Description
This OnionBoilRamen transforms humble instant ramen into a rich, flavorful dish by creating a deeply aromatic onion broth. The caramelized onions, fresh ginger, garlic, and soy sauce form the base of this comforting bowl, while customizable garnishes like soft-boiled eggs, cilantro, and sesame seeds add texture and brightness. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy nights in, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the OnionBoilRamen Base:
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced (sweet onions work too)
- 4 cups water
- 2 packages instant ramen noodles (seasoning packets optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 soft-boiled egg per serving
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button)
- Baby bok choy, halved and blanched
- Bean sprouts, handful per bowl
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Onion Base: Thinly slice onions into half-moons. Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook onions dry for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Create the Broth: Add water to the pot with the softened onions. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for at least 15 minutes (up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor).
- Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic, sliced ginger, soy sauce, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cook the Noodles: Add ramen noodles to the simmering broth and cook for 2-3 minutes until al dente.
- Finish the Broth: Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Assemble Your Bowl: Divide noodles and broth between bowls. Top with garnishes: soft-boiled egg, green onions, cilantro, mushrooms, bok choy, bean sprouts, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.
Notes
Tips & Tricks for Perfect OnionBoilRamen:
- Thinly Slice Onions: Thinner slices release more flavor and soften faster during cooking.
- Don’t Rush the Dry-Heat Phase: Cooking onions without oil first develops deeper flavor compounds.
- Customize Garnishes: Use whatever toppings you have on hand—this dish is highly adaptable!
- Add Sesame Oil Last: Adding it at the end preserves its delicate nutty aroma.
- Undercook Noodles Slightly: They’ll continue softening in the hot broth after serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/2 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: onion ramen, instant ramen upgrade, easy ramen recipe, comforting bowl