This Spicy Miso Ramen is a rich, creamy, and umami-packed bowl of comfort. The silky-smooth broth is deep in flavor, thanks to the miso paste, sesame oil, and chili oil, while the toppings, like tender ramen noodles, sweet corn, and soft-boiled eggs, make this dish a satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy night in, this recipe is quick to prepare and bursting with flavor.

Spicy Miso Ramen Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Miso Ramen offers the perfect balance of heat, richness, and savory goodness. The homemade miso broth is so easy to make but tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. The addition of chili oil and chili bean paste gives the ramen a spicy kick, while the creamy texture from the miso paste and sesame oil makes each bite incredibly satisfying. Plus, this dish can be customized with your favorite toppings!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Miso Broth:

2 tablespoons neutral oil, divided
½ pound ground chicken, tofu, or tempeh
8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, thinly sliced
1 medium shallot, minced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated or finely minced
7 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
4 tablespoons white miso paste
2 tablespoons Chinese sesame paste or tahini (optional)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon hot chili oil (or use mild), plus more for serving
1 tablespoon chili bean paste (doubanjiang), optional
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or mirin (see notes)
½ teaspoon ground white pepper, optional
¾ pound dry ramen noodles or 2 packages of instant ramen (flavor packet discarded)

Optional Add-ins:

1½ cups sweet corn (frozen, thawed, canned, or fresh)
Baby bok choy
Soy sauce eggs or soft-boiled eggs, halved
Thinly sliced green onions for garnish
Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

Cook the ground meat (or tofu/tempeh):
In a medium-large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken (or tofu/tempeh) and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink (about 4 minutes). Transfer the cooked meat to a plate or bowl.
Sauté the mushrooms:
In the same pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the shiitake mushrooms and cook until soft and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the shallots, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant, stirring often, about 2 minutes.
Simmer the broth:
Pour in the broth and stir well. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Make the miso paste mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the miso paste, sesame or tahini paste (if using), sesame oil, soy sauce, chili oil, rice vinegar or mirin, and one ladle of the simmering broth. Whisk until smooth.
Add the miso paste mixture:
Slowly add the miso paste mixture into the broth, stirring constantly until dissolved. If using white pepper, add it at this point. Stir in the cooked meat (or tofu/tempeh) and let the broth simmer for another 10 minutes. If adding vegetables (like corn or baby bok choy), add them during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
Cook the ramen noodles:
Meanwhile, cook the ramen noodles according to the instructions on the package. Drain well and set aside.
Assemble the ramen:
Divide the cooked ramen noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the miso broth and toppings over the noodles. If adding soft-boiled eggs, slice them in half and arrange them on top of the ramen. Garnish with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil.
Serve:
Enjoy the ramen immediately, hot and comforting!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian/Vegan: Use tofu or tempeh instead of ground chicken and vegetable broth for a vegan-friendly version.
Extra heat: Add more chili oil or chili bean paste to adjust the spice level.
Vegetables: Add mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables to make the ramen even heartier.
Miso variations: Experiment with red miso for a deeper, richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the noodles separately to prevent them from getting too soggy.
Reheating: To reheat, place the broth in a saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the cold noodles to a bowl and pour the hot broth over the noodles.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant ramen noodles?

Yes, you can use instant ramen noodles, just discard the flavor packet and use the miso broth for a more flavorful and customized dish.

2. Can I make the broth in advance?

Yes, you can make the broth ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.

3. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, you can add more chili oil, chili bean paste, or fresh sliced chilies to ramp up the heat.

4. Can I use different types of miso?

Yes, you can use red miso for a deeper, more robust flavor, but white miso is milder and more common in ramen recipes.

5. Can I make this ramen vegan?

Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth for a completely vegan version.

6. How can I thicken the broth?

If you’d like a thicker broth, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the simmering broth.

7. Can I add more vegetables to the broth?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bok choy, carrots, or spinach during the last few minutes of simmering for added nutrition and flavor.

8. Can I freeze the miso broth?

Yes, you can freeze the miso broth for up to 3 months. Reheat it and add freshly cooked noodles when you’re ready to serve.

9. Can I substitute the sesame oil?

Yes, you can use peanut oil or olive oil if you don’t have sesame oil, but it will slightly alter the flavor.

10. How do I get the eggs to be perfectly soft-boiled?

To make perfect soft-boiled eggs, gently place them in boiling water for about 6-7 minutes, then transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking.

Conclusion

This Spicy Miso Ramen is a flavorful, comforting, and customizable bowl of goodness. With a rich miso broth, tender noodles, and plenty of delicious toppings, it’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in. Whether you’re making it vegetarian, adding extra heat, or tossing in your favorite veggies, this ramen is sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy!

Spicy Miso Ramen Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe