Welcome to the world of ramen, where every slurp tells a story of tradition, innovation, and pure culinary delight. Whether you're a seasoned ramen aficionado or a curious newcomer, our Ramen 101 guide is here to make your ramen experience one to remember—and repeat!
Whether you're crafting a traditional tonkotsu masterpiece or experimenting with bold new flavors, let ramen be your canvas for culinary exploration. Slurp, savor, and enjoy every moment of your ramen adventure 🍜. And with that, we welcome to the world of ramen! 🍜
Remember to share your ramen triumphs and discoveries with us on social media! We'd love to see your unique creations.
What is ramen?
Ramen, a beloved Japanese noodle dish, traces its roots back to Yokohama Chinatown in the early 20th century, where it evolved from southern Chinese noodle traditions. The term "ramen" is derived from the Chinese word "lamian," meaning "pulled noodles." Since then, it has become a cultural icon in Japan and beyond, boasting diverse regional variations and global recognition.
Slurp all the way
Did you know that slurping ramen is not a rude notion in Japan? In fact, it’s expected. To eat ramen quickly without burning yourself, slurp the noodles to cool them down before swallowing.
Types of noodles
Dive into the noodle universe with us as we explore the diverse textures and flavors of ramen noodles:
- Thin Wavy Noodles: Perfect for lighter shoyu or shio broths, these noodles cook quickly while retaining their bouncy texture, allowing the delicious broth to cling effortlessly.
- Thin Straight Noodles: Delicately formed for the perfect bowl of tonkotsu, these noodles boast remarkable texture and flavor absorption.
- Thick Wavy Noodles: With their distinctive texture, these noodles effortlessly absorb miso and tantamen broths, as well as mazemen (brothless) sauces.
- Thick Straight Noodles: Ideal for dipping and more, these noodles ensure a perfectly balanced tsukemen experience.
Can't find your preferred noodle type? Don't worry! Experiment with similar alternatives to discover new flavor combinations.
From left to right the types of noodles: Thin wavy, thin straight, thick wavy, thick straight.
Noodle pairings
There is no wrong when it comes to the art of noodle-broth fusion—tailor your ramen experience to your taste preferences. Unlock the secrets of noodle-broth harmony with these tips:
- Thin, straight noodles complement thick, tonkotsu broths
- Wavy noodles excel with lighter broths like miso.
- Shio and shoyu-flavored soups can be paired with various noodle types.
The five elements of the perfect bowl of ramen
To create the perfect ramen bow—with rich flavors and textures—relies on five main parts.
- Noodles: The soul of ramen, featuring chewy, flavorful strands crafted from water, kansui, and wheat flour.
- Broth: The heart of ramen, simmered for hours to create a flavorful base. From pork to chicken to vegetarian options, the possibilities are endless.
- Tare: Ramen's special seasoning, adding depth and complexity to the broth. Explore salty, soy-based, or miso tare variations.
- Toppings: Elevate your ramen with an array of delicious extras, from soft-boiled eggs to pork belly slices and beyond.
- Oils and Fats: Infuse richness and depth into your bowl with chili oil, scallion oil, or decadent chicken and pork fats.
Customize your bowl of ramen with an endless array of toppings and flavor combinations, making each bite a culinary adventure.
Things to know when cooking ramen
Lastly, to master the art of noodle perfection, follow these essential tips:
- The ideal temperature of the soup is 212°F (100°C)
- Temper noodles before cooking to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking. It is not ideal to cook from a frozen state.
- Use a timer to achieve the ideal noodle texture, avoiding overcooking or undercooking.