Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

Savory, comforting, and bursting with flavor, Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen is the perfect dish for any occasion. This delightful recipe combines tender chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and savory sauce with a rich broth filled with shiitake mushrooms and baby spinach, all served over classic ramen noodles. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to entertain guests, this dish is sure to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes total time, you can whip up this delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that elevates the chicken and broth.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap chicken for tofu to suit your tastes.
• Comfort Food: Ramen is the ultimate comfort food—warm, filling, and satisfying!
• Impressive Presentation: This dish looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for serving guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather your tools beforehand. This will help you stay organized while preparing your Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large dutch oven or stockpot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Colander
• Pot for boiling noodles

Importance of Each Tool

• Large dutch oven or stockpot: Ideal for simmering the flavorful broth without worrying about spills.
• Skillet: Perfect for searing chicken thighs to achieve a golden brown crust before glazing them.
• Colander: Necessary for straining the broth to ensure a smooth finish without solids.

Ingredients

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

• 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
• 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
• 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 simmers:
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 the skillet:
1. Cook until syrupy and thick.
2. Turn chicken occasionally to ensure even glazing—this usually takes about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Slice the Chicken

Remove chicken thighs from the skillet. Let them rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing thinly.

Step 5: Strain the Broth

Once the ramen broth has finished simmering:
1. Place a very large mixing bowl in your sink with a colander inside it.
2. Pour broth over the colander to strain out solids.
3. Carefully return strained broth back into the pot on the stove.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

Add shiitake mushrooms to the pot:
1. Cook for 2–3 minutes over MED heat.
2. Add baby spinach and sesame oil; cook another 3 minutes until wilted.

Step 7: Prepare Ramen Noodles

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

Step 8: Assemble Your Dish

Top each bowl of noodles with hot ramen broth containing mushrooms and spinach:
1. Add sliced glazed chicken on top.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions.
3. Serve hot with any additional toppings you desire!

How to Serve Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

Serving Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen is all about enhancing the experience with delightful toppings and sides. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Adds a fresh burst of flavor that complements the ginger glaze.
• Basil: Offers a unique twist; consider Thai basil for an aromatic kick.

Additional Proteins

• Soft-Boiled Egg: A perfectly cooked egg adds richness and creaminess to each bowl.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian option, pan-fry or grill tofu cubes for extra texture.

Crunchy Toppings

• Fried Garlic: Adds a savory crunch that enhances the overall taste.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty flavor and decorative touch.

Spicy Additions

• Sriracha or Chili Oil: Drizzle on top for those who enjoy extra heat in their ramen.
• Pickled Vegetables: Quick-pickled radishes or cucumbers add acidity and crunch.

How to Perfect Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

Perfecting your Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen can take your dish from good to outstanding. Here are some tips to ensure success every time.

• Use Quality Broth: A rich, flavorful broth is key. Opt for homemade or low-sodium options for better taste.
• Marinate Chicken: For deeper flavor, marinate chicken thighs in the glaze ingredients for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Cook Noodles Al Dente: Follow package instructions carefully but cook them one minute less to prevent sogginess when added to the broth.
• Balance Flavors: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more soy sauce or sugar based on your preference.
• Serve Immediately: Ramen is best enjoyed fresh. Assemble bowls just before serving for optimal texture and temperature.

Best Side Dishes for Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

Pairing side dishes with your Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen can enhance the meal’s overall appeal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Edamame: Lightly salted boiled edamame makes a great appetizer with a satisfying crunch.
2. Miso Soup: A comforting miso soup offers warmth and complements the ramen’s flavors well.
3. Seaweed Salad: Refreshing seaweed salad adds texture and a hint of umami, perfect alongside ramen.
4. Gyoza (Dumplings): Pan-fried or steamed, gyoza are delicious filled pockets that pair wonderfully with noodle dishes.
5. Spring Rolls: Crisp vegetables wrapped in rice paper provide a light contrast to the rich ramen broth.
6. Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar offers a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can impact the final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your ramen turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the Broth Simmering: Failing to simmer the broth long enough will result in a bland flavor. Always allow it to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes.
• Using Low-Quality Chicken: Low-quality chicken thighs can affect the overall taste and texture. Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken for better results.
• Overcooking the Noodles: Cooking ramen noodles too long makes them mushy. Follow package directions closely and cook for one minute less.
• Ignoring Ingredient Prep: Not prepping ingredients before you start cooking can lead to chaos in the kitchen. Prepare everything beforehand for a smooth cooking process.
• Neglecting Flavor Balancing: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasonings can leave your dish flat. Always taste your broth and adjust with soy sauce or sugar as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place ramen in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Stovetop: Add ramen and broth to a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen.

Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes! While ramen noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with udon or soba noodles if desired.

How can I customize my Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen?

Feel free to add vegetables like bok choy, carrots, or bean sprouts for extra nutrition and flavor.

What if I don’t have mirin?

If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with a mixture of rice vinegar and sugar.

Is Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well and is perfect for meal prep as you can separate the components.

Final Thoughts

Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen is not only comforting but also versatile. This recipe allows you to play with flavors and ingredients, making it easy to tailor it to your preferences. Whether you’re craving something cozy after a long day or looking for a delightful meal option, this ramen will surely satisfy your taste buds. Give it a try, and enjoy customizing it with your favorite toppings!