Consistency is essential in mastering any skill, and the same applies to preparing delicious ramen. As you become more comfortable with the process, you can experiment with various broths, garnishes, and spices to create a ramen dish that is uniquely yours.

1. Mastering the Art of
Japanese Ramen
A Step-by-Step Guide

2. Introduction
Japanese ramen is more than just a bowl of soup; it's a culinary
masterpiece that balances flavors, textures, and aromas like no
other dish. While many enjoy a steaming bowl of ramen at their
favorite restaurant, making it from scratch at home is an entirely
different experience. Not only does it allow you to customize the
flavors to your liking, but it also lets you appreciate the artistry
and dedication that goes into crafting a perfect bowl of ramen.
In this step-by-step guide for beginners, we'll take you on a
journey through the world of Japanese ramen, teaching you
how to make it from scratch. So, roll up your sleeves, put
on your apron, and let's learn to make ramen.

3. Homemade Broth
The soul of any great ramen lies in its broth. It would be best to
start with a rich, flavorful broth to create authentic Japanese
ramen. The two traditional ramen broths, tonkotsu and shoyu,
will be our primary emphasis for beginners among the many
ramen broths.

4. 1. Tonkotsu Broth:
This creamy, pork-based broth is famous for its depth of flavor and silky texture.
Ingredients:
 Pork bones
 Water
 Ginger
 Garlic
 Green onions
 Salt
Steps:
 Place pork bones in a large pot and cover
with water.
 Bring to a boil and simmer for 12–15 hours,
skimming off impurities regularly.
 After that, Add ginger, garlic, and green
onions during the last hours of simmering.
 Season with salt to taste.

5. 2. Shoyu Broth:
This soy sauce-based broth is lighter than Tonkotsu and showcases a more delicate
flavor profile.
Ingredients:
 Chicken bones
 Water
 Soy sauce
 Mirin Sake
 Dried shiitake mushrooms
 Green onions
 Garlic
Steps:
 Simmer chicken bones, dried shiitake
mushrooms, green onions, and garlic in
water for 6–8 hours.
 Add soy sauce, mirin, and sake for the last
30 minutes.
 Strain the broth and adjust the seasoning if
necessary.

6. Perfecting the Noodles
The noodles are another crucial element of Japanese ramen.
They should be firm, springy, and absorbent. While you can
purchase pre-made ramen noodles, preparing your own from
scratch elevates the dish.

7. 1. Homemade Ramen Noodles:
Ingredients:
 2 cups all-purpose flour
 1/2 cup warm water
 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp kansui (alkaline water) or
baking soda
Steps:
 Mix the flour and salt in a bowl.
 Gradually add the warm water and kansui
while stirring until the dough forms.
 Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until
it becomes smooth and elastic.
 Cover the dough and let it rest for 30
minutes.
 Roll out the dough and cut it into thin
noodles.
 Cook in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until
they float, then transfer to an ice bath to
stop cooking.

8. Toppings and Garnishes
The toppings and garnishes are where you can get creative and
customize your ramen to your liking. Here are some classic
options:

9. 1. Chashu Pork:
Ingredients:
 Pork belly
 Soy sauce
 Sake Sugar
 Green onions
 Garlic
Steps:
 Roll up slices of pork belly and tie them with
kitchen twine.
 Sear the pork in a hot pan until browned.
 Combine soy sauce, sake, sugar, green
onions, and garlic in a separate pot.
 Add the seared pork to the pot and simmer
until tender.
This tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork is a ramen classic.

10. 2. Marinated Soft-Boiled Eggs:
Ingredients:
 Eggs
 Soy sauce
 Mirin Sugar
Steps:
 Boil eggs for 6–7 minutes, then transfer
them to an ice bath.
 Peel the eggs and marinate them in soy
sauce, mirin, and sugar.
Soft-boiled eggs with a runny yolk add creaminess and depth to your ramen.

11. 3. Nori (Seaweed):
Crispy sheets of nori add a subtle umami flavor and a nice crunch.
4. Bamboo Shoots (Menma):
These fermented bamboo shoots provide a unique texture and flavor.
5. Corn:
Sweet corn kernels are a delightful addition that balances the savory broth.

12. Assembling Your Ramen
Bowl
Now that you’ve mastered the components of ramen, it’s time to
put it all together:

13. 1. Cook Your Noodles: Boil your homemade ramen noodles for a few minutes
until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Warm Your Broth: Reheat your homemade broth and adjust the seasoning if
necessary.
3. Prepare Toppings: Slice your chashu pork, halve the soft-boiled eggs, and
gather the rest of your toppings.
4. Serve Your Ramen: Place a portion of cooked noodles in a large bowl. Pour the
hot broth over the noodles. Arrange the toppings on the surface of the broth.
5. Garnish and Enjoy: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions, a sheet of
nori, and any additional seasonings like chili oil or sesame seeds. Serve hot and
savor the flavors of your homemade ramen.

14. Conclusion
Crafting a bowl of authentic Japanese ramen from scratch is a
rewarding experience that allows you to explore the nuances of
this beloved dish. Consistency is essential in mastering any skill,
and the same applies to preparing delicious ramen. Consistency
is essential in mastering any skill, and the same applies to
preparing delicious ramen. So, invite some friends, share your
newfound skills, and enjoy the delicious world of homemade
ramen.

15. THANK
YOU!
Andrew Baba
Phone
904-763-4015
Email
info@babaramen.com