Here are some popular and delicious additions you can put in ramen: Traditional toppings:
- Tamago (marinated or soft-boiled egg)
- Chashu (roasted or braised pork belly or other meats)
- Menma (fermented bamboo shoots)
- Negi (green onions or scallions)
- Nori (seaweed)
- Kamaboko or narutomaki (fish cakes)
- Butter (adds creaminess)
Other great additions:
- Fresh vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, corn
- Sauces such as soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili oil
- Aromatics like garlic, ginger, scallions
- Proteins like tofu, rotisserie chicken, cooked shrimp, or raw egg stirred in
- Toppers like sesame seeds, furikake, cilantro
Classic combos to try:
- Corn, beansprouts, and butter (great with miso ramen)
- Chashu, menma, and stir-fried vegetables (great with shio ramen)
- Chashu, nori, and ajitama egg (classic shoyu ramen)
These options let you customize your ramen for more flavor, texture, and heartiness depending on your preferences. The key is a balance of umami, freshness, richness, and crunch. Enjoy experimenting!
