Spicy Sesame Chicken Ramen

$For this Spicy Sesame Chicken Ramen, you'll need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) - 1 teaspoon honey - 4 cups chicken broth - 2 bundles of ramen noodles - 1 cup bok choy, chopped - 1 carrot, julienned - 2 green onions, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - Salt and pepper to taste You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Chicken thighs: Use chicken breast or tofu for a lighter option. - Gochujang: If you can't find gochujang, try sriracha or chili paste. - Bok choy: Spinach or kale can replace bok choy. - Ramen noodles: Any noodle type works, like udon or rice noodles. To boost the taste of your ramen: - Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavors. - Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. - Add a splash of lime juice for brightness. - Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add a fresh twist. These tips will help you create a delicious bowl of Spicy Sesame Chicken Ramen that warms the soul. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, grab a bowl and mix the soy sauce, gochujang, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. 2. Next, add the chicken thighs to the bowl. Make sure they are well-coated in the marinade. 3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step adds great flavor. 4. While the chicken marinates, heat the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. 5. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. 6. Now, take the marinated chicken thighs and place them in the pot. Brown them on both sides for about 5-7 minutes. 7. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside. 8. Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a simmer. 9. Add the chopped bok choy and julienned carrots to the broth. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the veggies are tender. 10. Meanwhile, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them and set aside. 11. Shred the cooked chicken thighs using two forks and return them to the pot. Stir everything to combine. 12. Serve the spicy chicken ramen by placing the cooked noodles in bowls. Ladle the hot broth and veggies over the noodles. 13. Garnish your dish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Marinating the chicken is key to great flavor. The soy sauce adds umami, while the gochujang gives it a spicy kick. Honey balances the heat with sweetness. Make sure to coat the chicken well. Letting it sit for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to soak in. If you have time, marinate it longer for even better taste. When cooking ramen, follow the package instructions carefully. This ensures they are not overcooked. Always use a large pot with plenty of water. This helps the noodles cook evenly. Once cooked, drain them quickly to stop the cooking process. You can toss them with a bit of sesame oil to keep them from sticking. This small step adds flavor and keeps your ramen perfect! To cook juicy chicken, choose boneless, skinless thighs. They stay moist and tender. Marinate them well for at least 30 minutes. Use a mix of soy sauce, gochujang, honey, and seasoning. This adds flavor and spice. When cooking, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger first for a fragrant base. Add the marinated chicken and brown it well on both sides. This step locks in flavor. To create a rich broth, start with quality chicken broth. Homemade broth is best, but store-bought works too. After browning the chicken, pour in the broth to deglaze the pot. Scrape up the tasty bits from the bottom. Add chopped bok choy and julienned carrots for added nutrition and flavor. Let them simmer until tender. This enhances the overall taste. You can easily adjust the spice level in your ramen. To add more heat, increase the gochujang in the marinade. You can also add more chili paste while cooking. If you prefer less heat, use less gochujang. Serve with sliced fresh chili on the side for those who want extra spice. This way, everyone can enjoy their bowl just how they like it. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for even better results, marinate it overnight in the refrigerator. This will enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder ramen, reduce the amount of gochujang or add it gradually to taste. Conversely, if you like it spicier, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh bok choy and vibrant carrots not only look appealing but also add more nutrients and a better texture to your ramen. Choose organic vegetables when possible for the best flavor. Perfect Noodle Cooking: Cook the ramen noodles just until al dente, as they will continue to soften in the hot broth. This ensures they maintain a pleasant texture when served. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try shrimp or tofu for a twist. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a sweet touch. Tofu soaks up flavors well, making it great for marinating. If you use shrimp, just add it to the broth for a few minutes. For tofu, pan-fry it first for a crispy texture. For a vegetarian or vegan version, skip the chicken and broth. Use vegetable broth instead for rich flavor. Add mushrooms for a hearty bite. You can also include edamame for protein. Don't forget to use soy sauce and gochujang, as they add depth. This way, you keep the dish tasty and satisfying. Feel free to mix up the veggies! Kale or spinach can replace bok choy. Broccoli or snap peas add crunch and color. You can even throw in bell peppers for sweetness. The key is to use fresh, colorful vegetables. They not only taste great but also make your bowl look amazing. After you enjoy your Spicy Sesame Chicken Ramen, you might have some left. To keep it fresh, let it cool first. Store the ramen in an airtight container. Make sure to separate the noodles from the broth if you can. This prevents the noodles from getting too soggy. Keep the leftovers in the fridge. They will stay good for 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is key. Put the broth in a pot and heat it on low. You want it to simmer, not boil. Add the noodles and veggies to the pot just before you eat. This keeps everything warm and tasty. Stir gently to mix. If you want, you can also use the microwave. Just place the ramen in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you want to save the ramen for later, freezing is a great option. Start by letting the ramen cool completely. Then, put it in freezer-safe bags or containers. As a tip, freeze the broth and noodles separately. This way, the noodles stay firm when you reheat them. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned before, and you’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready to go! Yes, you can easily make this dish spicier. Start by adding more gochujang. You can also mix in some crushed red pepper flakes. For an extra kick, try adding sliced fresh chili peppers. Taste as you go to find your perfect heat level. Use fresh or dried ramen noodles for the best texture. Fresh noodles cook quickly and have a great bite. If you can't find fresh noodles, dried ones work just fine. Look for noodles labeled "ramen" for the best results. To make this ramen gluten-free, swap regular soy sauce for tamari. Use gluten-free ramen noodles or rice noodles instead. Check the labels to ensure all ingredients, like chicken broth, are gluten-free. Enjoy your tasty bowl without worry! In this article, we explored how to create the perfect Spicy Sesame Chicken Ramen. We covered key ingredients, including substitutions and seasoning tips. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions, focusing on marinating chicken and making great ramen noodles. You learned helpful tips for cooking techniques and broth flavor. We also discussed various protein and vegetable options, alongside proper storage tips. With these insights, you can make a warm, tasty bowl of ramen that's easy to enjoy. Happy cooking!$

A flavorful and spicy ramen dish featuring marinated chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Ingredients

2 thighs boneless, skinless chicken
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 teaspoon honey
4 cups chicken broth
2 bundles ramen noodles
1 cup bok choy, chopped
1 carrot julienned
2 green onions chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, gochujang, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the marinated chicken thighs to the pot and brown on both sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the chopped bok choy and julienned carrots, cooking for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Meanwhile, cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Shred the cooked chicken thighs with two forks and return it to the pot. Stir to combine.
Serve the spicy chicken ramen by placing cooked noodles in bowls, ladling the hot broth and veggies over them. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.

Keyword chicken, ramen, soup, spicy