There are several different types of ramen noodles on the market. What makes them different is the type of broth they are made in, the toppings that go with them, and the ingredients used to prepare them. Read on to learn more about this popular Japanese food.
History of ramen in Japan
Ramen noodles in Japan have a rich history. They were served in the early 20th century, but it took some time before they became famous. The popularity of ramen in Japan was high during the Showa period, from 1926 to 1989.
During World War II, many Japanese people were forced to eat on a ration. This led to a lot of food shortages. As a result, a black market for street food arose. Food carts were prevalent in cities such as Yokohama, Kobe, and Nagasaki. However, it was illegal to sell ramen.
As for the origins of ramen, there are several different theories. Some say it is a Chinese creation. Others say that it was inspired by la mian, a type of noodle soup made in China.
Although there is no definitive proof, a few historians have claimed that Shu Shunsui, a scholar from China, invented ramen. He served as an advisor to feudal lord Tokugawa Mitsukuni.
Ingredients
Ramen is a popular Japanese dish. It is made of noodles and a broth that can be cooked with various ingredients. Typically, the broth is flavored with soy sauce or miso. However, it can also be prepared without these ingredients.
There are several types of ramen, with variations based on the region where it was first served. For example, shoyu ramen is a ramen commonly done in Kyushu. Usually, it is topped with green onions and fish cakes. On the other hand, in Hokkaido, miso ramen is very popular.
If you plan on making your ramen, you can start by soaking the seaweed called wakame in hot water for at least five minutes. This will help it to dehydrate. Then, you can add it to the wok along with a kombu sheet.
To make a broth, you can use dried shiitake mushrooms. You can also add a meat-based broth. When making vegetable stock, you should use kombu sheets and white miso.
Broth styles
Ramen noodles are available in a variety of broth styles. These range from raw pork and chicken broth to soupless types. They’re topped with various ingredients, including spicy miso, boiled eggs, scallion, roasted pork, preserved bamboo shoots, fish cake, kamaboko, or julienned leek.
Typically, ramen shops top off their soups with a spicy miso sauce. They also use chili oil and hot spices. Some shops, like Tokyo-based noodle shops, add shoyu to their broths. Shoyu is a seasoning agent made from soybeans and wheat. It brings out the salty notes in the broth and gives the soup a deep, umami flavor.
The main ramen broth styles are Tonkotsu, Shoyu, and Assari. Tonkotsu is a pork bone-based soup, while shoyu is a clear, salty broth. Both of these broths are used as a foundation for soup-based ramen.
A few other popular ramen soups are Abura, Mazemen, and Chilled Hiyashi Chuka. These ramen have a similar texture and are eaten cold or warm. But they differ in flavor and texture, as well as how they are served.
Toppings
When it comes to toppings for ramen noodles, there are many options. They can add texture, taste, and even nutritional value to your dish. So whether you’re looking for a sweet or spicy dish, there are plenty of toppings.
One of the most common toppings for ramen noodles is sesame seeds. These seeds have a nutty flavor that adds a creamy texture to the soup.
Another popular topping is cheese. Cheese has a budget-friendly, delicious flavor that is easy to find. It’s also an excellent source of protein.
Some other traditional ramen toppings include onions, cabbage, and fish cakes. Fish cakes are often added to Ramen to add texture. If you like a rich, meaty flavor, try adding sliced pork.
Another topping you might want to try is fried vegetables. Adding fried carrots, radishes, or bean sprouts can make your ramen taste even tastier.
Adding a little chili oil to your noodle soup is another great way to add a bit of spice. Chili oil is made with chili peppers, garlic, and vegetable oil.
