Name: Creamy Korean Chicken Ramen Ready in Just 15 Minutes!
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 cups chicken stock (use vegetable stock for vegetarian); 1 cup unsweetened soy milk (oat milk or coconut milk for non-soy alternative); 2 cakes instant ramen noodles (any instant noodles will work); 2 cups baby bok choy (substitute with spinach or kale if unavailable); 1 cup chicken mince (can be swapped with ground turkey or pork); 2 large soft-boiled eggs (poached eggs can be used as a quicker option); 3 cloves garlic (fresh or garlic powder); 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (ground ginger can be a substitute); 2 stalks spring onion (use chives if spring onion is unavailable); 2 tablespoons gochujang (Sriracha can be a substitute); 2 tablespoons soy sauce (consider tamari for gluten-free option); 1 tablespoon Japanese white sesame paste (or peanut butter); 1 teaspoon white vinegar (apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute); 1 tablespoon chili oil (or sesame oil for milder flavor)

As I stirred the savory broth bubbling away on the stove, a comforting aroma of garlic and ginger filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to the bustling streets of Seoul. This is the magic of my 15-Minute Creamy Korean Chicken Ramen—a quick weeknight meal that balances warmth and richness in one delightful bowl. In just 15 minutes, you can create a heartwarming dish, perfect for those evenings when you crave something both comforting and satisfying. What sets this ramen apart is its customizable nature; whether you opt for chicken mince, smoked tofu, or a sprinkle of fresh veggies, the possibilities are as endless as your creativity. Ready to dive into a world of flavor that transforms your ordinary dinner routine? Let’s make some ramen!

Why is this ramen a must-try?

Quick Preparation: In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.

Customizable Delight: You can easily switch proteins from chicken to pork or even smoked tofu, tailoring the dish to your preference.

Rich and Creamy: The blend of soy milk and chicken stock creates a silky broth that comforts the soul, while aromatics like garlic and ginger elevate its depth.

Easy to Make: Minimal skills are needed, making this a fantastic option for cooking enthusiasts and beginners alike.

Veggie Friendly: Tweak it easily to a vegetarian delight by substituting the chicken with vegetables or maintaining a rich flavor with a vegetable broth.

It’s crowd-pleasing, nourishing, and sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation—like the delightful Grilled Chicken Broccoli or scrumptious Chicken Fajita Pasta.

Creamy Korean Chicken Ramen Ingredients

For the Broth
• Chicken Stock – This is the savory base of the ramen, providing depth; you can use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
• Unsweetened Soy Milk – Adds a luscious creaminess to the broth; oat milk or coconut milk make great non-soy alternatives.

For the Noodles
• Instant Ramen Noodle Cakes – The star of this dish, providing structure; any instant noodles will work if packaged differently.

For the Fresh Veggies
• Baby Bok Choy – Offers a delightful crunch and freshness; substitute with spinach or kale if you can’t find bok choy.

For Protein
• Chicken Mince – This hearty topping brings robust flavor; feel free to swap it with ground turkey or pork as desired.
• Soft-Boiled Eggs – Adds richness and protein to your bowl; poached eggs can also be used for a quicker option.

For Aromatics
• Garlic – Provides the essential aromatic flavor; if fresh is unavailable, garlic powder works too.
• Fresh Ginger – Adds warmth and a zesty kick; ground ginger can be a suitable substitute in a pinch.
• Spring Onion – Gives a fresh, mild onion flavor to your ramen; chives can be used if spring onions are unavailable.

For Flavor Enhancers
• Gochujang – Infuses heat and rich umami flavor into the broth; if you don’t have it, Sriracha can be a substitute but will slightly alter the taste.
• Soy Sauce – Boosts the umami notes in the broth; consider tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Japanese White Sesame Paste (or Peanut Butter) – Adds nuttiness and enhances creaminess; peanut butter is a common alternative.
• Chili Oil – Offers extra heat; replace with sesame oil for a milder flavor profile.
• White Vinegar – Balances the flavors in your ramen; apple cider vinegar can work in its stead.

