Ramen noodles are a staple food for many people around the world, but have you ever wondered is ramen baked? In this article, I’ll explore the history, ingredients, and preparation of ramen noodles to answer this question once and for all.
Is ramen baked?
Ramen is typically served in a broth, and is not usually baked. However, some restaurants may refer to their ramen dish as “baked” even if it isn’t actually baked. There is a slight exception to this, with some recipes involving baking the noodles, vegetables, and toppings in an oven, creating a baked ramen dish with a crispy and cheesy topping.
Baking is not a traditional method of preparing ramen, although some ramen dishes are baked, involving baking the noodles with other ingredients in the oven. Otherwise, ramen is typically prepared by boiling the noodles and combining them with broth and toppings such as green onions or soft-boiled eggs.
In this blog, I’ll debunk a widespread misconception about ramen that it’s typically baked. So, let’s slurp our way into the ramen world and get to the bottom of this saucy question.
Debunking the Myth of Baked Ramen
But ramen is not a cake or a pie. In other words, ramen is not baked, usually. While ramen can be cooked in various ways, baking isn’t usually one of them. Let’s understand why!
- Restaurants may call it “baked” when it’s not – Now, your big bowl of tonkotsu ramen might look like a baked dish. But let me tell you, appearances can be deceiving. And to make matters even more confusing, some restaurants might use the word “baked” on their ramen dish even if it’s not actually baked. That’s like calling a truck a skateboard just because it has wheels!
- Evidence against baked ramen – Plenty of evidence shows that ramen is usually not baked. This savory soup is most commonly made by boiling the noodles in a tasty broth. Sure, some fancy variations out there involve frying or a combination of cooking methods. But baking is definitely not the norm.
- It’s not crispy and thick like a baked item – If ramen is baked, it would not be that silky, chewy noodles or have the broth’s savory goodness. Instead, you’d be gulping down on crispy strands of pasta and a thick, sticky broth that’s more like gravy than soup.
But there is a slight exception. Why? Well, there are actually some variants out there who like to break the rules. So, you may think that baked ramen exists! But let me warn you. It’s not your typical ramen. It’s totally different from the traditional bowl of comfort you and I know and love.
So, Ramen is not a bake-off kind of dish, my friends. Sure, there are some baked ramen dishes out there, but they’re rare.
“Baked Ramen” Delicacies
You may not find baked ramen dishes on every street corner, but they do exist! They’re like a fusion of two worlds: the traditional ramen you know and love and the Western-style baked dishes your taste buds secretly crave.
When it comes to baked ramen, say hello to crispy, cheesy goodness! Cooked ramen noodles team up with veggies, meat, and cheese to form the ultimate supergroup of taste and texture. And then get baked to perfection in an oven dish. The result? A taste explosion that might have you saying, “Who needs broth anyway?”
Baked ramen is more compact and less wet than traditional ramen. Plus, it’s got some fancy cheese and other yummy stuff thrown in there to make it extra filling.
Traditional ramen is all about boiling and brothing, while baked ramen takes a more laid-back approach and chills in the oven with some pals. Baked ramen may take a bit longer to make, but it’s worth it for that extra crunchy goodness.
There are some mouthwatering baked ramen recipes out there that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
And don’t just take my word for it, TikTok has been blowing up with these baked ramen recipes, and people are going nuts over them. So if you’re looking to spice up your ramen game, why not give these baked versions a try?
Baked ramen is like a crazy fun party that blends Japanese and Western cuisine in the best way possible. It may not be as popular as traditional ramen, but it’s definitely worth giving it a go if you’re in the mood for something unconventional and delicious.
How to Cook Ramen?
The way you make ramen can be different depending on what type of ramen you’re going for. But don’t worry. There are some common steps you can follow:
- Step one, let’s get your broth going! Usually, you simmer some meat bones, veggies, and other yummy things like soy sauce, miso, or salt in water for a few hours.
- After all that simmering, strain the broth to make it all nice and clear. No lumps or bumps!
- Once you’re done with the broth, it’s noodle time! Cook them separately according to the instructions on the package.
- You don’t want our noodles to be all sticky and gross, so give them a rinse with cold water to get rid of any extra starch.
- Time to bring it all together! Add the noodles to the broth in a serving bowl, and don’t forget to throw in your favorite toppings.
But did you know that some ramen dishes do go into the oven? That’s right. I’m talking about baked ramen! This savory sensation combines noodles, cheese, and other yummy toppings baked perfectly. The result? A crispy, gooey, and utterly irresistible layer on top of the broth and noodles.
Final Thoughts
Ramen, the OG of Japanese dishes, is not usually baked. Yes, you heard that right – it’s boiled and served with a steaming hot broth and savory toppings.
But wait, there’s more! There’s a new kid in town, and it’s known as baked ramen. This dish is like a tasty mashup of traditional ramen and western baked goods, where the noodles are baked in the oven with other delicious ingredients. Now, you might not have heard of baked ramen before, but it’s a culinary adventure worth going for.
Just remember, not everything that looks baked is actually baked. So, next time you’re chowing down on a bowl of ramen, you’d know it was most likely boiled, not baked.
But one thing is sure: it’s always a bowl full of happiness. So slurp away and let this comforting dish delight your taste buds, warm your soul, and fill your belly. And remember, when it comes to ramen, there’s no wrong way to eat it as long as you’re enjoying every delicious bite.