Ramen noodles are Japanese wheat noodles served in a rich broth which is typically meat-based. In Japan, ramen noodles are commonly available at an assortment of establishments, ranging from small noodle stalls to bigger sit-down restaurants. Outside of Japan, consumers are often more familiar with the Ramen brand of instant noodles, developed by Momofuku Ando in 1958 for Nissin Foods.

The origins of traditional ramen noodles appear to lie in China, a nation with a long tradition of noodle-making. As early as the 17th century, the Japanese were eating “boiled noodles,” but ramen noodles really took off in the 20th century, after Japan's trade had opened to the West. One of the major early imports into Japan was wheat, a grain which was previously in fairly scarce supply, and the ready availability of wheat made ramen noodles a ubiquitous sight in Japan.

Sapporo, in the prefecture of Hokkaido, is probably most famous for its ramen noodles. All ramen noodles start with a broth, which is ideally made from scratch. Ingredients like miso, beef stock, and vegetable stock can all be used in the broth. The broth is heated, and fresh wheat noodles are thrown in to cook. When the ramen noodles are served, they are often dressed with ingredients like slivered vegetables, meats, and boiled eggs, creating a filling and nutritious meal.

This traditional noodle soup can feature a variety of ingredients, depending on the region of Japan, and some cooks become masters at the art of noodle preparation, turning ramen noodles into a gourmet dish. With the development of instant noodles in 1958, the concept of ramen noodles spread to the world at large, although these packaged noodles are a far cry from the original ramen.

If you want to make ramen noodles at home, you are going to need a high-quality broth and some fresh wheat noodles. Many Chinese markets carry fresh wheat noodles, and you may also be able to find them in the Asian foods section at your grocery store, if your grocery store carries ethnic foods. Prepare the dish as detailed above, and remember to slice your garnishes thinly so that they cook in the broth, or use larger pre-cooked garnishes. Some garnish ideas for ramen noodles include: sliced cooked meats, green onions, carrots, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and leafy greens. The ramen noodles can be made more flavorful with a sprinkling of soy sauce.