Homemade Ramen Made Simple: No Instant Noodles Here

Last Updated on November 19, 2025 by Souhail

I still remember the first time I tried real ramen — not the instant stuff from college days, but a proper, soul-warming bowl from a tiny ramen shop tucked away in the East Village. It was a chilly evening, and that first slurp of rich, umami-packed broth was life-changing. Ever since, I’ve been obsessed with recreating that magic at home. This homemade ramen recipe brings the same bold, comforting flavors into your kitchen, with simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method.

Whether you’re cozying up on a winter night or just need a quick dinner that tastes like it took hours, this bowl delivers. Think tender noodles swimming in savory broth, perfectly jammy eggs, crispy veggies, and melt-in-your-mouth chicken or tofu. It’s satisfying, fun to make, and infinitely customizable.

Here’s Why You’ll Love Making This Ramen at Home

Making ramen from scratch may sound intimidating, but this version is perfect for home cooks at any level. It balances ease, flavor, and that beautiful restaurant-style presentation we all crave. Here’s why this recipe really works:

• Deep, savory broth without long simmering times: Thanks to a combo of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and miso, you get full-bodied flavor in under an hour.
• Versatile toppings: Love mushrooms? Go for it. Prefer tofu over chicken? Done. You can make this bowl exactly the way you like it.
• Jammy eggs = always a win: Soft-boiled eggs add a silky richness that ties everything together.
• Use pantry-friendly ingredients: Most items are probably already in your kitchen or easy to find at any grocery store.
• Great for weeknights or meal prep: The broth and toppings can be prepped ahead, making it a breeze to throw together when you’re short on time.

Quick Cultural Note

Ramen originated in Japan but was heavily influenced by Chinese noodle soups. Over the years, it has evolved into a national obsession — from regional varieties to trendy ramen shops worldwide. I’ve always been fascinated by how every bowl tells a story, and it’s such a joy to bring that into my home kitchen. No two bowls ever taste exactly the same, and that’s part of the fun!

Make It Your Way:

• Vegan? Use veggie broth, skip the egg, and load up on mushrooms, bok choy, and tofu.
• Gluten-free? Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and swap in rice noodles.
• Spicy lover? Stir in chili garlic sauce, gochujang, or top with chili oil for extra heat.

This dish is super forgiving, so don’t stress if you’re missing a topping or two—make it your own, and have fun with it!

How To Make Homemade Ramen

Homemade Ramen Recipe

Recipe by Kenza

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DinnerCuisine: Japanese, AsianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

560

kcal

A cozy, flavorful bowl of homemade ramen with savory broth, jammy eggs, tender noodles, and customizable toppings. So much better than takeout!

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Ingredients

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon white or red miso paste

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 -inch piece fresh ginger, minced

• 2 large eggs

• 2 packs ramen noodles (fresh or instant without seasoning packet)

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 1 cup baby spinach or bok choy

• 1 cooked chicken breast or ½ block tofu (optional)

• 1 scallion, thinly sliced

• Chili oil, sesame seeds, nori, lime wedges for garnish (optional)

Directions

• First things first: get everything prepped before you start cooking. Trust me, ramen comes together fast once the broth is bubbling, so it helps to have all your toppings ready to go.
• Start by soft-boiling the eggs. Bring a small pot of water to a boil, gently lower in your eggs, and set a timer for 6 ½ to 7 minutes. As soon as the timer goes off, scoop them into an ice water bath. This stops the cooking and gives you that gorgeous jammy yolk. Once cooled, peel and set aside.
• Next, prep your broth. In a large pot, heat a bit of sesame oil and sauté garlic and ginger until they’re super fragrant — just about a minute. Add soy sauce, chicken broth, and a bit of miso paste. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes to develop that deep, savory flavor. Don’t let it boil too hard or you’ll lose some of the delicate notes.
• While the broth is simmering, cook your ramen noodles according to package instructions. It’s important to cook them in a separate pot so your broth stays clear. Drain and rinse them briefly under warm water to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
• Now it’s time to prepare your toppings. I love quickly sautéing mushrooms or bok choy in a touch of sesame oil until just tender. If you’re using tofu or chicken, pan-sear or shred it while the broth simmers.
• Once everything’s ready, ladle your hot broth into bowls. Nestle in a tangle of noodles, halve those perfect jammy eggs and place them gently on top, then pile on your favorite toppings — scallions, mushrooms, spinach, shredded chicken, or tofu. A drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds never hurts.

