This creamy garlic fiery chicken ramen is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, rich broth, and a kick of spice, it’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Honestly, who can resist slurping up those perfect noodles? I always make extra because leftovers taste even better the next day—just saying! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vegetable Oil: This is used for cooking your chicken and sautéing the garlic and ginger. You can substitute with olive oil or sesame oil for a different flavor twist!
Garlic & Ginger: These two are essential for the base flavor. Fresh is best, but if you don’t have any, minced garlic or ginger from a jar works too. Dried garlic powder or ginger powder are okay alternatives but use less—about half.
Chicken: I love using chicken thighs for their juicy texture, but breasts work too! For a lighter option, shrimp or tofu could be great substitutes as well.
Chili Paste: Gochujang adds a unique depth of flavor, while sambal oelek is spicier. Adjust based on your spice preference! If you want milder, you could use sriracha or even skip it for a different taste.
Coconut Milk or Cream: Coconut milk makes this dish creamy with a hint of sweetness. If you’d prefer dairy products, heavy cream is a good choice. For a lighter version, try low-fat coconut milk or even almond milk.
Miso Paste: This adds umami depth. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or use a splash of soy sauce to still maintain flavor.
How Do I Get a Creamy Ramen Broth?
Creating a creamy broth starts with the balance of flavors. Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- First, sauté garlic and ginger in oil to release their flavors.
- Cook the chicken thoroughly; this step enhances taste as it browns.
- Add chili paste and mix well to incorporate its spiciness.
- Pour in broth and soy sauce, letting it simmer to blend flavors.
- The key step: add coconut milk or cream slowly to keep it creamy without curdling. Let it gently simmer to thicken.
By following these steps, you’ll have the deliciously creamy ramen broth that warms the soul!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Fiery Chicken Ramen
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Broth and Chicken:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, minced
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced thinly
- 1 tbsp chili paste (such as gochujang or sambal oelek) or to taste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp miso paste (optional, for umami depth)
For the Noodles and Garnish:
- 2 packs fresh or dried ramen noodles
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- 1 soft-boiled egg per serving (optional)
- Chili flakes or fresh chili slices (for extra heat, optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious ramen takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 20-25 minutes to cook. In total, you should set aside around 40-45 minutes to enjoy every step of this creamy, spicy dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing Aromatics:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant. This will build a beautiful flavor base for your ramen.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Next, add the sliced chicken to the pot. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and cooked through. Make sure the chicken is no longer pink inside, as safety is key!
3. Adding the Spice:
Now, stir in the chili paste. Cook it for another minute to let those spicy flavors bloom in the pot and fill your kitchen with delicious smells.
4. Simmering the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce. If you’re using miso paste, add that in as well. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where your broth starts to come alive!
5. Making it Creamy:
Once simmering, slowly add the coconut milk or heavy cream into the broth. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for about 5-10 minutes. This will make the broth rich and creamy while melding the flavors perfectly.
6. Cooking the Noodles:
While the broth simmers, cook your ramen noodles in a separate pot according to the package instructions. Drain them once they’re just tender, and set them aside for later.
7. Final Touches:
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of sesame oil. This little addition will add a nice nutty flavor!
8. Serving it Up:
To serve, divide the cooked noodles into bowls. Ladle the creamy garlic fiery chicken broth generously over the noodles, making sure each bowl gets a good amount of tender chicken.
9. Adding the Garnish:
Top each bowl with sliced green onions, and if you like, add a soft-boiled egg, chili flakes or fresh chilies for some extra heat, and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
10. Enjoy!
Serve hot and enjoy your wonderfully creamy, spicy, and comforting bowl of ramen! It’s not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience!
This recipe beautifully balances creamy, garlicky, and fiery flavors for the ultimate warming ramen dish. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Creamy Garlic Fiery Chicken Ramen
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ramen noodles, you can use udon, soba, or even rice noodles if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type you choose!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth and replace the coconut milk with a plant-based cream or additional vegetable broth for a lighter version.
What Should I Do with Leftover Ramen?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the noodles if they become too thick.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili paste. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go. If you prefer less spice, try using sweet chili sauce instead, or omit the chili paste entirely!
