Almost everybody may enjoy a quick and adaptable lunch like ramen. They are simple to create in big quantities, rapid, and inexpensive. They are the ideal choice for traveling or on a busy weeknight because they can be purchased at any grocery store or petrol station.
Ramen may be spiced up using a variety of herbs and spices. Some seasonings include thyme leaves or dried thyme leaves, ginger, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper flakes. Equal amounts of these spices can be used to create a flavorful spice mixture.
So, What spices to add to ramen?
These spices can also be mixed together in a variety of ways.
Typically, each variety of ramen has its unique seasoning. One such example is shoyu, which has a soy sauce base and other components like ginger, garlic, or bonito flakes. Miso is a salt-based soup that includes sweet potatoes, carrots, and onions as well as a unique flavor of its own. In addition to using soy sauce and kelp (kombu) as flavorings, tonkotsu is produced using pig stock.
Nevertheless, a lot of us want more from our noodles than just processed meat and salty, noodle-based broth (or vegetables).
Those who are unfamiliar with ramen may find it challenging to know what seasonings to add. Ramen noodles come in several varieties, and they can contain a variety of ingredients.
What are the ingredients for Ramen?
In essence, ramen is Japanese noodle soup. Its versatility is what makes it unique. The quick pack of ramen may be prepared in about 3 minutes and consumed on a relaxing day at home. Ramen is typically served at formal meals. What other meal is capable of that?
Wheat, salt, and water are used to make ramen. Some eateries create their own fresh Ramen on the spot, which only improves the flavor. Ramen is made up of three different elements: different broth tastes, noodles, and toppings. This trio transforms basic noodles into something more when they are combined.
Japanese ramen is well-known for its seductive scent and divine flavor. People frequently enquire as to the spices that give food its delicious flavor. It doesn’t matter if you want to learn the spices used in Japanese ramen or cook your own ramen at home. Let’s go through some of the most common spices used in Japanese ramen.
What spices to add to ramen? – Instant ramen hacks
You may enhance your instant ramen by using the following spices to help change up the recipe:
Ginger
People frequently utilize ginger as a spice in numerous Asian cuisines. Ramen is one of the many foods that may be enhanced in flavor and savoriness with ginger.
An fragrant spice from Asia, ginger is a member of the Zingiberaceae family. Turmeric has been used in cooking for millennia, and Asian cuisine, particularly Indian, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Indonesian dishes, employ it often.
Black pepper
Your ramen will get somewhat hotter, but not to an intolerable degree, if you add black pepper to it. Also, the black pepper will give your noodles and broth a richer, more complex flavor.
White pepper
Ramen’s tastes may be balanced by adding white pepper to the meal. Its strong, sweet flavor balances other ingredients and gives this meal a fiery kick when combined with it.
Garlic powder
Adding garlic powder to ramen is a common practice, although it lacks taste. While it has a strong flavor, garlic complements the other spices in ramen quite nicely.
Onion powder
Ramen may be spiced up with onion powder to increase taste. It may be found in many supermarkets and grocery stores and is often used in savory cuisine. Onion powder has a distinct “onion” fragrance and a flavor that is rich, acidic, sharp, and just a little bit sweet.
Pepper flakes
Few people are aware that adding pepper flakes to ramen may greatly elevate the meal.
To begin, boil your noodles while adding ginger, shallots, and garlic that have been finely diced. Then, for added flavor, add a mixture of soy sauce, turmeric, and fish sauce. Add some crushed red chili pepper flakes on top last.
Thyme leaves
Thyme adds a pleasant aroma and a touch of spice to ramen, so it’s a perfect addition.
Coriander seeds
Several distinct cuisines use the spice coriander seeds. They have a strong taste and are frequently combined with turmeric, cumin, and cardamom.
Ramen may be given greater taste by adding coriander seeds. Moreover, they may be used in Indian recipes like dal and channa masala.
Miso Seasoning
Making miso Ramen frequently calls for miso seasoning. It thickens the soup considerably and gives the dish a smoky red-orange hue. Miso is essentially a thick soybean paste that is used as an ingredient in many Japanese recipes. Because the soybeans used to make red miso have fermented for a longer period of time, there are two types of miso: white and red. While the flavor it adds to ramen is complicated, it is undoubtedly rich and well worth trying.
