How to make Healthy Ramen Noodles?

There is no doubt that ramen is devoured and enjoyed globally by people of all ages. But it is not accepted as a healthy alternative for a meal. It bears a reputation for being unhealthy. It is mainly due to its association with instant ramen noodles that are high in sodium and preservatives; hence, they are not a very good option to add to a daily diet. However, it throws shade on the potential of healthy ramen noodles which are prepared using well-balanced ingredients and nutritious alternatives to their unhealthy counterpart. For example, swapping the packet tastemaker with a healthy and aromatic chicken and veggie broth.

The Key Formula for Making a Healthy Ramen Noodle Bowl

The rule is very simple: transform your everyday bowl of noodles into a healthy and vibrant bowl of yumminess and goodness. Start by reaching for whole grain or vegetable-based noodles. The veggies which are rich in fiber content and contribute to gut health and overall well-being.

The second primary ingredient is the broth, which is the game changer if selected wisely. Opt for low-sodium, slow-cooked, and protein-enriched broth made from vegetables, mushrooms, bones, and spices. These provide essential nutrients for the body, like collagen and minerals. Avoid store-bought broth, as it contains a high number of additives and preservatives.

A colorful combination of a handful of vegetables is a must. It is followed by a variety of aromatics for that umami, such as mushrooms, seaweed, and fermented products like miso, soy sauce, and Worcestershire or oyster sauce, which bring out that deep savory flavor to the table. Umami is found in various foods that are rich in glutamates; this is the magic ingredient that creates a very subtle yet noticeable taste when received by the receptors on the tongue.

Including a bunch of lean protein is very thoughtful for flavor and nutritional value in your bowl of ramen. Options like perfectly cooked seafood and chicken tenderloins can elevate a simple bowl of ramen to the next level. Also, lean proteins are essential for muscle repair and overall health.

Finally, some healthy fats such as avocado chunks, black sesame seeds, cashews, and macadamias are also a powerhouse for the body, as they aid in maintaining cell health. Ginger and garlic are the simplest magic ingredients, which provide depth and flavor and also boost metabolism.

A brief look at the history of Ramen Noodles

Ramen originated in Japan in the early 20th century with significant influence from Chinese noodles. Initially Ramen Noodles were considered as a luxury food. It turned into a famous, and affordable meal in the aftermath of World War II due to food shortages.

Today, ramen is a trendy and versatile dish loved by people all over the world. A well-balanced bowl of ramen contains a base that is broth, noodles, vegetables combo, nuts, and seasoning, packing a lot of beneficial nutrients. Here’s how a hearty bowl of ramen can be a part of your healthy eating plan.

How to make the perfect base? Broth for Ramen Noodles

Broth serves as the essential base for healthy ramen noodles, whether it’s miso, shoyu, Shoyu-Tonkotsu, seafood, chicken paitan, or a spicy miso broth. It is packed with flavors as well as essential vitamins and minerals. For instance, bone broth is very rich in collagen, which helps maintain skin elasticity and joint health.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Broth

• In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the chicken or vegetable broth, water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and miso paste (if using). Stir well to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning (add more soy sauce or a splash of vinegar as needed).

Cook the Noodles

• While the broth is simmering, bring a separate pot of water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions (usually 3-4 minutes). If using zucchini noodles, simply heat them in the broth for a minute or two until tender.
• Drain the noodles and set aside.

Soft-Boil the Eggs (Optional)

In a small pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the eggs gently and boil for 6–7 minutes for a soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk. Once done, remove the eggs, cool them under cold water, peel, and set aside.

Prepare the Toppings

• While the broth and noodles are cooking, sauté the mushrooms and spinach (or bok choy) in a little sesame oil until tender (about 2–3 minutes).
• Slice the boiled eggs in half and prepare the remaining toppings such as shredded carrots, green onions, seaweed, and protein (chicken or tofu).

Assemble the Ramen

• Divide the cooked noodles into two bowls.
• Pour the hot broth over the noodles and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, shredded carrots, and green onions.
• Place the soft-boiled egg halves on top, followed by the cooked chicken or tofu, sesame seeds, and seaweed if using.

Serve and Enjoy Healthy Ramen Noodles

Serve your healthy ramen noodles immediately, garnished with extra sesame seeds or chili paste for a spicy kick!

Making Ramen a Healthy Habit

There is no doubt that ramen is devoured and enjoyed globally by people of all ages, but it is not accepted as a healthy alternative for a meal. It bears a reputation for being unhealthy, mainly due to its association with instant ramen noodles that are high in sodium and preservatives; hence, they are not a very good option to add to a daily diet. However, it throws shade on the potential of ramen that is prepared using well-balanced ingredients and nutritious alternatives to its unhealthy counterpart, for example, swapping the packet tastemaker with a healthy and aromatic chicken and veggie broth.

Here’s a cheat sheet to create your perfect bowl of healthy ramen noodles:

Below is the simple cheat sheet to create your perfect, healthy, and palatable bowl of ramen, proving that it’s all about making informed choices and elevating your favorite meal to its healthiest version to be devoured without any regret or negative impact on health. 🍜😊

Choose Broth Wisely: Suitable for broth because it is low in sodium, or you can make it according to your taste make your own to control the salt content.

Load Up on Veggies: Pack your bowl with colourful vegetables for added vitamins and minerals. For example, bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini.

Mindful Noodle Choices: Select noodles that align with your dietary preferences, whether it’s whole grain, gluten-free, or low-carb.
Beyond its nutritional benefits, ramen is a cultural experience that invites creativity and enjoyment. Whether you’re exploring new flavours or crafting your own signature bowl, ramen offers great satisfaction to both your body and taste buds.