Because the climate cools down, there’s nonetheless so much to look ahead to at camp, like cooking heat consolation meals to get pleasure from by the hearth. Soups, pasta, and stews are on the menu. However my favourite cold-weather camp meal by far is ramen.
“Ramen, ラーメン, is a Japanese phrase which means pulled noodles, and sometimes is a sort of wheat noodle in broth. However ramen flavors and elements range extensively throughout Japan and China (the place the dish additionally has origins).
You don’t want a lot to make an epic bowl of ramen — simply think about the basics of noodles, veggies, protein, and broth. And since many of the dish may be cooked in a single pot, it’s the proper factor to make in smaller kitchens, when on the street, or on the campground. Plus, everybody can customise their very own bowl with toppings.
Listed here are 5 elements that may improve your ramen from packet to plate each time. The bottom recipe is under — all it’s essential to do is select your toppings.
Vegetable Add-ins:
- Bok Choy Bok choy is a scrumptious inexperienced full of nutritional vitamins. All it’s essential to do to arrange it, is slice length-wise, and toss into the recent broth for a couple of minutes to prepare dinner. Plus, this nutrient-rich veggie retains effectively for days in a cooler.
- Nori Sheets of nori, or seaweed snacks, are simple to seek out in most shops. Seize a knife, slice into squares, and add to the bowl proper earlier than serving, so as to add an additional wealthy, umami taste.
- Caramelized onions Onions are such a sturdy and versatile vegetable that you just’re certain to have on had already. Carmelizing them takes your ramen to the subsequent degree. I like to recommend a white onion, not candy. Slice it up small and throw it in a pan with oil or butter for a couple of minutes till tender and golden, earlier than including it in to your soup.
Picture credit score: Mary Murphy
Protein Upgrades:
- Fried Egg Historically, ramen might have a soft-boiled egg, which requires salting the water, boiling, soaking in an ice tub, then rigorously peeling. As a substitute, a scrambled or fried egg in a pan works simply as effectively so as to add some protein to any bowl! Insider tip: In case you’re afraid of your eggs breaking in your cooler, you possibly can all the time pre crack your eggs right into a Tupperware for brief journeys!
- Tofu (included in base recipe) I by no means go with out tofu in my ramen as a result of it’s such a straightforward topping. Tofu additionally doesn’t all the time should be refrigerated (it’s offered in shelf-stable packing containers). The trick is to purchase agency tofu, and cube into small squares so it cooks effectively and there’s lots in each chew. Add it on to your broth after the noodles prepare dinner; you may as well brown the tofu in a pan in case you are cooking different toppings.
Bonus: Contemporary Chopped Scallions
Don’t skimp on the ultimate touches! Inexperienced onions or scallions will jazz up any bowl. Particularly for youths who might not like different veggies (mushrooms, and many others.), that is a straightforward add-in which doesn’t require any extra cooking and provides nice texture and taste.
Selfmade ramen, upgraded from the packet with bok choy, tofu, caramelized onions, and chili. Picture credit score: Mary Murphy
Primary Campsite Ramen Recipe (feeds 2-3 folks):
2 packets prompt ramen noodles (select any taste), together with spice packet
4 cups boiling water
1 block tofu, diced
Sprint of soy sauce
1 tablespoon miso paste
Excessive-protein model: stir in a tablespoon of bone broth or bouillon base for additional protein
Chili crisp oil or sriracha for spice, to style
+Select 2-3 Ingredient Upgrades from the checklist
Technique: Prepare dinner in response to packet directions, including in additional water for the broth, earlier than including in toppings of alternative. Most variations may be cooked with one pot and pan. Add last touches like salt, pepper, chili oil, sesame seeds, and many others. on the finish. Serve scorching.
I’ve made numerous variations on my ramen recipe when tenting as a result of it’s so good. Not too long ago, I’ve even switched from prompt noodle packets to thicker, udon wheat noodles (one other superb swap). After attempting ramen with these ingredient upgrades, you’ll by no means knock prompt noodles once more!
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