Star anise
Chinese cuisine frequently includes star anise as a seasoning for soup and other foods.
The flavor of star anise is distinctive, spicy, and has licorice undertones. It is a common ingredient in many East Asian recipes, particularly meat-based ones. Moreover, star anise plays a significant role in Indian cuisine, where it is a key ingredient in the chai spice tea.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice with a toasty, sweet taste that is frequently used to baked goods and pastries. Savory meals can also be prepared using it.
Cinnamon may be used as a spice for ramen by incorporating it into the broth to enhance its flavor. Before you boil the noodles, add some ground cinnamon to the water. To create a more distinctive flavor profile, you could also add some cinnamon to the seasoning package you usually put with your ramen.
Furikake
Furikake is a well-known rice seasoning from Japan that is frequently used in many dishes, including ramen. It is best to refrain from adding additional ingredients while using furikake to make your ramen because a lot of elements are combined to produce it. Furikake contains sesame seeds, salmon, bonito, and seaweed flakes. It gives the food a ton of umami flavor, crunchiness, and texture.
Yuzu Kosho
Also called “citrus chili paste.” Japanese condiment known as “yuzu kosho” is created from yuzu peels, salt, and chili peppers. Its description makes it clear that it will give your ramen a flavor that is spicy, lemony, and just a little bit bitter thanks to the yuzu peels. Although it is not particularly hot or sour, the yuzu peel gives it a slight tanginess. In case you were wondering, yuzu is a citrus fruit with somewhat rough skin that has an orange-like shape and a hue that is similar to a lemon. Fresh yuzu has a strong, enticing scent that is similar to citrus fruits including lime, lemon, grapefruit, and orange.
Butter
You did read that correctly. Definitely not a spice, but the secret ingredient that may quickly thicken the soup is butter. Also, it gives your ramen a thick, velvety texture and amplifies the flavors that are already there. Do you want your ramen to be spicy but not overly so? add butter next.
To give your ramen the flavor and taste you want, there are several spices that may be used either alone or in combinations. Some of them may be prepared at home and are also offered in packet form in shops and supermarkets.
Related questions
How do you make ramen less boring?
Ramen may be made less monotonous by using veggies, either as a side dish or mixed in with the noodles. Sauces are a further means. You may get creative with your sauces and either serve them on the side for dipping or put them to the ramen noodles for a more savory experience.
How do you crack an egg in ramen?
In ramen, an egg can be cracked in two different ways. The egg is first broken by tapping it against the bowl’s edge to crack the shell, then it is delicately poured into the soup. The second method is to simultaneously crack and pour the yolk without breaking it.
What can I add to noodles for flavor?
Noodles can have a number of substances added to them to improve the flavor.
* Garlic and carrots go really well with noodles, especially when combined with a soy sauce-based sauce.
* Noodles may also be mixed with thinly sliced green onions and sesame oil for a quick and simple dish that is ideal for lunch or dinner.
* For a Greek-themed supper, you can also prepare your own tzatziki sauce to put on top of your noodles.
Final verdicts
When it comes to spicing up your ramen, you have a lot of exciting options to choose from. Whether you opt for something classic like garlic and ginger, something unexpected like sea salt or lemongrass, or something flavorful but mild like sesame oil, there are endless opportunities awaiting. Experiment with different combinations of spices and flavors to see what works best for your taste buds. You may even discover that a combination of multiple seasonings yields the most delicious and mouthwatering results. With so many flavors to explore, you will never get bored making ramen again!
In conclusion, if you want to add a bit of extra flavor and texture to your ramen dish, there are several spices that can do the trick. Adding chili peppers, garlic, ginger, or spices from the allium family such as scallions and leeks can give your ramen noodles an added kick that can impress even the pickiest of eaters. All that being said, always take into consideration any allergies or dietary restrictions before adding any spices to your meals. If you have any questions regarding which spices to use in your ramen dish or to learn more about how different spices can be used in other meals, feel free to contact us at Angelo’s Burgers and we’l be more than happy to help!