5 Delicious Ramen Recipes to Try for National Ramen Day

National Ramen Day on February 5th is the perfect excuse to slurp up a big bowl of your favorite noodle soup. Ramen is quick, comforting, and endlessly customizable. Beyond the everyday packages, there are many ways to elevate this humble dish. We've rounded up 5 innovative ramen recipes to try this National Ramen Day that will have you reconsidering instant noodles forever.

Recipe 1: Spicy Shoyu Ramen

For National Ramen Day, we're starting things off with a spicy shoyu ramen that packs a pleasant punch. While shoyu ramen typically features a light soy broth, we're amping up the flavor with bold chili oil. The silky chicken stock mixed with aromatic soy and a kick of heat makes for a perfectly balanced bowl of comfort in a bowl. So break out your noodles and get ready for an easy weeknight meal the whole family is sure to love.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup shoyu or Japanese soy sauce
• 1 packet of ramen noodles
• 1 tablespoon chili oil, plus more for serving
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• Soft-boiled egg, halved (optional)

Instructions

• In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil over high heat.
• Once boiling, remove from heat and add the shoyu soy sauce. Stir to combine.
• Add the ramen noodles and soak for 3 minutes until tender but still al dente.
• Ladle the soup and noodles into bowls. Drizzle each with 1/2 tablespoon of chili oil.
• Garnish with sliced scallions and half an egg if using.
• Serve immediately with extra chili oil on the side for diners to add as desired.

Tips

• For increased heat, use sriracha sauce instead of chili oil. 
• Top with slices of roast pork or chicken for extra protein.

Recipe 2: Creamy Tomato Ramen

Nothing warms your soul on a cold night like a rich and soothing tomato ramen. This version features a creamy roasted tomato broth laced with basil and finished with parmesan - it's comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (28oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 packet of ramen noodles
• 1 cup baby spinach
• Fresh basil, and shredded parmesan for serving

Instructions

• In a pot, combine the vegetable broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 30 mins.
• Puree the tomato mixture then return to the pot. Stir in cream and heat through.
• Cook ramen noodles according to package directions.
• Divide noodles among bowls and ladle in hot tomato broth.
• Top with spinach, basil, and parmesan. Enjoy!

Tips

• Roast fresh tomatoes instead of canned for deeper flavor. 
• Add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein. 
• Top with crispy bacon bits.

Recipe 3: Char Siu Ramen

For an authentic taste of Hong Kong street food, look no further than this char siu ramen. Tender pork belly is seasoned with a sweet Chinese barbecue glaze then nestled atop noodles in a rich and savory broth. It's the ultimate blend of salty, spicy, and umami flavors in one cozy bowl.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or sherry
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 pound pork belly, sliced
• 1 packet of ramen noodles
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 egg, soft-boiled and halved
• Chili oil, and sesame seeds for serving

Instructions

• Combine the broth, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, and sugar in a pot. Bring to a boil then simmer for 15 mins.
• Meanwhile, toss pork belly with char siu glaze (1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp five spice powder). Bake at 350°F for 30 mins.
• Cook noodles according to package. Divide among bowls and top with pork belly, scallions, carrot, and egg.
• Ladle hot broth over top. Garnish with chili oil and sesame seeds.

Tips

• For a shortcut, use pre-made char siu instead of DIY glaze. 
• Sub chicken or shrimp for the pork. 
• Serve with lime wedges to balance the richness.

Recipe 4: Miso Ramen

Perfectly balanced, the warm notes of miso are complemented by subtle oceanic and umami tastes from the stock. A comforting bowl of miso ramen needs little else aside from silky noodles and your choice of fresh and healthy toppings. This version is lightened with sliced mushrooms for earthy depth and sliced scallions for brightness. So grab your favorite ramen toppings and get cozy - your fix of nourishment and nourishment is just moments away.

Ingredients

• 4 cups Dashi stock or vegetable broth
• 1/3 cup red or white miso paste
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 packet of ramen noodles
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (shiitake, oyster, enoki)
• 2 scallions, sliced
• Nori seaweed, and togarashi spice for serving

Instructions

• In a pot, bring the dashi stock to a simmer.
• Remove from heat and stir in miso paste and soy sauce until fully dissolved. Keep warm.
• Cook noodles according to package.
• Divide noodles among bowls and top with sliced mushrooms.
• Ladle hot miso broth over noodles. Garnish with scallions.
• Serve immediately, passing nori and togarashi on the side for diners to customize.

Tips

• Add soft or poached eggs for protein. 
• Try different varieties of miso like barley or chickpea. 
• Have fun experimenting with toppings like menma or wakame seaweed.

Recipe 5: Veggie Ramen Stir Fry

For a lighter take on the comfort noodle, look no further than this veggie ramen stir fry. A tasty blend of Asian-inspired flavors like soy sauce and sesame oil plus an abundance of fresh vegetables come together in one quick and easy pan. It’s the perfect way to enjoy National Ramen Day on the healthier side.

Ingredients

• 1 packet of ramen noodles
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (bean sprouts, cabbage, bok choy, carrots, mushrooms)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, sauté vegetables with a pinch of salt over medium-high heat until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
• Push vegetables to the sides of the pan. Add garlic to the center and cook for 1 minute.
• Add noodles and toss to combine with vegetables. Drizzle with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
• Toss constantly for 2 more minutes to coat the noodles. Season with salt and pepper.
• Serve immediately in bowls while piping hot. Garnish with sesame seeds, chili flakes, or cilantro if desired.

Conclusion

We hope these five recipes have given you some exciting new ways to celebrate National Ramen Day! From classic broths like miso and shoyu to international inspirations like char siu pork belly, there should be something here for every ramen lover. And if you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a lighter option, the veggie stir fry is perfect. Be sure to share photos online of your creations using #NationalRamenDay. Whether you keep things simple or get adventurous with your toppings, the best part is gathering with family and friends over a piping hot bowl of noodles. So grab your ingredients and get slurping - we can't wait to see how you customize these recipes to ring in Ramen Day. Enjoy!