Quick Express Ramen Broth

• •6 cups Chicken or Pork Stock (low sodium)
• •2 cups Water
• •4 piece Kombu (dried kelp)
• •4 medium caps Dried Shiitake Mushrooms
• •1 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium)
• •3 tablespoons Mirin
• •2 tablespoons Sake (cooking sake)
• •3 tablespoons Miso Paste (Awase or White)
• •2 piece, sliced Fresh Ginger
• •4 cloves, smashed Garlic
• •2 stalks, roughly chopped Scallions (white and light green parts)
• •1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (or neutral oil)
• •to taste Salt
• •1 teaspoon White Pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare your aromatics: Slice the fresh ginger, smash the garlic cloves, and roughly chop the white and light green parts of the scallions.

2. 2

   Heat the sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced ginger, smashed garlic, and chopped scallions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown them.

3. 3

   Pour in the chicken or pork stock and water. Add the kombu piece and dried shiitake mushrooms to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. 4

   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors from the kombu, shiitake, and aromatics to infuse into the broth quickly.

5. 5

   Carefully remove the kombu from the pot (it can become slimy if overcooked). You may also remove the shiitake mushrooms; you can slice them and add them back later as a topping, or discard them if preferred.

6. 6

   Stir in the soy sauce, mirin, and sake into the simmering broth.

7. 7

   In a small bowl, whisk the miso paste with a ladleful of the hot broth until it forms a smooth slurry. Pour this miso mixture back into the main pot and stir well until fully dissolved. Do not boil the broth after adding the miso, as high heat can diminish its delicate flavor and beneficial probiotics.

8. 8

   Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and white pepper as needed. If you desire a perfectly clear broth, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve, though this is optional.

9. 9

   Ladle the hot Quick Express Ramen Broth into bowls. Serve immediately as a base for your favorite ramen noodles and toppings such as soft-boiled eggs, sliced pork belly (chashu), nori, corn, and additional fresh scallions.

Chef's Tips

• 💡**Quality Stock is Key:** For a quick broth, using a high-quality, low-sodium chicken or pork stock makes a significant difference in the final flavor. It provides a rich base without long cooking times.
• 💡**Don't Boil Miso:** Miso paste contains delicate flavors and beneficial probiotics that can be destroyed by high heat. Always add it at the very end of cooking and avoid bringing the broth to a rolling boil afterward.
• 💡**Customize Your Broth:** Feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of chili oil for a spicy kick. A small amount of toasted sesame oil drizzled into the bowl before serving can also enhance the aroma.
• 💡**Vegetarian Option:** Easily make this broth vegetarian by substituting vegetable stock for chicken/pork stock and ensuring your miso paste is vegetarian-friendly.