Let me tell you about my love affair with ramen. It all started during a late-night study session in college when I discovered that the secret to making basic ramen into a flavor-packed bowl of heaven lies in the toppings. The secret isn’t just in the broth or noodles—it’s all about the topping for ramen.
You don’t just throw a boiled egg in and call it a day – oh no, friend. Ramen toppings are where the magic happens, where you get to make it yours, and trust me, once you try these, you'll never go back to plain ol’ noodles.
One winter evening, I made a ramen feast for some friends, complete with crispy pork belly, soft-boiled eggs, and an array of fresh veggies. It was the perfect comfort food, and I’ve been obsessed ever since.
Whether it's crispy pork belly, soft-boiled eggs, or a bit of kimchi for some extra kick, the right topping for ramen is like the cherry on top—but way more delicious(and yes, you deserve it). 🍜🔥
You may also like: Quick Spaghetti A Cetto
Table of Contents
ToggleTypes of ramen
Ramen comes in several delicious types, each with its own distinct flavor profile and regional flair. Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular varieties:
- Shoyu Ramen: This soy sauce-based ramen is probably the most common style and has a clear, brown broth. It’s known for its savory and tangy flavor, often paired with ingredients like chicken, bamboo shoots, seaweed, and green onions.
- Miso Ramen: Miso paste gives this ramen a rich, creamy broth with a deep umami flavor. Originally from Hokkaido, it’s hearty and often includes toppings like corn, butter, ground pork, and bean sprouts.
- Shio Ramen: With a salt-based broth, shio ramen is light and clear, often flavored with fish or seaweed. It has a delicate taste and is commonly served with toppings like nori, green onions, and a slice of chashu (braised pork).
- Tonkotsu Ramen: Originating from Kyushu, this pork-bone-based ramen is rich, creamy, and milky due to hours of simmering pork bones. It’s typically topped with chashu, scallions, and sometimes black garlic oil for extra depth.
- Tsukemen: This “dipping ramen” serves noodles separately from the broth. The noodles are dipped into a concentrated, thick broth and then eaten. It’s usually served cold, with a savory and often intense broth.
- Kare (Curry) Ramen: Japanese curry paste is used to create a spicy, thick broth with a unique kick. This style is popular in Hokkaido and often topped with vegetables, chashu, and sometimes cheese.
- Hakodate Ramen: A shio-style ramen specific to Hakodate in Hokkaido, this ramen has a clear and light broth made from chicken or pork, and sometimes fish. It’s delicate, featuring simple toppings like green onions and bamboo shoots.
Ingredients Used to Make the Ultimate Ramen Toppings
- Soft-boiled eggs
- Crispy pork belly or bacon
- Nori sheets (seaweed)
- Green onions (finely sliced)
- Corn (charred or fresh)
- Bamboo shoots (marinated)
- Shiitake mushrooms (sautéed or grilled)
- Spinach or bok choy (lightly wilted)
- Kimchi (for that spicy kick)
- Sesame seeds
- Chili oil or paste
- Garlic (fried and crispy)
Where to Get Fresh Ramen Toppings?
If you’re craving fresh ramen noodles top to elevate your homemade bowls, here are some top places to find them:
- Asian Grocery Stores: Local Asian markets are your best bet. Stores like H Mart or 99 Ranch typically stock fresh ramen noodles top in the refrigerated section. Plus, you’ll often find a variety of ramen toppings to suit your taste.
- Farmers' Markets: Many farmers’ markets now feature vendors specializing in handmade noodles, including fresh ramen toppings. This is a great place to find artisanal noodles with unique textures and flavors.
- Online Specialty Stores: Websites like Umami Cart, Yummy Bazaar, and Goldbelly offer fresh toppings for ramen noodles that can be shipped directly to your door. This is ideal for those without local access to specialty stores.
- Japanese or Ramen Restaurants: Some ramen restaurants sell fresh noodles separately. If you have a favorite local spot, ask if they’d be willing to sell you a portion of their noodles for at-home cooking.
If you're looking for inspiration on how to use these fresh noodles, check out this delicious Bún Riêu recipe on So Damn Delish for more tasty ideas!
How to Make the Ultimate Ramen Toppings
- Soft-boiled eggs: Boil the eggs for exactly 6 minutes for that perfect jammy yolk. Plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking and peel when cooled.
- Crispy pork belly: Season pork belly with salt and pepper, then roast in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Sautéed mushrooms: In a hot pan, add a bit of sesame oil and sauté shiitake mushrooms until golden and fragrant. Add a splash of soy sauce to finish them off.
- Charred corn: For an extra layer of flavor, grill or sauté corn kernels until they get a bit of a char. Adds a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory broth.
- Fried garlic: Thinly slice garlic and fry in oil until crispy. Drain on a paper towel and sprinkle over your ramen for an irresistible crunch.
- Assemble your toppings: Layer your ramen bowl with noodles and broth, then top it with soft-boiled eggs, crispy pork belly, charred corn, sautéed mushrooms, and a sprinkle of green onions, sesame seeds, and nori sheets. Don’t forget a drizzle of chili oil for some heat!
There you have it, folks—your ramen bowl is now next-level, and trust me, once you start adding topping for ramen, there's no going back. It’s all about personalization and flavor, so have fun with it, experiment, and enjoy every slurp. 😋
Notes
- Feel free to mix and match toppings based on your preferences.
- Add pickled ginger for a tangy twist, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Nutrient Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1,200 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Check out more easy and delicious recipes on So Damn Delish, where flavor and fun come together in every dish!
Print
Topping for Ramen: Make Every Bowl Special!
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
Take your ramen game up a notch with the perfect topping for ramen ideas from So Damn Delish! Add bold and crispy flavors to make every slurp unforgettable.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Toppings for 4 bowls of ramen 1x
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 8 oz pork belly or bacon
- 2 nori sheets
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 cup corn (charred or fresh)
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sautéed
- 1 cup spinach or bok choy
- 1/4 cup kimchi
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 4 cloves garlic, fried
Instructions
- Prepare the eggs: Boil the eggs for 6 minutes, then cool in ice water. Peel and set aside.
- Cook the pork belly: Roast pork belly in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until crispy, then slice.
- Sauté the mushrooms: Heat sesame oil in a pan, add mushrooms, and sauté until golden. Add soy sauce for extra flavor.
- Char the corn: Grill or sauté corn until lightly charred.
- Fry the garlic: Thinly slice garlic, fry in oil, and drain on a paper towel.
- Assemble: Layer the noodles and broth in a bowl. Add all toppings, drizzle with chili oil, and serve hot!
Notes
- Feel free to mix and match toppings based on your preferences.
- Add pickled ginger for a tangy twist, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Author: SoDamnDelish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Inactive Time: 5 minutes (cooling eggs)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1,200 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg