Ramen has been an all-time favorite dish in Japan for many years. It’s chewy noodles, warm broth, and variety of vegetables make it a famous go-for word for many. But what if you’re a spice lover? Fear not, because ramen has a little of something for everyone. In this article, we will explore our top 5 spicy ramen recipes and their variations from all around the globe.
1. Korean Spicy Ramen
The spicy Korean ramen has been loved in Korea by many for its bold and deep flavors. The broth is traditionally made from chicken and vegetables, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy, fish sauce, and Korean red pepper flakes. Adding the Korean red pepper flakes results in a spicy yet flavourful broth that pairs well with the chewy noodles. The ramen is often topped with another Korean favorite, sliced pork belly, boiled eggs, and seaweed.
2. Sichuan Spicy Ramen
Sichuan spicy ramen is another spicy ramen recipe originating from China. Like many Sichuan-style dishes, it is famous for its numbing and spicy flavors due to the use of Sichuan peppercorns. Apart from the peppercorns, the ramen is made using dried chilies, garlic, ginger, green onions, ground pork meat, chicken for the broth, and topped with soy sauce. This beautiful mix of ingredients created a spicy yet aromatic flavor that pairs well with noodles and green toppings. The ramen is often served with sliced scallions in many restaurants, with some adding sesame seeds as an additional ingredient.
3. Thai Spicy Ramen
One of the most popular recipes known from our list is the Thai spicy ramen. The spicy Thai ramen is a spicy yet creamy variation of the dish. As for most ramen, the broth is made with a blend of chicken and vegetable broth, adding coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, and lime juice that distinguish this dish from other recipes. The result is a lovely creamy ramen with a spicy coconut flavor yet well-balanced. The ramen is often topped with bean sprouts and cilantro in addition to chicken or shrimp for the meat basis.
4. Mexican Spicy Ramen
Mexican spicy ramen is a fusion of Japanese and Mexican flavors. The broth is made with chicken or vegetables, garlic, onion, jalapeño, cumin, and chili powder. The result is a spicy and savory broth that pairs well with the noodles. The ramen is often topped with sliced avocado, cotija cheese, and lime wedges.
5. Indian Spicy Ramen
The Indian spicy ramen has a place of its own on our list. The ramen is well known for its complex yet aromatic flavors. Adding cumin, turmeric, and garam masala to its recipe makes this ramen so different. In addition to this ingredient, the ramen is made from a mixture of chicken and vegetable broth, garlic, ginger, green onions, coriander, and coconut milk. The result is a spicy, creamy broth that pairs well with the noodles. The ramen is often topped with sliced chicken, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
In conclusion, spicy ramen is versatile and has many variations inspired by cuisines worldwide. The base of its broth makes it a very special dish that can be easily adjusted for anyone’s preference. Whether you prefer the bold and spicy flavors of the Sichuan ramen or the delicate creamy variation of the Thai recipe, ramen dishes have a little something for everyone. So why not explore the world of spicy ramen, and maybe you can find something that resonates with you in the end?