Ramen is the epitome of comfort cuisine, offering a warm, savory escape from the ordinary. A steaming bowl of noodles, broth, and toppings is often just what we need on a gloomy day or when seeking a quick, satisfying reprieve. However, plain ramen can become monotonous over time.
That’s where creative toppings come in – a game-changer for both homemade and instant noodle enthusiasts alike. We’ve assembled a collection of 35 mouth-watering additions to take your ramen from humdrum to haute cuisine. Whether you’re seeking to add depth, texture, or simply an exciting twist, these suggestions will transport your taste buds on a culinary journey across the globe.
35 Easy Toppings for Ramen
Soft-Boiled Egg
As you take a sip of your steaming hot ramen, the velvety smoothness of a softly-boiled egg’s yolk melds harmoniously with the savory broth, elevating the dish to new heights. The tender whites and runny yolks of the cooked egg create a delightful contrast in texture that perfectly complements the noodles’ subtle chewiness.
Seaweed Sheets (Nori)
The textural combination of crispy nori sheets and soft noodles is truly delightful. To elevate this experience, consider briefly toasting the nori sheets over an open flame for a burst of added flavor. For convenience, you can find nori sheets available on online marketplaces like Amazon.
Bean Sprouts
The humble addition of fresh bean sprouts can elevate the texture and flavor of your ramen, providing a delightful contrast in every bite. Timing is key, as adding these crunchy delights just before serving allows their subtle sweetness to meld with the rich broth, creating a harmonious balance that will leave you craving another slurp.
Scallions (Green Onions)
The addition of finely chopped scallions brings a subtle, oniony flavor profile to the dish, while also introducing a pop of vibrant color. This combination makes them a staple topping for many ramen enthusiasts.
Bamboo Shoots (Menma)
When it comes to cooking with bamboo shoots, the key is to appreciate their distinct texture and subtle sweetness. While fresh bamboo can be challenging to find, many online retailers like Amazon offer sliced or marinated options that can add a novel dimension to your dishes.
Black Garlic
Indulge in the rich, savory essence of black garlic by adding this luxurious ingredient to elevate the umami flavor of your broths. While you can purchase black garlic online through Amazon, why not create your own using a simple recipe? The result is a deep, earthy flavor that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
Corn Kernels
The humble sweet corn kernel adds a delightful burst of sweetness to the savory world of ramen, elevating the dish to new heights when paired with the rich, umami flavor of miso. The tender kernels provide a lovely contrast in texture, further enhancing the overall eating experience.
Butter
As you stir the pot, a generous pat of butter effortlessly dissolves into the simmering liquid, yielding a rich, velvety texture that coats the tongue and invites the senses to come alive.
Fish Cake (Narutomaki)
A staple in many sushi enthusiasts’ diets, the distinctive pink-hued spiral design of sliced fish cake brings a subtle yet unmistakable seafood taste to the table. The delicate flavor profile of this traditional topping allows it to harmonize seamlessly with other ingredients, making it a popular choice for those seeking a gentle seafood experience.
Kimchi
The addition of kimchi brings an explosion of flavors to the table, as its spicy and tangy essence infuses the ramen with a bold and fiery character. For those looking to experience this flavor combination, canned kimchi is readily available on Amazon.
Mushrooms
When it comes to elevating the flavor profile of your ramen, few ingredients can match the umami-rich goodness of various mushroom varieties. Sliced shiitake, enoki, or other types of mushrooms bring a deep, earthy savory note that beautifully complements the rich broth and noodles.
Chashu Pork (Japanese Braised Pork Belly)
The crowning glory of a steaming hot bowl of ramen is undoubtedly the tender, slow-cooked chashu pork, its rich flavor and velvety texture elevating each mouthful to new heights.
Spinach
Introducing a burst of verdant vitality into your ramen, steamed or blanched spinach adds an undeniable je ne sais quoi to this already beloved dish.
Sesame Seeds
The addition of toasted sesame seeds brings a delicate nutty essence to the dish, while their crunchy texture adds a satisfying dimension.
Bonito Flakes
As you gaze down at your steaming hot bowl of ramen, the delicate, lacy strands of bonito flakes seem to come alive, their wispy tendrils performing an intricate ballet on the surface. The aroma they release is nothing short of intoxicating, a subtle yet unmistakable whisper of smokiness that adds depth and complexity to each savory bite.
Chili Oil (Rayu)
Adding a small amount of spicy chili oil to your ramen can greatly enhance the dish’s thermal intensity and overall taste experience. To achieve this, consider purchasing high-quality chili oil from reputable online retailers like Amazon, which offers a wide selection of products that can take your ramen game to the next level.
