Quick Express Ramen Broth

A fast and convenient broth solution that delivers satisfying ramen flavors in a fraction of the traditional cooking time.

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.