These ingredients come together to create a Creamy Korean Chicken Ramen that’s warm, comforting, and so easy to customize based on what you have on hand!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Korean Chicken Ramen

Step 1: Boil Water for Noodles and Bok Choy
Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once it’s bubbling vigorously, carefully add the instant ramen noodle cakes and rinse the baby bok choy. Boil the noodles for about 3-4 minutes until just tender, then use a slotted spoon to transfer the bok choy to the pot for the last minute. Drain both and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth
In a separate pot, combine 4 cups of chicken stock with 1 cup of unsweetened soy milk. Place this pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it comes to a gentle simmer. You should see small bubbles forming around the edges of the pot—this ensures your creamy broth for the creamy Korean chicken ramen is warming up nicely while you cook the chicken.

Step 3: Sauté Chicken Mince
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken mince to the hot oil and spread it evenly across the surface. Let it sear without stirring for about 2 minutes until it develops a nice golden color, then break it apart with a spatula to finish cooking for another minute or two until no longer pink.

Step 4: Add Aromatics
Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in 3 cloves of chopped garlic, 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger, and the white parts of 2 chopped spring onions. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic. The mixture should start to glisten and fill your kitchen with a delicious aroma, setting the foundation for your rich ramen.

Step 5: Incorporate Flavors
Mix in 2 tablespoons of gochujang and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce into the chicken mixture. Turn the heat down to low, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 3-4 minutes. The gochujang will thicken slightly and deepen the color, creating a beautiful depth of flavor in your broth for the creamy Korean chicken ramen.

Step 6: Blend Soup Flavor Paste
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of Japanese white sesame paste (or peanut butter), 1 teaspoon of white vinegar, and a splash of water to create a smooth paste. This will balance the richness of the broth. Set it aside as this will be added later to achieve that luscious creamy texture that defines your ramen.

Step 7: Finish Cooking Noodles and Bok Choy
Return to the pot of boiling water and follow the package instructions to cook the ramen noodles, which should take about 3-4 minutes. When the noodles are cooked to your liking, drain them, but don’t rinse—this helps the broth cling to them better. Toss the cooked bok choy with the noodles for a vibrant presentation.

Step 8: Assemble the Creamy Korean Chicken Ramen
In each serving bowl, start by placing a generous portion of noodles and the blanched bok choy. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles to fill the bowls and warm the ingredients. Top generously with the sautéed chicken mixture, soft-boiled halved eggs, and your preferred garnishes like sliced spring onions or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick.

Expert Tips for Creamy Korean Chicken Ramen

Perfect Chicken Searing: Ensure the chicken mince is seared properly for 2 minutes without stirring. This builds depth of flavor that enhances your creamy Korean chicken ramen.
Multitasking Magic: While the broth simmers and chicken cooks, prepare your noodles and bok choy simultaneously to save time on busy weeknights.
Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the gochujang to suit your spice preference; start with less if you’re unsure, and add more for a fiery kick!
Veggies Galore: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your vegetable choices—add in mushrooms, zucchini, or any seasonal greens you have on hand for added nutrition and flavor.
Avoid Overcooked Noodles: Be cautious to not overcook the instant noodles; they should be just tender for the perfect texture that holds up in the rich broth.

Creamy Korean Chicken Ramen Variations

Feel free to make this creamy chicken ramen your own with these fun and delicious twists!

Protein Swap: Substitute chicken mince with ground pork or turkey for a different flavor profile.
Smoky Tofu: For a vegetarian delight, replace chicken with smoked tofu, adding a unique depth to your dish.
Additional Veggies: Incorporate sliced mushrooms or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition, making your ramen even heartier.
Miso Broth: Stir in a tablespoon of miso paste for an umami boost, enriching the flavor of your broth beautifully.
Different Dairy: Use oat milk or coconut milk instead of soy milk for a creamy base that suits various dietary needs.
Spice Lover’s Dream: Amp up the heat by adding an extra tablespoon of gochujang or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a fiery kick.
Noodle Variety: Experiment with different noodle types, such as udon or buckwheat noodles, to keep your ramen exciting.
Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil to brighten the dish and add an aromatic layer that enhances each bite.

