6 Best Ways to Cook Ramen: From Classic Bowls to Creative Twists

Ramen isn’t just a quick college meal—it’s a versatile, deeply comforting dish that can be elevated into a gourmet experience or enjoyed in its simplest form for late-night cravings. From the bustling ramen shops of Tokyo to your kitchen at home, this noodle soup has evolved into countless variations, each offering unique flavors and textures. Whether you prefer it rich and creamy with pork broth or light and spicy with miso and vegetables, there’s a ramen style for every palate and mood.

In this recipe guide, we explore six of the best ways to cook ramen, showing you how to transform instant noodles into delicious, filling meals or recreate authentic Japanese ramen styles from scratch. From creamy tonkotsu ramen and spicy miso ramen to fusion ideas like ramen stir fry and cold ramen salads, these recipes will take your noodle game to the next level. Plus, they’re easy enough for busy weeknights while still impressive for sharing with guests.

If you’ve been stuck on plain instant ramen with a seasoning packet, this guide is your sign to upgrade. You’ll learn new techniques, flavor pairings, and topping ideas to keep ramen fresh, exciting, and endlessly customizable for every craving or occasion.

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki

Best Time to Eat and What to Pair It With

Best time to eat:

Ramen is incredibly flexible—it works as a quick lunch, cozy dinner, or late-night meal, especially on cold days when you’re craving warmth and umami-rich comfort.

Perfect pairings:

Side: Pair your ramen with light Japanese appetizers like gyoza (dumplings) or edamame sprinkled with sea salt.

Drink: Match with a chilled green tea, iced barley tea (mugicha), or a crisp Japanese lager if serving ramen for dinner.

Dessert: Finish with something refreshing like mochi ice cream or a small serving of yuzu sorbet to cleanse the palate.

Ramen is more than just noodles—it’s an entire experience of comfort, depth, and endless creativity, ready to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

One major debate is whether instant ramen deserves a place alongside traditional ramen. Purists argue that instant noodles are a watered-down version of the real dish, while many fans defend them as a canvas for creativity and convenience.

Another controversy surrounds toppings. Some believe only traditional garnishes like boiled eggs, pork belly, and scallions belong in ramen, while others enjoy experimenting with nontraditional add-ins like cheese, kimchi, or even peanut butter. These additions can divide opinions but also push the boundaries of what ramen can be.

Finally, there’s the question of broth. In Japan, ramen broths are sacred and often simmered for hours, but outside Japan, shortcuts are common. Some consider quick broths inauthentic, while others view them as a necessary adaptation for modern home cooking.

Best Ways to Cook Ramen

1. Traditional Shoyu Ramen (Soy Sauce Broth)

A classic Japanese ramen featuring a rich soy sauce-based broth, tender noodles, and traditional toppings like chashu (braised pork belly), soft-boiled egg, and nori.

Ingredients:
2 packs fresh or dried ramen noodles
6 cups chicken broth or dashi broth
½ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp mirin
1 tbsp sake
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 green onions, chopped
Toppings: Chashu pork, soft-boiled egg, nori (seaweed), bamboo shoots, and menma (fermented bamboo)

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger slices, sautéing until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, mirin, and sake. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Divide the noodles into bowls, pour the hot broth over them, and add your choice of toppings. Garnish with green onions.

2. Miso Ramen

Miso ramen is characterized by its rich and savory miso-flavored broth. It’s heartier than shoyu ramen, making it a perfect comfort dish.

Ingredients:

2 packs ramen noodles
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
3 tbsp white miso paste
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp ginger, minced
1 tbsp chili bean paste (optional for spice)
1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button)
Toppings: Corn, butter, sliced pork or tofu, green onions, and sesame seeds

Instructions:

Heat sesame oil in a large pot. Add garlic, ginger, and mushrooms, sautéing until fragrant and softened. Stir in miso paste, soy sauce, and chili bean paste (if using), and mix well.

Add the broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes. Boil ramen noodles according to the package, drain, and set aside. Place noodles in bowls, pour the hot miso broth over, and top with corn, a pat of butter, sliced pork or tofu, and green onions.

3. Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen

Tonkotsu ramen features a creamy, rich pork bone broth. This version includes a spicy twist, making it ideal for heat lovers.

