Shrimp Ramen Recipe

Prepare the broth

In a medium pot over medium heat, combine 4 cups broth, 1 cup water, dashi powder (if using), 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon mirin. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Add 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Taste and adjust seasoning with up to 1/4 teaspoon more salt if needed. Keep at a gentle simmer while you prepare the shrimp and noodles.

Cook the noodles

In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions (usually 2–4 minutes for fresh, 3–5 for instant). Drain and set aside briefly. Reserve a 1/2 cup of the noodle cooking water, then return noodles to the pot off heat to keep warm.

Season the shrimp

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Sear the shrimp

Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter begins to foam, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 1.5–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate and keep warm.

Cook aromatics

Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet; when melted, add minced garlic (3 cloves), grated ginger (1 tsp), and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Choose your flavor base

Select one of the following or blend them for 'The Boom': Buttery Garlic (3 tbsp) — adds rich butter-garlic flavor; Crafty Cajun (1 tbsp) — smoky-spicy Cajun seasoning; Lemon Pepper (1 tsp) — bright citrus-pepper notes. For The Boom, add all three in equal measure (or to taste).

Adjust spice level

For No Spice: omit red pepper flakes/cayenne and hot sauce. For Mild: add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. For Medium: add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or 1 tsp hot sauce. For Fire: add 1 tsp red pepper flakes plus 1 tsp hot sauce or cayenne (adjust to tolerance). Stir the chosen flavor(s) into the skillet with the garlic/ginger and cook 15–30 seconds to bloom the spices.

Add the sauce/seasoning mix to the simmering broth (about 2–3 tablespoons total depending on choice). Stir to incorporate and simmer 1 minute so broth takes on the flavor.

Assemble ramen

Divide cooked noodles between two bowls. Ladle the flavored broth over the noodles, using enough to cover.

Add shrimp and toppings

Place seared shrimp on top of each bowl. Spoon any buttery-garlic pan juices (if using Buttery Garlic or The Boom) over the shrimp and noodles. Halve the soft-boiled eggs and add to bowls. Garnish with sliced green onion greens, sesame seeds, cilantro/parsley if using, and a lime wedge.

Taste and adjust: squeeze lime for brightness, add extra soy or a pinch of salt if needed, and add more chili if you want more heat.