30 Minute Ramen, Low-Carb & Keto
30 Minute Ramen, Low-Carb & Keto is a medium Japanese recipe that serves 2. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Black Tie Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 46 min | Total: 1 hr 6 min
Cost: $9.61 total, $4.81 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 liter Chicken Broth (low‑sodium, store‑bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoon Dried Bonito Flakes (adds umami depth)
- 1 sheet Nori Seaweed (torn into strips for garnish)
- 100 gram Shiitake Mushrooms (pre‑sliced; can use dried rehydrated)
- 2 clove Garlic (minced)
- 10 gram Fresh Ginger (peeled and grated (about 1 tsp))
- 2 stalk Scallions (thinly sliced, both white and green parts)
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (low‑sodium; can use tamari for gluten‑free)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 200 gram Shirataki Noodles (rinsed, drained, and patted dry)
- 2 large Eggs (soft‑boiled 8 min, peeled and halved)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds (toasted)
- 1 teaspoon Chili Oil (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Build the Broth Base
Add chicken broth, dried bonito flakes, torn nori, sliced shiitake mushrooms, minced garlic, and grated ginger to a large pot. Bring to a gentle boil over medium‑high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Simmer for Flavor
Let the broth simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes so the umami from the bonito and shiitake fully infuses.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: medium
Soft‑Boil the Eggs
While the broth simmers, bring a saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Gently lower the eggs in, boil for exactly 8 minutes, then transfer to a bowl of ice‑cold water for 2 minutes before peeling and halving.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: boiling
Prepare Shirataki Noodles
Drain the shirataki noodles, rinse them under cold running water for 30 seconds, then pat dry with a paper towel.
Time: PT3M
Season the Broth
After 30 minutes, strain out the solids (optional) and return the clear broth to the pot. Stir in soy sauce and the measured salt, tasting and adjusting as needed.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Heat the Noodles
Add the rinsed shirataki noodles to the hot broth and cook for 2‑3 minutes, just until warmed through.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Assemble the Ramen Bowls
Divide the noodles and broth between two serving bowls. Top each with a halved soft‑boiled egg, sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil if desired.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: hot
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 8 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Low‑Carb, Gluten‑Free (use tamari), Dairy‑Free, Paleo‑friendly
Allergens: Fish (bonito flakes), Soy (soy sauce), Eggs, Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth
- Instead of Dried Bonito Flakes: Dried shiitake powder, Fish sauce (small amount)
- Instead of Nori Seaweed: Wakame
- Instead of Shiitake Mushrooms: Button mushrooms, Portobello
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Scallions: Chives
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Shirataki Noodles: Rice noodles, Traditional ramen noodles
- Instead of Eggs: Silken tofu (for vegans)
- Instead of Sesame Seeds: Pumpkin seeds
- Instead of Chili Oil: Sriracha
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Saucepan (for eggs)
- Steamer Basket or Heat‑proof Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Ladle
- Bowls (serving)
- Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Simmer the broth for a full 30 minutes to extract maximum umami.
- Soft‑boil the eggs for exactly 8 minutes and shock them in cold water.
- Rinse shirataki noodles thoroughly to remove packaging odor.
- Season the broth with soy sauce and salt after simmering.
- Assemble the bowl quickly to keep the broth hot.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra depth, add a splash of mirin or a dash of rice vinegar just before serving.
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 30 seconds to bring out nutty flavor.
- If you like spice, stir in a teaspoon of chili oil or a pinch of shichimi togarashi.
Troubleshooting
Broth tastes flat or watery.
Simmer the broth an additional 10‑15 minutes or add a pinch more salt and a splash more soy sauce.
Eggs are over‑cooked and rubbery.
Use a precise timer; after 8 minutes immediately transfer eggs to ice water to stop cooking.
Shirataki noodles have a strong odor.
Rinse them thoroughly under cold water and pat dry; optionally sauté briefly in a dry pan for 1‑2 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Broth up to 3 days; peeled soft‑boiled eggs up to 2 days; noodles up to 5 days in sealed container.
Freezer: Broth freezes well for up to 2 months; do not freeze shirataki noodles.
Room temperature: Do not leave assembled ramen at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the chicken broth a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
- Soft‑boil the eggs, peel, and keep them in cold water until ready to serve.
- Pre‑slice garlic, ginger, and scallions; store in airtight containers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of ramen in Japanese cuisine?
Ramen originated in early 20th‑century Japan as a Chinese wheat‑noodle soup that was adapted with local broths and toppings. Over decades it became a national comfort food, with regional styles like tonkotsu, shoyu, and miso defining local flavors.
How does low‑carb shirataki ramen differ from traditional wheat‑based ramen in Japanese cuisine?
Traditional ramen uses wheat noodles that are high in carbs and have a chewy texture. Shirataki noodles are made from konjac root, contain almost no carbs, and have a gelatinous bite, offering a lighter, diet‑friendly alternative while still soaking up the broth.
What are the traditional regional variations of ramen in Japan and how does this 30‑minute low‑carb version compare?
Japan’s main regional styles include Sapporo miso ramen, Hakata tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen, and Tokyo shoyu (soy sauce) ramen. This quick low‑carb version mimics a shoyu‑style broth using chicken stock, bonito flakes, and soy sauce, but swaps wheat noodles for shirataki to keep carbs low.
What occasions or celebrations is ramen traditionally associated with in Japanese culture?
Ramen is a popular everyday comfort food, but it’s also enjoyed during late‑night gatherings, university student meals, and seasonal festivals where street stalls serve steaming bowls. It’s not typically a formal holiday dish, but families often share it on casual weekends.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Japanese ramen broth versus acceptable substitutes used in this recipe?
Traditional ramen broth often uses pork bones, chicken, or seafood, plus kombu (kelp) and dried bonito flakes for umami. In this recipe, chicken broth, dried bonito flakes, and kombu‑like nori provide the core flavor, while soy sauce replaces the complex seasoning blends found in restaurant broths.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with this low‑carb ramen from Black Tie Kitchen?
Serve alongside simple Japanese side dishes such as cucumber sunomono (vinegared salad), agedashi tofu, or a small portion of pickled ginger (gari). A light green tea or cold barley tea complements the warm broth nicely.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making 30‑minute low‑carb ramen at home?
Common errors include over‑cooking the soft‑boiled eggs, forgetting to rinse shirataki noodles, and under‑seasoning the broth. Also, adding the noodles too early can make them soggy; warm them just before serving.
Why does this recipe use shirataki noodles instead of traditional ramen noodles, and can I substitute regular ramen noodles?
Shirataki noodles keep the dish low‑carb and gluten‑free, aligning with the quick‑health focus of the video. You can substitute regular ramen noodles if you prefer the classic texture, but the cooking time and carb count will increase.
Can I make the broth ahead of time and how should I store it for later use?
Yes, the broth can be prepared up to three days in advance. Cool it quickly, transfer to airtight containers, and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove before adding noodles and toppings.
What does the YouTube channel Black Tie Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Black Tie Kitchen focuses on elevated yet approachable home cooking, often featuring quick, health‑conscious twists on classic dishes and detailed technique breakdowns for home chefs.
Last updated: August 31, 2026






