Description
Homemade ginger glazed chicken ramen delivers complex Asian-inspired flavors with tender meat and silky noodles. Crisp vegetable garnishes and rich broth create a comforting meal you’ll crave during cool evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsps light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsps vegetable oil
- 3 tbsps light brown sugar
- 2 tsps minced ginger
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth (reduced sodium)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) mirin
- ¼ cup (60 ml) light soy sauce
- 12 oz (340 g) ramen noodles
- 8 oz (226 g) fresh shiitake mushrooms, halved or sliced
- 5 oz (142 g) baby spinach
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
- 3–5 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 4 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 stalk lemongrass, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (optional)
- ½ – 1 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Flavor Foundation: Combine chicken broth, soy sauces, mirin, ginger, garlic, green onions, lemongrass, and red pepper flakes in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes to develop a rich, aromatic base.
- Chicken Preparation: Season chicken thighs with black pepper and sear in hot vegetable oil until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F (74°C). Create a glossy glaze by mixing dark and light soy sauces, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic, coating the chicken until caramelized and syrupy.
- Broth Enhancement: Strain the infused broth through a fine-mesh sieve, then return to the pot. Add mushrooms and spinach, simmering for 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender yet vibrant.
- Noodle Integration: Cook ramen noodles in boiling water, reducing package-recommended cooking time by 1 minute for optimal al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and distribute evenly among serving bowls.
- Final Assembly: Pour hot broth over noodles, ensuring equal liquid distribution. Top with sliced glazed chicken thighs and garnish with thinly sliced green onions. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Ginger Power Boost: Fresh ginger intensifies flavor complexity and adds a warming, spicy undertone that elevates the entire dish’s aromatic profile.
- Chicken Skin Technique: Achieving a crispy, golden-brown skin requires patience and consistent medium-high heat, ensuring maximum flavor development and textural contrast.
- Glaze Caramelization Secret: Watch the soy-sugar mixture closely during final cooking stages to prevent burning while creating a glossy, rich coating on the chicken.
- Noodle Texture Trick: Slightly undercooking ramen noodles prevents mushiness and maintains a perfect al dente texture when combined with hot broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg