Ramen is all about the soup and the noodles, but the toppings are just as important. In this roundup, I’ll share 10 homemade ramen topping recipes that I, as a Japanese, recommend. They’re all really easy to make!
Get creative and customize your perfect cup by mixing and matching the toppings below.
1. Pork Chashu
I’ve tried my fair share of ramen, and one thing’s for sure: chashu is the key to success. This isn’t just braised pork belly; it’s a flavor bomb that will elevate your bowl.
Slow-cooked to perfection, chashu brings a rich, savory punch that’ll have you hooked from the first bite. It’s the perfect match for those steaming noodles and broth.
2. Simplified Oven-Baked “Chashu”
Ramen night just got a whole lot easier. This oven-baked chashu-style pork belly is packed with flavor without the traditional long simmer. It’s a weeknight-friendly shortcut to ramen bliss.
It’s as simple as marinating, baking, slicing, and serving. This recipe is perfect for those who love the idea of homemade ramen toppings but don’t have hours to spare.
3. Chicken Chashu
Who says chashu has to be pork? This chicken chashu is a game-changer. It delivers all the savory goodness you crave in a ramen topping. It’s perfect for poultry lovers and adventurous eaters alike.
Simmered low and slow, they soak up every drop of that umami-rich marinade. It’s a great way to switch things up in your ramen routine without going too far from what you know.
4. Ajitama (Ramen Egg)
Have you ever wondered what makes restaurant ramen so irresistible? It’s often the ajitama egg—those flavor-packed marinated eggs. I’ve created the ultimate home version: tender whites, custardy yolks, and a savory-sweet marinade.
I’ve got a foolproof method for achieving that soft-boiled consistency we all love. The marinade is packed with umami, so it’ll elevate even the simplest bowl of noodles.
5. Garlic Chips
Store-bought toppings, step aside. Homemade garlic chips are here to steal the show. These golden slivers of flavor pack a powerful punch in every bite. They’re the ultimate authentic ramen topping, adding both texture and depth to your bowl.
My method makes it easy to get that perfect crunch. No more burnt edges or unevenly cooked pieces. These chips are a game-changer for ramen fans looking to take their bowls to the next level!
6. Seasoned Bamboo Shoots
Are you looking for that authentic ramen experience? Let’s talk about menma. This pickled bamboo shoot topping is a staple in Japanese ramen shops, adding a savory crunch to every slurp. My “menma-style” recipe doesn’t involve the traditional fermentation process, making it easier for home cooks to try.
My method is straightforward, but the results are anything but basic. You’ll achieve that perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet, with a texture that keeps you coming back for more.
7. Seasoned Bean Sprouts
Who would have thought that bean sprouts could be this exciting? This spicy version adds a flavor-packed crunch to your ramen bowl.
It’s the topping you didn’t know you needed, but you’ll find you can’t live without it.
9. Spicy Negi
These aren’t your average leeks – they’re flavor bombs waiting to explode. My method coaxes out their natural sweetness while maintaining that essential crisp-tender texture.
A few simple steps transform humble leeks into a ramen-worthy topping. It’s the perfect way to add a spicy kick without altering your favorite broth.
10. Homemade Rayu
Forget store-bought chili oil. This homemade rayu is the real deal. It’s a Japanese-style chili oil that’s nutty, aromatic, and perfectly spiced. The secret? A blend of toasted sesame oil and carefully selected aromatics.
You’ll get that perfect balance of heat and depth, and none of the preservatives you’d find in store-bought versions.
More Ramen Topping Ideas
Aside from the homemade toppings, there are plenty of other toppings that are commonly used in Japan! You can find the list below.
- Nori seaweed
- Seasoned ground pork
- Boiled woodear mushrooms
- Garlic chives
- Chopped green onions
- Rehydrated wakame seaweed
- Narutomaki fishcakes
- Sweetcorn
- Blanched spinach
Use Them For These Ramen Recipes!
Want more inspiration? Explore my Homemade Ramen Recipe Roundup Post for a carefully selected collection of tasty recipe ideas to spark your next meal!
Leave a rating and a comment