How to build the perfect ramen bowl: a simple guide for slurpy comfort
Jemma Loi has put together a quick and easy ramen recipe for us. Simply follow the steps below for a delicious home-cooked meal!
Building the perfect ramen bowl at home is easier than you think (and way more satisfying). This guide will walk you through the simple steps of how to build the perfect ramen bowl . . . get ready to level up your noodle nights! First things first - the right tools for the job:
Japanese porcelain ramen bowls
A proper ramen bowl isn’t just about looks - it’s about the whole experience. These Japanese-made porcelain noodle and ramen bowls are designed with generous depth, perfect for holding silky noodles, rich broth, and all your favourite toppings. Featuring delicate patterns inspired by florals and the soft flow of a breeze, they bring an authentic, elegant touch to your table.
Japanese porcelain ramen bowl, £16.95
Bamboo chopsticks
Lightweight and eco-friendly, wooden chopsticks are a great option for enjoying ramen and other Asian dishes. They’re smooth, durable and gentle on delicate noodle textures. Choose from designs such as ‘Delicate’, ‘Wagara’, ‘Japanese Heritage’ and ‘Beckoning Cats’.
Japanese heritage wooden chopsticks (set of 5), £6.95
Delicate patterns wooden chopsticks (set of 5), £6.95
Japanese-style ramen spoon (ladle)
No ramen bowl is complete without a proper ramen spoon. This traditional Japanese wooden ladle is designed for sipping broth and scooping up noodles, letting you enjoy every last drop the authentic way. Its deep, rounded shape makes it perfect for dipping into generous bowls and soaking up all that rich, flavoursome broth - half the joy of ramen is in the slurping!
Wooden ramen spoon, £3.95
Start with a good broth
Whether you simmer a rich pork or chicken stock for hours, create a comforting vegetarian broth with kombu, shiitake, and miso, or take a shortcut with a quality ready-made miso paste, the broth is where all the soul-soothing flavour begins. Choose your base depending on time and mood - long and slow for depth, or quick and simple for satisfying weeknight ramen.
Ingredients:
- 1 litre vegetable stock (good quality or homemade)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 dried shiitake mushrooms (or a handful fresh)
- 1 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp mirin (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 sheet of kombu - dried kelp (optional but adds great umami)
- A drizzle of toasted sesame oil
Method:
- In a large pot, combine the vegetable stock, ginger, garlic, shiitake mushrooms, and kombu.
- Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to infuse the flavours (do not boil if using kombu).
- Remove the kombu (if used), then whisk in the miso paste, soy sauce, and mirin.
- Taste and adjust seasoning - add more soy for saltiness, or a dash of rice vinegar for brightness.
- Finish with a swirl of toasted sesame oil before ladling over your noodles and toppings.
And for an even quicker ‘cheat version’ for busy nights! 5 minute-miso ramen:
Ingredients:
- 500ml hot water
- 1-2 tbsp miso paste
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- Pinch of garlic granules or a small, grated garlic clove (optional for extra punch)
- A squeeze of lime or dash of rice vinegar (optional - for freshness)
Method:
- In a bowl or jug, whisk the miso paste into the hot water until smooth.
- Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic.
- Taste and tweak - more soy for saltiness, a squeeze of lime for zing.
- Pour over cooked noodles and toppings for an instant, warming bowl of ramen.
Choose your noodles wisely
The noodles are just as important as the broth in a good ramen bowl. Fresh ramen noodles with a chewy, springy texture are unbeatable, but frozen or quality dried versions work great too. For alternatives, udon, soba, or gluten-free rice ramen are great options, as long as they stay firm and don’t go soggy in hot broth.
Protein based toppings
Protein toppings bring heartiness and texture to your ramen, whether it’s classic chashu pork, soft-boiled eggs, grilled chicken, firm or crispy tofu, or even steamed gyoza. For quick options, try shredded rotisserie chicken, miso-glazed mushrooms, or a jammy egg to add richness without extra fuss.
Greens and veggies
Vegetables and greens add freshness, crunch, and balance to your ramen, especially classics like pak choi, spinach, bean sprouts, edamame, mange tout, baby corn, grated carrot or purple cabbage, and mushrooms. Whether lightly blanched, sautéed, or added raw, they bring colour, texture, and help cut through the richness of the broth.
Finishing touches
Garnishes and toppings are where you can really layer flavour and texture, from nori sheets and sesame seeds to chilli oil, spring onions, and crispy shallots. A final sprinkle of fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime, sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or a spoonful of pickled ginger can transform your bowl and bring everything together.
Let’s build your bowl!
Start by warming your broth and cooking your noodles until just tender, then layer the noodles into your bowl. Top with your choice of protein, add vegetables for texture and freshness, pour the hot broth over and finish with your favourite garnishes like sesame seeds, nori, and a drizzle of chilli oil for extra flavour. It really is that simple!
The beauty of ramen is just how quick and easy it is to bring together. With endless ways to customise it, ramen is one of the most versatile meals you can make, letting you mix and match ingredients to suit your taste, mood, and what you have to hand. Once you know the basics, building your own bowl becomes less of a recipe and more of a fun, fuss-free ritual. Simple, satisfying, and always delicious.
