Spicy Coconut Curry Ramen Recipe

Introduction

As the days get shorter and the weather turns cooler, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of ramen to soothe the soul. Recently, I discovered a delightful Spicy Coconut Curry Ramen recipe that has quickly become a favorite in our household. The creamy coconut milk combined with the rich spices creates a comforting yet invigorating dish that my family can’t get enough of. Each slurp of the noodles is filled with vibrant flavors, and the toppings add a wonderful crunch and freshness. It’s an easy, cozy meal that brings smiles to our dinner table, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy gathering with friends.

Ingredients

• For the Broth:
• 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil (divided)
• 3.3 oz shiitake mushrooms (torn into small pieces)
• 4 garlic cloves (grated)
• 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp sambal (or other chili paste, optional)
• 2 tbsp mild red curry paste
• 1 can (14 oz/400 g) unsweetened coconut milk (full fat)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• For the Noodles:
• 9 oz instant ramen noodles
• For Serving:
• Chili oil (for serving)
• Sesame seeds (for serving)
• Chopped chives (for serving)
• 4 boiled eggs (cooked for 7 minutes)

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by grating the garlic and ginger, and tearing the shiitake mushrooms into small pieces.
2. Cook the Shiitake Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the shiitake mushrooms and cook until they begin to brown. Drizzle in another tablespoon of sesame oil, season with salt and pepper, and continue cooking until the mushrooms are crispy. Remove them from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Ginger: Lower the heat to low and add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the pot. Add the grated garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the broth to a boil.
5. Add Spices and Coconut Milk: Stir in the ground turmeric, brown sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, sambal, and red curry paste. Then pour in the coconut milk and squeeze in the lime juice. Bring the broth back to a boil.
6. Cook the Ramen Noodles: Add the ramen noodles to the pot and cook for 2 minutes. If you’re not serving immediately, it’s better to cook the ramen noodles separately to prevent them from soaking up too much broth.
7. Serve: Ladle the ramen into bowls and top with the crispy shiitakes, sesame seeds, chopped chives, and a drizzle of chili oil. Add boiled eggs to each bowl and enjoy your delicious creation!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 550 calories

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve

• Garnish Options:
• Drizzle with chili oil for extra heat.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds for a nutty crunch.
• Add chopped chives for freshness.
• Include a boiled egg cut in half for protein.
• Serving Suggestions:
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
• Pair with a light salad to balance the meal.
• Offer additional chili paste on the side for those who love more spice.

Additional Tips

1. Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of sambal or chili oil based on your preferred spice level.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavors significantly.
3. Broth Choices: Experiment with different broths (like miso or seafood broth) for varied flavor profiles.
4. Make It Vegetarian: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit fish sauce for a vegetarian version.
5. Noodle Alternatives: If you prefer whole grain or gluten-free noodles, feel free to substitute instant ramen with those options.

Recipe Variations

• Protein Options: Add shredded chicken, tofu, or shrimp for extra protein.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Incorporate spinach, bok choy, or bell peppers for added nutrients.
• Coconut Flavor Boost: For a stronger coconut flavor, use coconut cream instead of coconut milk.
• Thai Basil: Top with fresh Thai basil for an aromatic finish.
• Nutty Flavor: Add a handful of roasted peanuts or cashews for an extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with:
• A light Asian-style salad dressed with sesame vinaigrette.
• Steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a complete meal.
• A side of pickled vegetables to complement the flavors.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover ramen can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: It’s best not to freeze the noodles as they can become mushy. Instead, store the broth separately and reheat, cooking fresh noodles as needed.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use other types of mushrooms?

• Yes, you can substitute shiitake mushrooms with button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms.

1. Is this ramen spicy?

• The spiciness can be adjusted by modifying the amount of sambal and chili oil used.

1. Can I use fresh ramen noodles instead?

• Yes, fresh ramen noodles can be used; just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.

1. What can I substitute for fish sauce?

• You can use soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative for a similar flavor.

1. How do I make this recipe vegan?

• Use vegetable broth, omit fish sauce, and replace boiled eggs with tofu or avocado slices.

1. Can I use light coconut milk?

• Yes, but full-fat coconut milk provides a creamier texture and richer flavor.

1. What if I don’t have sambal?

• Any chili paste or sriracha can be used as a substitute.

1. How can I store leftovers?

• Store broth and noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

1. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

• Yes, you can make the broth ahead and cook the noodles just before serving.

1. How long does the broth last in the fridge?

• The broth can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

This Spicy Coconut Curry Ramen is a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will warm you from the inside out. It’s a dish that’s not only satisfying but also allows for endless customization based on your preferences. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe is sure to delight. Give it a try, and you may find it becoming a staple in your recipe rotation, just as it has in mine! Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

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