Chinese Ramen Noodle Soup Recipe

Ramen noodles have become one of the most iconic and versatile foods worldwide, with origins tracing back to Japan. But beyond the instant ramen packs that many of us rely on for quick, satisfying meals, there’s a whole world of complex, flavor-packed broths and noodle dishes waiting to be explored. Among the most intriguing and delicious variations of ramen is Chinese ramen noodle soup. This dish brings together savory broths, chewy noodles, and a beautiful harmony of ingredients to create a comforting yet refreshing meal. While it may not be as globally known as Japanese ramen, Chinese ramen has its own rich history and cultural significance, particularly in regions like Lanzhou, where handmade noodles are a staple.

In this guide, we’re going to dive into a delicious Chinese ramen noodle soup recipe that brings a lot of flavor, depth, and texture to your bowl. Whether you’re a ramen novice or an expert looking to expand your culinary horizons, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds.

Chinese Ramen Noodle Soup Recipe

This Chinese ramen noodle soup is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for any day of the week. The recipe features a fragrant broth, hand-pulled noodles (or store-bought if you’re in a pinch), and a variety of savory ingredients that make each spoonful an adventure in flavor.

Ingredients Needed

To make a satisfying Chinese ramen noodle soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chinese egg noodles (or ramen noodles) – This is the heart of the dish. Choose fresh noodles if you can, but dried noodles work just fine as well.
• Pork belly – Tender, fatty pork belly adds an incredible richness to the broth. If you don’t like pork, chicken thigh or beef can be used as substitutes.
• Chicken broth – For a lighter, more delicate broth. If you prefer a deeper flavor, you could use pork or beef stock.
• Ginger – Fresh ginger will infuse the broth with its warm, aromatic heat.
• Garlic – Essential for the base of the broth, giving it a savory depth.
• Soy sauce – Adds saltiness and umami to the soup.
• Shaoxing wine – A type of Chinese cooking wine that imparts a slightly sweet, complex flavor.
• Chinese five-spice powder – A fragrant blend of spices that contributes warmth and complexity to the dish.
• Spring onions – Fresh, crisp spring onions provide a touch of freshness and color to balance the richness of the broth.
• Mushrooms – Shiitake or wood ear mushrooms work beautifully, adding umami and texture.
• Sesame oil – A finishing touch to add depth and a subtle toasted flavor.
• Chili oil – For those who enjoy a little heat, chili oil adds both spice and flavor complexity.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get into how to put it all together. Making this Chinese ramen noodle soup is a process, but the results are totally worth it.

1. Prepare The Broth

   • In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, a few slices of ginger, a couple of crushed garlic cloves, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
   • Let the broth simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. During this time, you can prep the other ingredients.

2. Prepare The Pork Belly

   • Slice the pork belly into thin strips. If you have time, sear the slices in a hot pan with a little oil to get a crispy exterior. This adds both texture and flavor.
   • Alternatively, you can blanch the pork belly in hot water for a few minutes to cook it through and make it tender. Set aside.

3. Cook The Noodles

   • While the broth is simmering, cook the ramen noodles in a separate pot according to package instructions. Fresh noodles will usually take just a few minutes, while dried noodles may need a bit longer.
   • Drain and set aside.

4. Assemble The Soup

   • Once the broth is ready, strain out the ginger and garlic pieces to leave a smooth, fragrant broth.
   • Add the cooked pork belly, mushrooms, and a drizzle of sesame oil into the broth. Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together.
   • Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce, five-spice powder, or a pinch of sugar if you prefer a bit of sweetness.

5. Serve

   • Divide the noodles into bowls and ladle the hot broth over the top.
   • Garnish with spring onions, a dash of chili oil, and any other toppings you like (e.g., a boiled egg, more sesame seeds, or fresh herbs).

Ingredient Insights

• Chinese egg noodles: These are the soft, chewy noodles that bring the perfect texture to your soup. Egg noodles have a slightly richer flavor than regular ramen noodles due to the addition of egg, which makes them a fantastic complement to the savory broth.
• Shaoxing wine: This type of rice wine is a staple in Chinese cooking. It’s slightly sweet and adds a unique depth of flavor to the broth, balancing out the richness of the pork belly. If you can’t find Shaoxing wine, you can substitute with dry sherry, but it will alter the flavor profile.
• Chinese five-spice powder: A blend of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds, this spice mix gives the dish its signature aromatic flavor. It’s often used in Chinese cooking to give dishes a slightly sweet and savory balance.
• Chili oil: This oil adds a nice level of heat without overwhelming the dish. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can leave this out or adjust the amount according to your preference.

Expert Tips

• Homemade noodles: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try making your own Chinese egg noodles at home. All you need is flour, water, and a little salt. The homemade noodles will add an extra level of authenticity to your soup.
• Broth depth: If you have time, you can create a richer broth by simmering the chicken bones with some ginger, garlic, and onions for a few hours before adding your seasonings. This homemade stock will elevate the entire dish.
• Adjust the seasoning: Chinese cooking is all about balancing flavors. Taste your broth and adjust the seasoning until you’re happy with the salty, sweet, and umami elements. Sometimes, a little splash of rice vinegar can brighten the flavors.
• Toppings: Don’t limit yourself to just the basics. Feel free to add bamboo shoots, baby bok choy, or even a soft-boiled egg to your ramen. Each topping will bring its own texture and flavor to the dish.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian: If you want to make a vegetarian version of this Chinese ramen noodle soup, you can swap out the pork for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Mushrooms like shiitakes or king oyster mushrooms provide that meaty texture.
• Spicy: To kick up the heat, you can add fresh sliced chilies to the broth or even blend chili paste into your soup base. You could also incorporate spicy bean paste for additional layers of flavor.
• Beef version: Swap the pork belly with thinly sliced beef, such as flank steak or ribeye, for a beefy twist. This variation works particularly well with a richer beef broth.

Final Words

Chinese ramen noodle soup is one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for any time of year, whether you’re looking for a comforting winter meal or something light yet filling during the warmer months. The combination of chewy noodles, flavorful broth, and tender pork belly is truly irresistible. And best of all, it’s customizable to suit your preferences, so don’t be afraid to make it your own.