Instant ramen might not fully qualify as "cooking," but as a ramen lover, I always think about how to make it taste even better. I believe that even one pack of ramen deserves to be cooked with care.
In this post, I’ll introduce a ramen recipe perfect for relieving a hangover after drinking. I will introduce spicy ramen, so if you’re not good with spicy food, please refer to the Appendix.
Let me share my all-time favorite ramen
recipe with you. It’s simple yet packed with flavor, perfect for a quick
upgrade. While it may differ slightly from the usual tips, it will transform
your ramen experience!
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| [Photo Credit] Wikimedia Commons, Mobius6 |
Ingredients
- 1 pack of Jin Ramen (Spicy Flavor)
- 550ml water + an additional 100ml
- 50g kimchi, 3 tablespoons kimchi brine
- 50g bean sprouts (or mung bean sprouts)
- 20g green onions (diagonally sliced)
- 1/2 green chili (optional)
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder (optional)
Preparation Steps
l Wash the mung bean sprouts thoroughly and drain.
l Chop kimchi into bite-sized pieces and slice green onions
diagonally.
l If you prefer spicier ramen, slice a green chili finely.
Cooking & Finishing
l Boiling Base: Pour 650ml of water into a pot, add the dried
vegetable packet, and boil on high heat.
l Flavor Build-Up: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, then
add kimchi, brine, minced garlic, and sliced green chili. Cover and simmer for
3 minutes.
l Adding Noodles and Seasonings: When the kimchi is softened, add
noodles, soup powder, and chili powder. Then boil for about 1 minute and 30
seconds.
l Adding Mung Bean Sprouts: Add the bean sprouts and boil for
another 2 minutes and 30 seconds. This method helps preserve the crunchy
texture of the bean sprouts. Be sure to cook with the lid open to eliminate the
bean sprouts' smell.
l Final Touch: Add the sliced green onions 30 seconds before the
end.
l Perfect Noodles: During cooking, lift the noodles with
chopsticks or tongs to expose them to air. This step enhances their chewy
texture.
l Hangover Remedy: This method is especially comforting after a
night of drinking.
Tip:
l Spicy ingredients like green chili, minced garlic, and chili powder
can be omitted for a milder taste. Korean ramen is flavorful even with just the
soup powder. Adjust water to 600ml if omitting these ingredients.
Time-Saving Method:
l Start by boiling water
and add kimchi, kimchi brine, minced garlic, and green chili. Boil on high for
1 minute and 30 seconds.
l Add all other
ingredients except green onions and cook on high for another 2 minutes and 30
seconds.
l Always add green onions
30 seconds before the end.
l Keep the lid off when
mung bean sprouts are added.
[Appendix] Adjusting Spiciness for Global Audiences
Korean ramen is famous for its bold spice,
but it can sometimes be overwhelming for non-Koreans. Here are a few tricks to
manage the heat without compromising on flavor:
l Reduce Soup Powder: The
soup powder determines the level of spice. Use half the packet and season with
salt or soy sauce to taste. This is a great way to share ramen with friends
unfamiliar with spicy food.
l Add Milk or Cream: Adding
1/2 cup of milk or cream after cooking creates a creamy ramen that softens the
spice. It’s especially appealing to those who enjoy
creamy pasta-like dishes.
l Incorporate Cheese: Place
a slice of cheese into the broth. The cheese enhances the umami while reducing
the heat, making it a universally loved addition.
l Sweet Vegetables: Add
vegetables like mung bean sprouts, cabbage, or onions to naturally balance the
spice. Mung bean sprouts, in particular, provide a crunchy texture that adds
charm to the dish for international palates.
l Diluting with Water: Adding
extra water while cooking can reduce the spiciness and adjust the broth's
thickness. If the added water makes the flavor too mild, season lightly with
salt to maintain balance.
l Adding Eggs: Eggs are an
excellent ingredient for mellowing the spiciness. You can whisk them directly
into the broth or poach them for a creamy texture. A soft-boiled egg placed on
top can also create a more soothing flavor.
l Choosing Milder Ramen Options:
If spice is overwhelming, opt for milder versions of Korean ramen, such as Jin
Ramen Mild or Shin Ramen Black. Introducing these to friends
unfamiliar with Korean ramen ensures they can enjoy the experience without
being intimidated by the heat.
l Adding Sugar or Honey: A
teaspoon of sugar or honey in the broth can soften the sharpness of the spice,
creating a more balanced flavor. This trick works particularly well for
beginners trying spicy ramen for the first time.
Enjoy Ramen with Adjusted Spice Levels
Spiciness is integral to Korean ramen’s appeal, but tailoring it to your preference can enhance the overall enjoyment. Whether hosting friends or experimenting for yourself, these tips will help create a flavorful and accessible dish. Remember, "Ramen is for everyone!" Embrace the challenge of balancing flavors and enjoy Korean ramen's unique experience.
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