Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (946ml) Chicken or Vegetable Broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 cups (473ml) Water
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) Soy Sauce (low sodium)
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) Mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) Rice Vinegar
  • 1 inch (2.5cm) piece of Ginger, peeled and grated
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil
  • 1 sheet Dried Kombu (seaweed) – optional
  • 2 tbsp Dried Shiitake Mushroom Powder
  • 1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
  • 1 tbsp Dried Seaweed Flakes (Nori, Wakame, or a blend)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp White Pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Ginger
  • 1/4 tsp Sugar
  • 2 servings Fresh or Dried Ramen Noodles
  • 2 Soft-boiled Eggs, halved
  • Thinly sliced Green Onions
  • Cooked Pork Belly (Chashu), thinly sliced (optional)
  • Bamboo Shoots (Menma), sliced (optional)
  • Spinach or Bok Choy, blanched
  • Narutomaki (fish cake), sliced (optional)
  • Sesame Seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Seasoning Blend: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for the Umami Dust seasoning blend. Mix well and set aside.
  2. Infuse the Broth: In a large pot, combine chicken or vegetable broth, water, soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Add the kombu (if using). Bring to a simmer.
  3. Simmer and Develop Flavour: Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 45 minutes, to allow the flavours to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the broth will be. Discard the kombu before proceeding.
  4. Cook the Noodles: While the broth simmers, cook the ramen noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  5. Assemble the Ramen: Divide the cooked noodles between two bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles.
  6. Season Generously: Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of the Umami Dust seasoning blend over each bowl of ramen. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference. Refer to [seasoning ramen] for seasoning tips.
  7. Add Toppings: Arrange your desired toppings artfully in each bowl.
  8. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your perfectly seasoned ramen!