Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

Savory and satisfying, Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and savory sauce with a rich broth that features mushrooms and fresh spinach. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, this recipe showcases the unique flavors of ginger, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of ginger, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates an irresistible glaze that enhances the chicken.
• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can have a comforting bowl of ramen ready in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your ramen with your favorite vegetables or add extra toppings for more flavor and texture.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the spinach and mushrooms, this dish is both filling and nutritious.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week or share with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To make Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen, having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother. Here are some essential tools you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large dutch oven or stockpot: Ideal for simmering the rich broth without spilling over.
• Skillet: Perfect for searing the chicken thighs to achieve that golden-brown color.
• Colander: Essential for straining solids from your broth, ensuring a smooth consistency.

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
• 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 Ginger Glazed Chicken

• 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 Ramen Bowl

• 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 medium/medium-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 medium-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 cooked chicken thighs in skillet:
1. Cook mixture down until syrupy and thick.
2. Turn chicken occasionally to coat both sides evenly. This usually takes about 5 minutes but will depend on your stove.

Step 4: Slice the Chicken

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

Step 5: Strain the Broth

Once ramen broth has finished simmering:
1. Place a very large mixing bowl in your sink and add colander inside.
2. Pour broth over colander to strain solids from your broth.
3. Carefully pour strained broth back into pot on stove.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

Add mushrooms to strained broth:
1. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over medium heat.
2. Add spinach and sesame oil; cook another 3 minutes until spinach wilts.

Step 7: Cook Ramen Noodles

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

Step 8: Assemble Your Ramen Bowls

Top each bowl with hot ramen broth containing mushrooms and spinach:
1. Add sliced 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 a delightful experience that combines flavors and textures. You can customize each bowl to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro or Basil – Scatter some fresh cilantro or basil leaves on top for an aromatic finish.

Include Crunchy Toppings

• Sesame Seeds – Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and nuttiness.
• Fried Shallots – These crispy bits add a wonderful texture and flavor contrast.

Spice It Up

• Sriracha or Chili Oil – Drizzle some spicy sriracha or chili oil for those who enjoy an extra kick.

Offer Lime Wedges

• Citrusy Boost – Serve lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the ramen for a zesty touch.

Pair with Soft Boiled Eggs

• Creamy Addition – Soft boiled eggs can enhance the richness of the broth and provide additional protein.

How to Perfect Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

Creating the ideal bowl of Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Bold Flavors – Use fresh ginger and garlic for maximum flavor impact in your broth.
• Quality Broth – Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness while still delivering rich taste.
• Proper Cooking Times – Pay attention to cooking times for both chicken and noodles to ensure everything is perfectly tender.
• Garnish Generously – Don’t shy away from garnishes like green onions; they add freshness and color.

Best Side Dishes for Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

Pairing side dishes with Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen enhances the meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar pairs well with the rich ramen broth.
2. Edamame Beans – Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt offers a healthy, protein-packed snack.
3. Seaweed Salad – This light salad adds umami flavor and complements the ramen beautifully.
4. Vegetable Gyoza – Crispy vegetable gyoza make a great appetizer alongside your main dish.
5. Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a comforting starter before the ramen.
6. Pickled Vegetables – Tangy pickled vegetables can provide a nice contrast to the savory ramen flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the overall outcome of the dish.

• Bold seasoning: Failing to season the chicken thighs properly can lead to bland flavors. Always remember to season generously with black pepper and other spices.
• Ignoring broth simmer time: Not allowing the broth to simmer long enough can result in a weak flavor. Aim for 15-20 minutes to extract all the delicious notes from your ingredients.
• Overcooking noodles: Cooking ramen noodles for too long can make them mushy. Follow package directions closely and subtract one minute for optimal texture.
• Skipping the strain: If you don’t strain your broth, you might end up with an unappealing texture. Use a colander for a smooth and flavorful broth.
• Neglecting garnishes: Skipping out on toppings like sliced green onions can diminish presentation and flavor. Always add those finishing touches for an eye-catching dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place ramen in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer ramen to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the ramen with a little added broth or water, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other types of noodles instead of ramen?

You can substitute ramen with udon or soba noodles if desired. Adjust cooking times according to package instructions.

How do I make the broth vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit chicken entirely.

What can I add for extra flavor in my Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen?

Consider adding ingredients like sesame seeds, chili oil, or fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for additional layers of flavor.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free ramen noodles as alternatives while preparing your dish.

Final Thoughts

Ginger Glazed Chicken Ramen is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness that warms both body and soul!