Ingredients:

2 packs ramen noodles
1 lb pork bones
8 cups water
1 onion, halved
5 garlic cloves, peeled
1-inch ginger, sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp miso paste
1 tbsp chili oil
1 tbsp sesame oil
Toppings: Soft-boiled egg, sliced chashu pork, bean sprouts, and chili paste

Instructions:

Boil pork bones in water for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse. In a clean pot, add the pork bones, 8 cups of water, onion, garlic, and ginger. Simmer for 3-4 hours until the broth becomes creamy and rich.

Remove the bones and add soy sauce, miso paste, and sesame oil. Mix until incorporated. Boil noodles as per instructions. Drain and set aside.

Place noodles in bowls, ladle over the tonkotsu broth, and top with chashu pork, a soft-boiled egg, bean sprouts, and a drizzle of chili oil.

4. Vegan Ramen

A plant-based ramen option with a flavorful broth made from vegetables, miso, and tahini. The creamy, umami-rich broth is topped with tofu, mushrooms, and crunchy veggies.

Ingredients:

2 packs ramen noodles
4 cups vegetable broth
2 tbsp white miso paste
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
1 cup baby spinach
1 block of tofu, cubed
Toppings: Corn, nori, green onions, and sesame seeds

Instructions:

Heat sesame oil in a pot, add sliced mushrooms, and sauté until softened. Stir in miso paste, tahini, and soy sauce, mixing well. Add vegetable broth and simmer for 10 minutes.

Prepare noodles as directed, drain, and set aside. Divide noodles into bowls, pour broth over, and top with cubed tofu, spinach, corn, and other desired toppings.

5. Ramen Stir-Fry (Yakisoba-style)

This is a quick and delicious way to enjoy ramen without broth. The noodles are stir-fried with vegetables, proteins, and a savory sauce.

Ingredients:

2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets if using instant)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 carrot, julienned
1 cup shredded cabbage
1 cup sliced bell peppers
1 cup cooked chicken or shrimp
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

Boil noodles for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water. In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over high heat. Add carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers, stirring frequently.

In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Add the sauce to the pan along with the noodles and protein.
Toss everything together until the noodles are coated and heated through. Garnish with green onions.

6. Ramen Carbonara

A fusion recipe combining the creamy richness of carbonara with ramen noodles. Perfect for a quick, indulgent meal.

Ingredients:

2 packs ramen noodles
4 strips of bacon, chopped
2 large eggs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp butter
Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

Boil noodles as per instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water. In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some bacon fat in the pan.

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan, and black pepper. Add butter and garlic to the skillet. Quickly add cooked noodles, followed by the egg mixture and reserved cooking water. Stir vigorously off heat to prevent scrambling.

Serve: Top with crispy bacon and garnish with green onions.

Tips for Cooking Ramen

Even for instant ramen, enhance the flavor by adding miso paste, soy sauce, or a spoonful of tahini. Use fresh ramen noodles if available, as they have a better texture compared to dried instant noodles.

Common options include soft-boiled eggs, sliced pork, nori, corn, bamboo shoots, green onions, and sesame seeds. For added heat, try chili oil, Sriracha, or Korean gochujang paste.

Experiment with these recipes and make ramen your own with your favorite ingredients! Enjoy your ramen experience.

Serving Suggestions

Ramen works well as both a main dish and a quick snack. Serve it in large bowls with generous toppings for a comforting dinner.

For casual gatherings, create a DIY ramen bar where guests can customize their noodles with toppings like eggs, vegetables, and sauces. This makes ramen interactive and fun.

On colder days, ramen can serve as a warming centerpiece for the table, paired with small plates of sushi or tempura for a complete Japanese-inspired meal.

Final Thoughts

Ramen is proof that even the simplest ingredients can become something extraordinary. Whether you cook it traditionally or experiment with modern twists, ramen never fails to deliver comfort and flavor.

Its adaptability makes it a dish for everyone—students, families, and chefs alike. You can keep it budget-friendly or elevate it with gourmet ingredients, making it as casual or as special as you want.

At its core, ramen is more than just noodles in broth—it’s an experience. Each bowl tells a story of creativity, culture, and comfort, making it a timeless favorite around the world.