Northwest, Korean

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The Northwest, Korean is a spicy and flavorful version of traditional Japanese ramen. With rich broths, strong spices and fresh ingredients, it stands out in global cuisine for its complexity and strong flavor. The Korean version of ramen is a warming and comforting meal, ideal for colder days, but also delicious any time of year.

See how to prepare the Korean lamen at home, an easy-to-follow recipe with a tasty broth and ingredients that will transport you straight to Korea. Get ready to enjoy an authentic and delicious dish!

Ingredients:

For the Broth:

• 1 liter of chicken broth (or vegetable broth, for a vegetarian version)
• 1 tablespoon gochujang paste (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional, for a touch of umami)
• 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 small piece of ginger (about 2 cm), sliced
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Salt to taste

For the Ramen:

• 200g ramen noodles (or noodles of your choice, such as instant or udon)
• 1 egg (optional, for boiled egg)
• 1/4 sliced onion
• 1/2 carrot, cut into thin strips
• 2 shiitake mushrooms or mushrooms of your choice, sliced
• 1/4 pineapple (optional, for a sweet touch)
• 2 tablespoons sliced chives
• 1 sheet of nori seaweed (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Directions:

1. Preparing the Broth:

• In a large pot, add the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic, sliced ginger, and sesame oil. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
• Add the gochujang paste and gochugaru flakes, stirring well until the paste is completely dissolved. These two ingredients are essential for the rich, spicy flavor of the broth.
• Add the soy sauce and miso paste (if using), stirring until well combined. If you prefer a milder broth, adjust the seasoning with a little sugar and salt to taste.
• Let the broth simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes to develop flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more gochujang or soy sauce to balance the acidity and saltiness.

2. Preparing the Pasta:

• While the broth is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ramen noodles according to package directions, usually 4 to 5 minutes, until al dente.
• When the pasta is ready, drain and set aside.

3. Preparing the Side Dishes:

• If you want a Korean-style boiled egg (eggs with a slightly runny yolk), place the egg in a pot of boiling water and cook for about 7 minutes. Remove, cool in ice water, then peel. Cut in half.
• Prepare the vegetables: Cut the carrot into thin strips and slice the onion and mushrooms. If using pineapple, cut it into small pieces.
• Reserve the sliced scallions, sesame seeds and nori seaweed sheets for the final decoration.

4. Assembling the Ramen:

• Place cooked pasta in large bowls.
• Pour the hot broth over the noodles, covering them well.
• Add the prepared vegetables: carrot strips, sliced onions, mushrooms and pineapple (if using).
• Place half a hard-boiled egg in each bowl as a finishing touch.
• Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds and a sheet of nori seaweed cut into thin strips.

5. Serving:

• Serve Korean ramen immediately while the broth is still hot and aromatic. This dish is ideal for a comforting and energizing meal, and you can adjust the spiciness to suit your personal taste.

Tips for Perfect Korean Ramen:

• Adjust the Spiciness Level: Gochujang and gochugaru are the main ingredients that give the broth its spicy flavor. If you prefer a milder ramen, use less of these ingredients. If you like your ramen really spicy, you can add more gochujang or even some fresh red pepper.
• Vary the Side Dishes: Side dishes can vary depending on your taste. Some other popular ingredients include bamboo shoots, cooked spinach, kimchi (for an extra touch of Korean flavor), or even grilled pork or chicken.
• Cooking the Egg: Boiled egg is a classic ingredient in Korean ramen, but if you prefer your egg with a firmer yolk, simply cook it for longer (about 10 minutes).
• Rich Broth: If you have time, you can prepare a homemade broth using chicken or beef bones for an even deeper, more authentic flavor.