Japanese Ramen with Soft-Boiled Eggs

 Ramen with Soft-Boiled Eggs

Japanese ramen is a beloved dish known for its rich flavors and comforting qualities. One of the most delightful toppings for ramen is the soft-boiled egg, or ajitsuke tamago. This article will guide you through making the perfect ramen with soft-boiled eggs, along with a step-by-step recipe.

Ingredients

• Ramen noodles
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 4 cups ramen soup (miso or shoyu)
• Optional toppings: green onions, nori, and menma (bamboo shoots)

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the Soft-Boiled Eggs

To make the perfect soft-boiled egg, start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, gently add the eggs and let them cook for exactly 7 minutes. This timing will give you a jammy center with a runny yolk.

2. Ice Bath

After the cook time, remove the eggs from the boiling water and place them in an ice bath. This will stop the cooking process and help make peeling easier. Let the eggs sit in the ice bath for about 5 minutes.

3. Peel the Eggs

Carefully peel the eggs, starting from the wider end where the air pocket is located. Rinse the eggs under cold water to remove any bits of shell.

4. Make the Marinade

In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to create the marinade for the eggs. The soy sauce-based marinade will give your eggs a delicious salty flavor.

5. Marinate the Eggs

Place the peeled eggs in a sealed container and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let the eggs marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.

6. Cook the Ramen Noodles

While the eggs are marinating, cook your ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

7. Prepare the Ramen Soup

In a pot, heat your ramen soup base (miso or shoyu) until it’s hot but not boiling. This will be the broth for your ramen bowl.

8. Assemble Your Ramen Bowl

In a ramen bowl, add the cooked noodles, pour the hot ramen soup over them, and top with your marinated soft-boiled eggs, sliced in half to reveal the beautiful yolk. Add any additional toppings you like.

Enjoy Your Japanese Ramen!

Now you have a delicious bowl of homemade ramen topped with perfect soft-boiled eggs. The combination of savory broth, chewy noodles, and the rich, runny yolk from the eggs makes for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main dish or a comforting snack, this ramen recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.