Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

Savory and sweet, Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen is a delightful dish that warms the soul. This recipe features tender chicken thighs glazed to perfection, served in a rich broth packed with shiitake mushrooms, fresh spinach, and classic ramen noodles. Suitable for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish stands out with its unique blend of flavors and vibrant ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This ramen can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce creates a deliciously savory glaze and broth.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or toppings to personalize each bowl.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Rich broth and tender chicken make this dish satisfying and comforting.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from chicken and vegetables, this ramen is both tasty and good for you.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or stockpot: Ideal for simmering your ramen broth evenly without burning.
• Skillet: Perfect for searing the chicken thighs, ensuring a golden crust while keeping them juicy inside.
• Colander: Essential for straining out solids from your broth, yielding a smooth, clear liquid.

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 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).
1. Pour mixture over cooked chicken thighs in skillet.
2. Cook down until syrupy and thick—about 5 minutes—turning chicken occasionally to glaze on both sides.

Step 4: Slice the Chicken

Remove chicken thighs to a cutting board. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.

Step 5: Strain the Broth

Once ramen broth is done simmering:
1. Place a very large mixing bowl in your sink with a colander on top.
2. Pour broth over colander to strain solids from the liquid.
3. Carefully pour strained broth back into pot.

Step 6: Add Vegetables to Broth

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

Step 7: Prepare Ramen Noodles

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

Step 8: Assemble the Dish

Top each bowl with hot ramen broth containing mushrooms and spinach. Add sliced chicken on top along with sliced green onions. 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 flavors and creating a delightful experience. Here are some suggestions to elevate your dish.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.
• Basil: Thai basil can add an aromatic touch that complements the ginger.

Include Extra Toppings

• Soft-Boiled Eggs: A perfectly cooked egg adds creaminess and richness.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkling these on top provides a nutty crunch.

Pair with Pickled Vegetables

• Pickled Ginger: This adds a refreshing tang that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
• Kimchi: For a spicy kick, serve alongside kimchi for added depth.

Serve with Lime Wedges

• Fresh Lime: A squeeze of lime juice enhances the flavors and adds brightness.

How to Perfect Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

Perfecting Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen takes a few simple techniques. Follow these tips to enhance your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will elevate the flavors significantly.
• Control the Heat: Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
• Simmer Slowly: Allowing the broth to simmer longer enriches its flavor profile.
• Taste as You Go: Regularly taste your broth to find the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness.
• Don’t Overcook Noodles: Ensure ramen is al dente for optimal texture in your bowl.

Best Side Dishes for Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

Pairing side dishes with your Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options.

1. Edamame: Lightly salted edamame offers a healthy and protein-packed snack.
2. Seaweed Salad: This refreshing salad provides a contrasting texture and umami flavor.
3. Vegetable Tempura: Crunchy tempura vegetables can be a delightful addition to your meal.
4. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the ramen beautifully.
5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with sesame dressing adds brightness to the table.
6. Fried Rice: A side of fried rice can make your meal heartier while complementing the ramen’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks encounter challenges when preparing Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a better result.

• Using low-quality broth – A rich, flavorful broth is key for this dish. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness and enhance the overall taste.
• Overcooking the chicken – Cooking chicken thighs too long can make them dry. Aim for a golden brown outside while keeping them juicy inside by cooking them just until done.
• Skipping the straining step – Straining the broth removes solids that can affect the texture. This step ensures a smooth, delicious ramen experience.
• Not balancing flavors – The sweet and savory components are essential in this dish. Adjust soy sauce and sugar as needed to achieve a harmonious flavor profile.
• Neglecting to slice ingredients evenly – Evenly sliced mushrooms and chicken ensure even cooking and better presentation. Take your time to cut them uniformly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

• Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers.
• You can freeze it for up to 2 months.

Reheating Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave – Place ramen in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Heat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen.

Can I use other types of noodles for Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen?

You can! While traditional ramen noodles work best, you can substitute with soba or udon noodles if desired.

What vegetables can I add to my Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen?

Feel free to customize with vegetables like bok choy, carrots, or snap peas for added nutrition and flavor.

How can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?

Swap out chicken thighs for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Is Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen spicy?

The spiciness depends on the amount of red pepper flakes you add. Adjust it according to your heat preference!

Final Thoughts

Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen offers a perfect balance of savory flavors and comforting textures. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite toppings and vegetables. Don’t hesitate—try this delightful recipe today!