Furikake (Japanese Rice Seasoning)
Elevate the rich flavor profile of your ramen with a nuanced Japanese seasoning blend, expertly crafted to amplify its umami notes. This unique concoction combines the subtle nutty undertones of sesame seeds, the savory essence of seaweed, and the smoky depth of bonito flakes – a harmonious trifecta that will leave you craving another steaming bowl.
Poached Chicken
When it comes to adding protein to your ramen, shredded poached chicken provides a nutritious and flavorful option that complements the rich, savory flavors of the broth perfectly.
Ajitsuke Tamago (Ramen Eggs)
Elevate the humble soft-boiled egg by infusing it with the rich, umami taste of a savory soy-based marinade. The result is an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Shredded Nori Strips
Consider adding variety to your nori-based snacks by exploring the benefits of using shredded nori strips instead of traditional whole sheets. This simple substitution can completely transform the texture and flavor profile, offering a more dynamic snacking experience. For easy access to this innovative ingredient, consider purchasing shredded Nori strips from Amazon.
Enoki Mushrooms
Enoki mushrooms are known for their distinctive delicate flavor profile, which combines earthy undertones with subtle sweetness. The tender stems offer a one-of-a-kind texture experience that sets them apart from other varieties.
Wakame Seaweed
The rehydrated wakame seaweed injects a savory, umami taste profile reminiscent of the ocean, while its deep green hue adds visual appeal to any dish.
Mung Bean Sprouts
In contrast to the traditional bean sprout option, mung bean sprouts provide a delightfully crunchy texture accompanied by a subtle, garden-fresh flavor profile.
Ajitama (Seasoned Soft-Boiled Egg)
While ajitsuke tamago’s marination process yields rich flavors, ajitama eggs take this concept a step further by immersing themselves in a savory bath, amplifying their natural taste to unprecedented heights.
Crispy Fried Shallots
Elevate the flavor profile of your ramen by adding a crunchy and aromatic garnish – crispy fried shallots. Not only do they add a satisfying texture to each bite, but they also infuse the dish with a savory depth that complements the rich broth and noodles perfectly. For those who don’t have access to a local Asian market or prefer the convenience of online shopping, you can easily find high-quality fried shallot garnishes on Amazon.
Shredded Red Ginger (Beni Shoga)
The addition of red pickled ginger injects a bold, piquant flair into the rich tapestry of flavors found in a steaming bowl of ramen, offering a delightful counterpoint to the savory notes that define this beloved dish.
Garlic Chips
The allure of crispy, golden garlic chips lies not only in their satisfying crunch but also in the subtle yet profound impact they have on the flavor profile of the dish. As they infuse the broth with the pungent essence of garlic, a harmonious balance is struck, elevating the overall culinary experience.
Yuzu Zest
Infusing your ramen with a burst of citrus flavor, a delicate sprinkling of yuzu zest brings a revitalizing quality to this popular Japanese dish.
Okra Slices
Okra’s tender slices provide an unexpected textural contrast, accompanied by the subtle essence of its vegetable character. The combination is both revitalizing and tantalizing, making it an intriguing addition to various dishes.
Crispy Pork Belly
The allure of rich, savory flavors is amplified when crispy pork belly is paired with tender chashu, offering a delightful textural and taste experience that will leave you craving for more.
Yuzu Kosho
The culinary world is home to many fascinating condiments, but few as intriguing as yuzu kosho. This Japanese staple combines the vibrant zest of yuzu citrus with the spicy warmth of chili peppers, yielding a flavor profile that’s at once complex and invigorating.
Cilantro Leaves
The pungent flavor and aroma of fresh cilantro leaves can elevate the humble bowl of ramen into a vibrant culinary experience, infusing it with a bright, herbaceous essence that tantalizes the taste buds.
Wakame Salad
For an added layer of flavor and texture, consider topping your ramen bowl with a light and revitalizing wakame salad. This harmonious blend of Japanese seaweed, crisp cucumber, and nutty sesame seeds creates a refreshing contrast to the rich noodles below.
Daikon Radish Sprouts
The subtle flavor profile of delicate daikon radish sprouts is characterized by a gentle, peppery nuance, adding depth and complexity to any dish they’re used in.
Tofu Cubes
While silken tofu cubes provide a gentle, plant-based protein boost, they’re also an excellent absorber of rich broth flavors. As we’ve explored 35 simple yet delectable ramen toppings, it’s clear that customization is key to crafting the perfect bowl. From tried-and-true staples like soft-boiled eggs and seaweed strips to more adventurous choices like crispy pork belly and citrusy yuzu zest, the realm of ramen toppings is a treasure trove of possibilities. So, gather your favorite ingredients and embark on a culinary journey to create your one-of-a-kind ramen bowl – your taste buds will surely appreciate the delightful exploration!