Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen is a delightful dish that combines savory and sweet flavors with tender chicken thighs, rich broth, and comforting noodles. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, this recipe highlights the unique taste of ginger alongside fresh vegetables. It’s not only easy to make but also impresses guests with its gourmet appeal. Enjoy this dish on a chilly evening or serve it at your next gathering for a warm and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce creates a rich glaze that elevates the chicken and broth.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious veggies like spinach and shiitake mushrooms, this dish is both wholesome and delicious.
• Customizable: You can easily add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or entertaining friends, this ramen is sure to impress everyone at the table.

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Tools and Preparation

To make Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen successfully, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large dutch oven or stockpot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Colander
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large dutch oven or stockpot: Essential for simmering the flavorful ramen broth, allowing even heat distribution.
• Skillet: Ideal for searing the chicken thighs to give them a golden-brown finish before glazing.
• Colander: Useful for straining the solids from the broth, ensuring a smooth consistency in your soup.

Ingredients

Savory and sweet chicken thighs are glazed and added to a rich broth with shiitake mushrooms, spinach, and classic ramen noodles!

For the Broth

• 8 cups chicken broth (reduced sodium)
• 1/4 cup light soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 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)
• 1/2 – 1 tsp red pepper flakes

For the Chicken Glaze

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 Tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp dark soy sauce
• 3 Tbsp light brown sugar
• 2 tsp minced ginger
• 1 tsp minced garlic

For the Toppings

• 8 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, halved or sliced
• 5 oz baby spinach
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil
• 12 oz ramen noodles
• 3 green onions, sliced

How to Make Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Add all ramen broth ingredients to a large dutch oven or stockpot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to MED/MED-LOW and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Thighs

While the broth is simmering:
1. Season chicken thighs with black pepper.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over MED-HIGH heat.
3. Cook chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.

Step 3: Glaze the Chicken

Whisk together remaining glazed chicken ingredients (light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic). Pour over chicken thighs in skillet. Cook until syrupy and thickened (about 5 minutes), turning occasionally.

Step 4: Slice the Chicken

Remove chicken thighs to a cutting board to rest for a few minutes. Slice thinly.

Step 5: Strain the Broth

Once ramen broth has finished simmering:
1. Place a very large mixing bowl in your sink.
2. Add a colander to that bowl.
3. Pour broth over colander to strain solids from your broth.
4. Return strained broth back into pot on stove.

Step 6: Add Mushrooms and Spinach

Add mushrooms to broth; cook for 2-3 minutes over MED heat. Then add spinach and sesame oil; cook another 3 minutes.

Step 7: Cook Ramen Noodles

In another pot:
1. Boil water.
2. Cook ramen noodles for 1 minute less than package directions specify.
3. Drain noodles and divide among four bowls.

Step 8: Assemble Your Bowls

Top each bowl with hot ramen broth filled with mushrooms and spinach. Add sliced chicken on top along with green onions. Serve hot with any additional toppings you desire!

How to Serve Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

Serving Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen is an enjoyable experience that can be made even better with the right additions. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the ginger and chicken.
• Basil: Offers a sweet and slightly peppery taste, enhancing the overall aroma of the dish.

Add Extra Vegetables

• Bean Sprouts: Provide a crunchy texture and a refreshing taste.
• Nori Sheets: Thin strips of seaweed add umami flavor and an authentic touch to your ramen.

Spice it Up

• Sriracha or Chili Oil: A drizzle can bring heat and intensity to your bowl.
• Pickled Ginger: Offers a tangy contrast that balances the savory flavors of the ramen.

Serve with Soft-Boiled Eggs

• Ajitsuke Tamago: Marinated soft-boiled eggs add creaminess and richness to each bite.

How to Perfect Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

Creating the perfect Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve a delicious bowl every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables enhance flavor and nutrition.
• Balance Flavors: Adjust sweetness or saltiness by varying sugar or soy sauce amounts as per your taste preference.
• Simmer Broth Longer: For richer flavor, let your broth simmer for longer than 20 minutes if time allows.
• Toast Noodles Slightly: Lightly pan-frying ramen noodles before adding broth gives them extra texture and depth of flavor.
• Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like avocado, corn, or sesame seeds for unique variations.

Best Side Dishes for Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

Pairing side dishes with your Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt offers protein and a satisfying crunch.
2. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the flavors in ramen while providing additional warmth.
3. Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono): These tangy pickles offer contrast and refresh the palate between bites of rich ramen.
4. Seaweed Salad: A light seaweed salad brings freshness and balances the richness of the main dish.
5. Gyoza: Crispy gyoza dumplings stuffed with pork or vegetables make for a delightful appetizer.
6. Tempura Vegetables: Lightly battered and fried vegetables add a crispy texture that pairs beautifully with ramen.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the broth simmering: Not allowing the broth to simmer long enough can result in a bland flavor. Always let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes.
• Overcooking the chicken: Leaving the chicken on heat too long can make it tough. Cook just until golden brown and glaze for the best texture.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality ingredients, like old spices or cheap noodles, can affect the taste. Opt for fresh ingredients whenever possible.
• Not straining the broth: Failing to strain out solids may lead to a gritty texture in your ramen. Always use a colander to separate solids from your broth.
• Rushing noodle cooking: Cooking ramen noodles longer than necessary makes them mushy. Follow package instructions carefully for perfect noodles.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover in foil and heat until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen?

Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen is a delicious dish featuring chicken thighs glazed with ginger and served in a rich broth with ramen noodles and vegetables.

Can I customize my Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen?

Yes! You can add other vegetables or protein sources based on your preferences, such as bok choy or tofu for extra flavors.

How do I make my ramen broth richer?

To enhance your ginger glazed chicken ramen broth, consider adding more spices or cooking it longer for deeper flavors.

Is Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen healthy?

This dish can be quite nutritious! It includes lean protein from chicken and plenty of vitamins from vegetables like spinach and shiitake mushrooms.

How do I store leftover Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge or freeze them for later consumption. Follow proper reheating instructions before serving again.

Final Thoughts

Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy customizing it with your favorite toppings!