Shrimp Ramen with Soft-Boiled Egg

Immerse yourself in the comforting embrace of a perfectly crafted bowl of Shrimp Ramen, complete with a luscious soft-boiled egg. This recipe delivers a vibrant and deeply flavorful ramen experience in a fraction of the time, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. A savory, aromatic broth infused with garlic, ginger, and a hint of sesame oil forms the backbone, while tender ramen noodles, succulent shrimp, and earthy mushrooms create a delightful medley of textures. Crowned with a perfectly jammy soft-boiled egg and fresh greens, every spoonful is a journey of umami and freshness. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that satisfies both the soul and the palate, bringing the authentic taste of ramen right into your home.

Ingredients:

For the Broth:

• 4 cups (960ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (plus extra for serving)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (plus extra for sautéing aromatics)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Ramen Bowl:

• 200g (7 oz) ramen noodles (fresh or dried, without seasoning packets)
• 200g (7 oz) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, or white button)
• ½ cup baby spinach or chopped bok choy
• 2 green onions (scallions), sliced (white and green parts separated)

For Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Extra soy sauce or chili paste (like sriracha or gochujang), if desired

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Soft-Boil the Eggs:
   • Bring a small pot of water to a rolling boil.
   • Carefully lower the eggs into the boiling water using a slotted spoon.
   • Cook for exactly 6-7 minutes for a perfectly soft, jammy yolk. (Adjust time for your preferred doneness: 5 minutes for very runny, 8 minutes for firm but still tender yolk).
   • Immediately transfer the cooked eggs to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water) to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for a few minutes.
   • Gently peel the eggs under cold running water, then halve them lengthwise and set aside.
2. Prepare the Aromatic Broth:
   • In a medium pot or saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
   • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and the chili flakes (if using).
   • Bring the broth to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Keep the broth simmering gently.
3. Cook Ramen Noodles, Shrimp, and Vegetables:
   • While the broth simmers, cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions in a separate pot of boiling water. Drain well and set aside.
   • Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and the sliced mushrooms to the simmering broth. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the mushrooms are tender.
   • Just before serving, stir in the baby spinach or chopped bok choy into the broth. Cook for about 1 minute until wilted and vibrant green.
4. Assemble the Ramen Bowls:
   • Divide the cooked ramen noodles evenly between two serving bowls.
   • Pour the hot broth, along with the cooked shrimp, mushrooms, and greens, over the noodles in each bowl.
   • Carefully place the halved soft-boiled eggs on top of the ramen in each bowl.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish each bowl generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
   • Serve immediately. Offer extra soy sauce or chili paste on the side for those who prefer more seasoning or heat. Enjoy your delicious homemade ramen!

Tips, Variations, and Storage:

• Noodle Choice: Use good quality ramen noodles (often found in the Asian section of supermarkets). Avoid the instant ramen seasoning packets for this recipe.
• Broth Flavor: For an even richer broth, you can add a dash of mirin (sweet rice wine) or a tiny bit of fish sauce.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to customize your ramen with other vegetables like corn, shredded carrots, bamboo shoots, or thinly sliced bell peppers. Add them according to their cooking time.
• Protein Alternatives: Cooked chicken, tofu, or thinly sliced pork can also be used instead of or in addition to shrimp.
• Perfect Eggs: Practice makes perfect with soft-boiled eggs. The 6-7 minute timing is a guide; adjust slightly for your stove and egg size. An ice bath is essential for stopping the cooking.
• Storage: Ramen is best enjoyed fresh. The broth can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Cook noodles, shrimp, and eggs fresh just before serving.

Pairings:

• Beverages: Japanese green tea, a light sake, or a cold beer (like a lager or pilsner) would complement the ramen well.
• Side Dishes: A small side of gyoza (potstickers), edamame, or a light cucumber salad could be served alongside.
• Dessert: A refreshing fruit salad or mochi ice cream would be a nice light finish.

Quick Info:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Cuisine: Japanese / Asian
• Effort Level: Easy