What is it about Japanese Ramen that makes everyone go gaga? From the youngest child in the family to the oldest member at home, everyone loves a good Ramen dish.
Not only is Ramen delicious, it is also a very healthy dish. For those who are health-conscious or needs to watch their diet (for health or vanity reasons), ramen is a good choice, as it is usually served with a healthy dose of vegetables and meat. Take your pick of vegetables from mushrooms, nori, leek or corn. You can even chooce your choice of broth – pork or chicken, spicy or mild. And to balance the meal, you can add in some protein like egg, chicken or pork.
For the Ramen noobie, here are some choices for you to choose from:
Vegetable Ramen
Not just for the vegetarian, vegetable ramen is packed with leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, carrots, bean sprouts, sliced cabbage, corn and scallions. Doused into the broth together with wheat noodles, you will barely notice that you are eating a vegetable dish. It is that YUMMY!
Meat Ramen
Admit it. Some of us love our meats. Luckily for us, Ramen allows the chefs to be creative with their meats. Most Ramen are served with steamed pork or chicken slices. You can also order it with crispy fried pork or chicken.
The commonly served meat is the Char Siu, a Chinese Roasted Pork Belly to suit the local Asian palate. Did you know that Cha Shu, sliced marinated pork belly has its origins from Japan?
Tsukemen (also known as the dipping ramen)
This type of Ramen is served in a plate, accompanied with the broth of your choice. You dip the noodles into the broth, softening it before consumption. You got to try it to know the true taste of Japanese Ramen Heaven!
Broth Ramen
Can’t decide which broth to have your ramen in? Have it in all four, we say. Broth Ramen is served with four different broths: Shio, Miso, Shoyu and Tonkotsu. Slurp it, sip it or drink it. However you like, your mouth is going to have a sensational time.
Let us share the four basic broth selection that goes well with your ramen.
Shio broth is lightly boiled, which brings out ingredients’ natural and individual taste. The taste of Shio is mild and suitable for kids or adults desiring an insipid taste.
To enjoy the genuine taste of authentic Japanese flavor, try Miso, which carries the taste of creamy soybean.
Shoyu means “soy sauce” in Japanese. This broth is literally made from soy sauce, which is saltier than the Shio Ramen. Mixed into this broth is an infusion of both chicken and vegetables and hence is more palatable and appealing to most ramen eaters.
For those who enjoy a richer, thicker and a more flavorful taste in their broth, then Tonkotsu(Pork bone) is their best bet. This hearty broth has been boiled with pork bones for several hours to achieve its rich flavor.
Leave a Reply