Upgrade the flavor of your ramen noodles with this selection of the most flavorful spices! Here are seven spices will give your ramen a spicy kick while adding depth of flavor.
- Chili flakes: Adding chili flakes or crushed red pepper can add a good amount of heat to ramen. You can add them to the broth or garnish with them before serving.
- Sichuan Peppercorn: Adding Sichuan peppercorn to the broth can add a unique numbing sensation, along with a slight citrusy flavor.
- Garlic: Garlic can add a nice spicy kick to ramen, you can add it minced to the broth or as a garnish.
- Ginger: Ginger can add a nice spicy kick and a fresh taste to ramen, you can add it grated to the broth or as a garnish.
- Sriracha: Sriracha is a chili-based sauce that can be added to the broth, or you can use it as a garnish to add a good amount of heat to the ramen.
- Sambal: Sambal is a chili-based paste that can be added to the broth, or you can use it as a garnish to add a good amount of heat to the ramen.
- Gochujang: Gochujang is a Korean chili paste, it can add a nice spicy kick and a touch of sweetness to ramen, you can add it to the broth or as a garnish.
It’s important to keep in mind that the spiciness level of these spices can vary, so it’s best to start with a small amount and add more to taste. Also, you can use a combination of these spices to achieve the desired spiciness.
What else can I add to ramen noodles?
There are many ingredients you can add to ramen noodles to improve the taste and texture. Some popular options include:
- Vegetables: Add sliced or diced vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, and bok choy to the broth for added flavor and nutrition.
- Protein: Add cooked chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu to the broth for added protein and flavor.
- Egg: A soft-boiled or fried egg can add a rich, creamy texture to the dish.
- Spices: Add spices such as garlic, ginger, and chili flakes to the broth for added flavor.
- Herbs: Top the finished dish with fresh herbs such as cilantro, green onions, and basil for added flavor and color.
- Condiments: Add a drizzle of soy sauce, miso paste, or chili oil to the broth for added flavor.
- Cheese: Add some cheese (cheddar, blue cheese, feta) on top of the ramen before serving for added creaminess and flavor.
- Nuts: Top the finished dish with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
- Kimchi or sauerkraut: Add them into the broth for some tangy and spicy touch.
- Lime or lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice can add a nice tang to the broth and balance out the flavors.
It’s best to experiment with different ingredients and find the combination that you prefer.
Final thoughts
It’s best to add spices to ramen during the last few minutes of cooking so that the flavors are not overcooked. This allows the spices to retain their full aroma and taste.
You can also add spices to the broth before adding the noodles, or you can top the finished dish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of seasoning for extra flavor. Experiment with different spices and seasonings to find the combination that you prefer.