Hey parents!
Looking for a fun and tasty meal your kids will actually eat?
I’ve got just the thing: easy ramen for kids!
This dish is colorful, flavorful, and super simple to whip up.
Plus, you can customize it with their favorite toppings.
Let’s dive into this kid-approved recipe!
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
Chicken stock can be replaced with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, maintaining a savory base while accommodating dietary preferences. Use an equal amount of vegetable broth as chicken stock. Miso paste can be substituted with tahini or soy sauce for a different umami flavor profile. Start with half the amount of tahini or soy sauce and adjust to taste. Ramen noodles can be swapped with rice noodles or zucchini noodles for gluten-free or low-carb alternatives. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, or use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles and add them raw to the hot broth to soften slightly.
| Preparation Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 15-25 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 500-600
- Protein: 15-20 g
- Fat: 10-15 g
- Carbohydrates: 90-100 g
Ingredients
For the broth base:
- 1/4 cup miso paste (white miso for a milder flavor)
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups chicken stock (I use Pacific Foods organic chicken stock)
For the seasonings:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp mirin
For the ramen:
- 4 packs ramen noodles (dried, not instant)
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms
- 1/2 cup scallions (sliced thinly)
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Begin by boiling a mixture of chicken stock and water in a pot on the stove.
Once the liquid reaches a rolling boil, add miso paste and whisk until it is completely dissolved.
This will create a rich and flavorful base for your ramen.
Step 2: Season the Broth
Stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for an umami boost and add a splash of mirin to bring a touch of sweetness to the mix.
Incorporate half a teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder for an extra layer of flavor.
Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and the broth is smooth.
Step 3: Cook the Ramen Noodles
Discard the seasoning packet from the ramen noodles.
Add the noodles to the pot of seasoned broth and let them cook for about 3 minutes.
Stir occasionally to allow the noodles to absorb the flavors and to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Add Additional Ingredients
Introduce shiitake mushrooms (or any other desired add-ins such as cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, spinach, or seaweed) to the pot.
Let them cook with the noodles for an additional 3 minutes, which will infuse their flavors into the broth.
Step 5: Finish with Scallions
In the last minute of cooking, add chopped scallions to the pot.
Be sure not to overcook them as they should remain slightly crisp to add freshness and texture to the dish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is cooked to perfection, ladle the ramen into serving bowls.
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful ramen hot, and feel free to garnish with additional toppings like sesame seeds or chili flakes for an extra kick!