These ideas not only allow for personal customization but also invite you to explore flavors reminiscent of other delightful dishes like Chicken Ramen Garlic or a satisfying Fried Chicken Street. Embrace the creativity and enjoy your culinary adventure!

What to Serve with Creamy Korean Chicken Ramen

Elevate your dinner experience with delightful side dishes and drinks that beautifully complement the savory warmth of this creamy ramen.

Crispy Spring Rolls: These crunchy bites add a satisfying texture contrast, perfect for dipping in soy sauce or sweet chili.
Savory Asian Slaw: A refreshing mix of cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing brings a zesty crunch that balances the creamy richness of the ramen.
Spicy Kimchi: The tangy heat of kimchi complements the ramen’s flavors while adding a probiotic punch and an authentic touch.
Grilled Tofu Skewers: For a protein-packed addition, marinated and grilled tofu ensures a delightful, smoky flavor contrast to your meal.
Chilled Soba Noodle Salad: This light, chilled salad offers a nutty taste and refreshing texture, pairing nicely with the warm, creamy ramen.
Mango Sticky Rice: A sweet, indulgent dessert to finish your meal, this dish fuses comforting flavors that soothe your palate after the spicy ramen.
Craft Beer: An IPA or pale ale enhances the umami richness of the broth, striking a delightful balance with the meal’s flavors.

How to Store and Freeze Creamy Korean Chicken Ramen

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

Freezer: You can freeze the broth and cooked chicken separately for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing cooked noodles as they may become mushy.

Reheating: When reheating, add a little chicken stock or water to the broth to bring it back to life. Warm everything together until heated through, ensuring noodles remain tender.

Assemble Fresh: For best flavor and texture, combine fresh noodles and greens with the reheated broth and chicken when serving. Enjoy your creamy Korean chicken ramen!

Make Ahead Options

These Creamy Korean Chicken Ramen are perfect for busy weeknights when meal prep is a must! You can prepare the chicken mince, sauté it with garlic, ginger, and gochujang, and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. You can also pre-cook the eggs, keeping them in their shells until you’re ready to serve. To maintain quality, store the cooked noodles and bok choy separately, as mixing them with the broth too soon can lead to sogginess. When it’s time to eat, simply reheat the chicken mixture and broth in a pot, cook the noodles and bok choy, then assemble your ramen bowls for a delicious meal in no time!

Creamy Korean Chicken Ramen Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken should I use for this ramen?
You can use chicken mince, which ensures a hearty topping and cooks quickly. Alternatively, ground turkey or pork are excellent swaps, adding their unique flavors to the dish.

How do I store leftovers of my Creamy Korean Chicken Ramen?
Store any leftover ramen in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent the noodles from getting mushy, and warm them on the stove or in the microwave gently.

Can I freeze Creamy Korean Chicken Ramen?
Absolutely! You can freeze the broth and any fully cooked chicken separately for up to 1 month. To freeze, let the broth cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Remember, avoid freezing the cooked noodles as they can become mushy when thawed!

Why are my noodles too soft in the ramen?
If your noodles end up too soft, it may be due to overcooking them. Make sure to boil the instant noodles for the package-recommended time, which is usually around 3-4 minutes. If cooking in batches, be sure to watch the time closely!

Can I make this ramen vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and replacing chicken mince with your favorite vegetables or even smoked tofu for a protein boost. Just keep the other components the same for that delicious creamy flavor!

How can I adjust the spice level in my ramen?
You can tweak the spice level by adjusting the amount of gochujang you use. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. If you want more kick, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle in some chili oil just before serving!