bok Choy – also called pak choi, bak choi, spoon cabbage (probably because of the shape of its leaves), or Chinese cabbage – is a leafy green vegetable that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. Bok Choy is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium. Bok choy is also low in calories and high in fibre, making it a great addition to any vegetarian or meat dish.
In addition to its health benefits, Bok choy is also known for its mild, slightly sweet flavour and crunchy texture. When added to a soup, it adds a nice crunch and freshness to the dish. Bok choy is also a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to soups.
The importance of fresh noodles
As the name of the dish suggests noodles are the most important component of noodle ramen. They should always be fresh and have a chewy texture. Fresh ramen noodles can be found in many Asian markets and speciality stores. If for whatever reason fresh noodles are not available, dried noodles can also be used, but be warned as they may not have the same texture and flavour as fresh noodles.
When cooking your noodles, it’s important to follow the instructions on the package and not overcook them. Overcooked noodles will become mushy and will not have the desired texture. Fresh noodles should be cooked for about 2-3 minutes while cooking dried noodles will take a little longer – about 4-5 minutes.
Garlic and ginger: the perfect flavour combination
Without a doubt, garlic and ginger are two of the most commonly used ingredients in Asian cuisine. They add depth and flavour to our dishes, and they are essential ingredients in the preparation of noodle ramen.
Garlic is known for its strong, pungent flavour. On the other side, ginger has a slightly sweet and spicy taste. When combined together, garlic and ginger give us the perfect balance of flavour that is sure to delight your taste buds and invigorate your day.
In this recipe, we added garlic and ginger to the broth, together with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and last but not least sesame oil. The combination of these 6 ingredients creates a rich and flavorful bouillon that is the perfect base for our noodle ramen soup.
Shredded Chicken: a hearty and filling protein
Chicken is a popular meat choice for noodle ramen, and it is a great addition to the dish because it is very easy to prepare and it’s a good source of protein. In this recipe we used, boneless, skinless chicken breasts and we cooked them in the broth until fully cooked. Then we shredded and added the chicken to the bowl of noodle ramen, providing a hearty and filling protein.
Topping it off with spring onions
Spring onions, also known as green onions or scallions, are commonly used ingredients in Asian dishes. They have a mild flavour and a crisp texture, and they are often used as a garnish for soups and other dishes. In this recipe, we sliced and used the spring onions as a garnish in order to add a nice crunch and freshness to the dish.
Conclusion
Noodle ramen with chicken and bok choy is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The combination of the delicious broth, chewy noodles, tender bok choy, shredded chicken, and crunchy spring onions is sure to please your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of Asian cuisine or you’re simply looking for a warm and filling meal, noodle ramen is a great choice that we strongly recommend.
So, give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious bowl of chicken noodle ramen today!
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