Ramen noodles used to be considered a budget meal, but nowadays, anime fans are rethinking ramen, because they look soooo good in those anime series!

With Japanese-style ramen restaurants on the rise, you have the option to dine out, but you can also cook delicious Japanese-style ramen noodles at home. Here are some ways you can make your ramen noodles at home so much better, and it really does not take much effort. 

1. Start with quality ramen noodles

It is optional, but different noodles make a difference in how they turn out. If you have always been using the same ramen noodle, experiment with a few varieties that you never tried before. One of my favorites is the refrigerated ramen noodles in asian food stores.

2. Add these instant game changers (no effort)
These no-effort, instant toppings are game changers for your ramen noodles! 

• chopped green onions
• Dried wakame (They are dried seaweed that expands a lot in water, so do not use too much. You can get them online, or at your local asian food stores)
• Dried nori (They are the kind of seaweed that is used to wrap sushi with. They are thin like paper. You can get them online, or at your local grocery stores, or asian food stores)
• canned or frozen sweet corn (I do not recommend cream style corn.)
• sesame seeds
• spinach (either fresh, steamed, boiled, or sauted, depending on your taste)
• menma 
• sesame oil (just a drop)
• chili oil (just a drop)
• salt and pepper (They are good match for tonkotsu)
• beansprout
• ginger and/or garlic in a tube (Japanese people use these all the time. Often available at your local grocery store in the Asian food aisle, or at your local asian food store.)

3. Homemade Broth

There are two ways you can elevate your ramen broth. Make your own, or change the soup that comes with the ramen noodle.

If you want to try homemade broth, it does not have to be complicated. At my home, we like using bone broth that I make and miso (Miso is available at your local asian food store, or online). If you want some ramen noodle broth recipes, let me know in the comment below.

4. Add protein

This one is great for hungry anime-loving teens! Traditionally, Japanese people love adding Cha shu pork, but it does not have to be complicated. Here are some easy and quick proteins you can add to your ramen:

• Tempura (Frozen tempura can be found at your local asian food stores, or I can share recipes in the future blog if you are interested. Let me know.)
• Sliced deli ham (just like featured in Ponyo)
• Leftover meat (I do not recommend something smothered in sauce like BBQ as that will change the ramen noodle flavor quite a bit, but roasted food and grilled foods are great options.
• Boiled eggs

5. Pro tips from my ramen restaurant friend

I have a Japanese friend whose family runs a Japanese ramen noodle restaurant in Japan. When she and I came to the U.S., she gave me some tips to make american ramen noodles taste better.

• Start with a small amount of water
• Add the soup packet to the pot, not in the bowl
• Crack some eggs and add them to the pot when you include the soup packet. This way, the eggs will absorb the flavor. I used to only make boiled eggs, so this was a pleasant change!

There is a scene in Ponyo where a mother serves instant ramen noodle to her son and his new friend, Ponyo. All she did to make the noodle experience more fun for the children was to add ham, green onions, and boiled eggs, and served it with a cheerful announcement. It does not have to be complicated, ramen can be so much more with minimal effort. Enjoy!

The post 5 easy ways to spice up your ramen noodle at home appeared first on My Japanese Name Plus - Name in Kanji Translation Service.