How to Make Spanish-Style Ramen Soup

It’s interesting to think about a “Spanish-style ramen soup,” as it would be a fusion of Japanese ramen with the rich and vibrant flavors of Spanish cuisine. Here’s a conceptual approach to creating such a dish, blending key elements from both culinary traditions:

Conceptualizing Spanish-Style Ramen:

To create this fusion, we’ll consider:

• Broth:
  • Instead of a traditional Japanese dashi or tonkotsu, we’ll aim for a broth inspired by Spanish stews like “cocido” or “sopa de pollo.”
  • This could involve a rich chicken or pork broth infused with saffron, paprika (pimentón), and perhaps a touch of sherry.
• Aromatics:
  • The “sofrito” base (onions, garlic, tomatoes, and peppers) is essential in Spanish cooking and would add depth to the broth.
• Proteins:
  • Spanish chorizo, jamón serrano, or grilled chicken would be excellent additions.
  • Seafood, like shrimp or clams, could also be incorporated, reflecting Spain’s coastal cuisine.
• Noodles:
  • Traditional ramen noodles would work well, but you could also experiment with thin Spanish pasta like “fideos.”
• Toppings:
  • Hard-boiled eggs, roasted peppers, olives, and a sprinkle of parsley would add Spanish flair.

Basic Recipe Framework:

Here’s a framework you can adapt:

Ingredients:

• For the Broth:
  • Chicken or pork bones
  • Onion, garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers (for sofrito)
  • Saffron threads
  • Pimentón (smoked paprika)
  • Sherry (optional)
  • Chicken stock
• For the Noodles and Protein:
  • Ramen noodles or thin fideos
  • Chorizo, jamón serrano, grilled chicken, or shrimp
• For the Toppings:
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Roasted bell peppers
  • Olives
  • Fresh parsley
  • optional: some chopped piquillo peppers.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth:
   • Make a sofrito by sautéing onions, garlic, tomatoes, and peppers in olive oil.
   • Add chicken or pork bones, saffron, pimentón, and sherry (if using).
   • Add chicken stock and simmer for several hours to create a rich broth.
   • strain the broth.
2. Cook the Noodles:
   • Cook the ramen noodles or fideos according to package directions.
3. Prepare the Protein:
   • Cook the chorizo, jamón serrano, chicken, or shrimp as desired.
4. Assemble the Ramen:
   • Place cooked noodles in bowls.
   • Ladle the hot broth over the noodles.
   • Add the cooked protein and toppings.
5. Serve:
   • Serve immediately and enjoy.

Key Considerations:

• Experiment with different Spanish spices and ingredients to create your own unique flavor profile.
• The key is to balance the rich, savory flavors of Spanish cuisine with the comforting warmth of ramen.

I hope this provides a good starting point for your Spanish-style ramen adventure!