Notes

• For spicier broth, stir in 1 teaspoon of chili garlic paste or drizzle chili oil at the end.
• Miso paste can be white (milder) or red (stronger); adjust to taste.
• Use veggie broth and tofu to make this recipe vegetarian.
• Add corn, bamboo shoots, or bean sprouts for extra texture.
• Soft-boiled eggs can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge, unpeeled.
• Cook noodles just before serving to keep the texture perfect.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 560kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Sodium: 1120mg
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 30g

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Pro Tips for a Ramen Bowl That’ll Wow You

Ramen is one of those dishes where the little things really make a difference. Here’s how to take your homemade ramen from good to amazing:

• Use good broth as your base: A mix of low-sodium chicken broth and a dash of miso paste or soy sauce creates depth fast. If you have time, simmer with garlic, ginger, and scallions for even more richness.
• Cook noodles separately: Always boil your ramen noodles separately from the broth to avoid cloudiness and over-starchiness.
• Egg timing is everything: For perfect jammy eggs, boil for exactly 6 ½ to 7 minutes, then plunge into ice water.
• Layer your bowl: Start with broth, then add noodles, then toppings. That way, everything stays fresh and vibrant.
• Don’t skip the sesame oil: A few drops at the end add that signature nutty, toasty flavor.

Want to go full cozy mode? Pair this ramen with a comforting starter like this chicken tortilla soup or tomato soup for a soup-lover’s dream dinner.

Fun Twists and Tasty Variations to Try

Ramen is the ultimate customizable dish. Once you master the base, it’s easy (and fun) to get creative.

1. Creamy Spicy Ramen

Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter and chili paste into the broth. It makes the broth extra creamy with a kick—super cozy for winter nights.

2. Miso Mushroom Ramen

Use mushroom broth and double up on shiitake or oyster mushrooms. This one’s earthy, umami-packed, and a favorite among vegetarian friends.

3. Ramen with Rotisserie Chicken

Shortcut alert! Shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken and drop it in the broth. It cuts cooking time and adds tons of flavor.

4. Breakfast Ramen

Top with crispy bacon, a poached egg, and even a little cheddar. Ramen for brunch? Yes, please.

5. Fall Harvest Ramen

Add roasted squash, kale, and sweet corn. This is a great way to use leftovers from a cozy fall dinner like pumpkin ravioli.

6. Kid-Friendly Ramen

Skip the spicy elements and stick to mild broth, corn, soft-boiled eggs, and maybe even a splash of milk for creaminess.

Serving Ideas That Make It Extra Special

Once your ramen is assembled, it’s all about the toppings and presentation. I love setting up a little DIY ramen bar with all the fixings laid out so everyone can build their own bowl.

Top your bowl with:

• Thinly sliced scallions
• Nori sheets or crispy seaweed snacks
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Fresh lime wedges for a citrusy zing
• Chili oil for a spicy finish

To make it a full meal, serve with a warm side like this chicken pot pie or keep it light with a fresh salad.

Storage and Reheating: Here’s How to Keep It Tasting Fresh

Ramen is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to make the most of them:

• Store broth and noodles separately in airtight containers to avoid soggy noodles.
• The broth will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully.
• Reheat broth on the stovetop until steaming, then add freshly cooked or reheated noodles and toppings.
• Leftover jammy eggs can be kept refrigerated for 2-3 days in the shell.

Bonus tip: If you’ve got some homemade apple jam in your fridge, serve a spoonful on toast as a sweet finish after your ramen feast.

Creative and Fun Ways to Use Your Homemade Ramen

Once you’ve made this homemade ramen, don’t be surprised if you start thinking of excuses to make it again — and again. It’s that good. But beyond the classic bowl, here are a few fun and creative ways to stretch this recipe:

1. Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry

Got leftover noodles and broth? Strain the noodles and toss them in a hot skillet with sesame oil, soy sauce, and your favorite veggies or proteins for a next-day stir-fry that’s full of flavor.

2. Ramen Egg Salad

Mash your leftover jammy eggs with a little mayo, soy sauce, and a dash of chili oil for a unique, umami-rich egg salad sandwich.

3. Ramen Broth as Soup Base

Use the leftover broth as a base for other soups. Add cooked rice, beans, and veggies for a quick bowl, or blend it with tomatoes for a ramen-inspired tomato soup hybrid.

4. Ramen Cups for Meal Prep

Divide the broth, noodles, and toppings into mason jars or airtight containers. Perfect for quick lunches or dinner on the go.

5. Ramen with Dumplings

Drop in a few frozen dumplings or potstickers into the broth while it simmers for a fusion take. Comforting and hearty!

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Ramen

Final Thoughts: You’re Going to Love This Bowl

Homemade ramen isn’t just a recipe — it’s an experience. The slurp of warm noodles, the richness of the broth, the fun of building your perfect bowl… it’s cozy, comforting, and just so satisfying. If you’ve never made it before, now’s the time to dive in.

Looking for your next bowl of comfort? Try my chicken tortilla soup or classic tomato soup next — they’re just as satisfying and simple.