Kimchee Ramen Recipe

Prep aromatics

Peel and finely mince the garlic. Peel and grate or finely mince the ginger.

Heat neutral oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger and sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Add kimchi (with its juice) and sauté 2–3 minutes, stirring, to bloom the flavors and slightly caramelize the kimchi edges.

Stir in gochujang and cook 30 seconds to incorporate. Add miso paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, and sugar; stir until combined.

Pour in 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock and 1 cup water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer gently 10–12 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust salt with additional soy or fish sauce as needed.

If using pork: in a skillet over medium-high heat, sear pork slices (no more than a single layer) for 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked through and slightly caramelized. Set aside.

If using tofu: heat 1 tsp oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high, sear tofu cubes 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Optionally season lightly with salt and a splash of soy. Set aside.

Bring a separate pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions (usually 2–4 minutes for fresh, 4–5 for dried). Drain and rinse briefly under hot water to loosen, then divide between bowls.

While the broth simmers, halve the soft-boiled eggs. Trim and slice scallions into thin rounds, separating white and green parts. Slice shiitake mushrooms thinly.

Add sliced shiitake and the white parts of scallions to the simmering broth for the last 3 minutes to soften and infuse flavor.

Add spinach or bok choy to the broth or briefly blanch in the noodle pot for 30–45 seconds until wilted, then drain.

Taste the broth one last time and adjust seasoning or heat with extra gochujang or chili oil if desired.

Ladle hot broth over the noodles in each bowl. Arrange protein (pork or tofu), wilted greens, shiitake slices, and halved egg on top.

Garnish with scallion greens, sesame seeds, torn nori, and a drizzle of chili oil if using.