Cheap, Quick and Easy Shoyu Ramen Recipe

Cheap, Quick and Easy Shoyu Ramen Recipe is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 1. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Way of Ramen on YouTube.

Prep: 7 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 32 min

Cost: $1.32 total, $1.32 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon Soy Sauce (Japanese soy sauce preferred for umami)
  • 1 tablespoon Sake (Cooking sake, adds depth to the tare)
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce)
  • 1 Large Egg (Room‑temperature; poke a small hole at the wide end before boiling)
  • 1.5 teaspoon Lard (Rendered pork fat; gives authentic ramen richness. Substitute chicken fat if preferred.)
  • 85 grams Ramen Noodles (Any quick‑cook ramen noodles; discard seasoning if using instant.)
  • 1 teaspoon Chicken Stock Powder (Chinese or Japanese chicken bouillon)
  • 2 stalks Green Onion (white part) (Thinly sliced; green part optional for garnish)
  • 5 grams Fresh Ginger (Grated; about a small knob)
  • 1 piece Nori Sheet (Torn into small strips for garnish (optional))

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Boil the Egg

    Using a needle or pin, poke a tiny hole in the wide end of the egg, then lower it into a pot of rapidly boiling water. Boil for 6‑7 minutes for a runny yolk (7 minutes for firmer yolk).

    Time: PT7M

  2. Ice Bath and Peel

    Transfer the boiled egg to an ice‑water bath for about 1 minute, then peel once cool enough to handle.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Make Quick Ajitama Tare

    In a small pan over low heat, combine 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sake, and 1 tsp sugar. Stir until tiny bubbles form, then add the peeled egg and roll it in the sauce for 4‑5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: low heat

  4. Prep Aromatics

    Thinly slice the white parts of the green onions and grate a small knob of ginger.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Boil Water for Noodles and Soup

    Bring two pots of water to a rolling boil: one for cooking the ramen noodles and one for preparing the broth.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Cook the Noodles

    Add the ramen noodles to the boiling noodle pot and cook according to package instructions (usually 3‑4 minutes). When al dente, drain and set aside, shaking off excess water.

    Time: PT4M

  7. Assemble the Ramen Bowl

    In a serving bowl combine 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp chicken stock powder, sliced green onions, grated ginger, and 1‑1.5 tsp lard. Add 300 ml (about 1 ¼ cups) of hot water from the soup pot, stir until lard melts, then add the drained noodles. Top with the ajitama egg halves, extra green onion, and nori strips.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
520
Protein
14 g
Carbohydrates
68 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains gluten, Not vegetarian, Not vegan

Allergens: Egg, Soy, Wheat, Pork

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Cheap, Quick and Easy Shoyu Ramen Recipe

Recipe by Way of Ramen

A super‑easy, 10‑minute ramen bowl featuring a quick‑marinated ajitama egg, simple broth, and minimal ingredients. Perfect for busy days when you can only boil water.

EasyJapaneseServes 1

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
11m
Prep
18m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
39m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.32
Total cost
$1.32
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Poke a small hole in the egg before boiling to prevent cracking.
  • Roll the boiled egg in the quick tare sauce for full flavor and color.
  • Strain the noodles thoroughly to avoid diluting the broth.
  • Add lard to the broth for authentic richness and mouthfeel.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle boiling water with care to avoid burns.
  • Hot lard can cause severe burns; use tongs and keep face away.
  • Use a needle or pin to poke the egg hole safely; keep out of reach of children.
  • Sharp knife required for slicing green onions; cut away from body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of ramen in Japanese cuisine?

A

Ramen originated in China but became a Japanese staple in the early 20th century, evolving into countless regional styles. It is now a comfort food enjoyed at home, in street stalls, and specialized ramen shops across Japan.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of ajitama in Japanese ramen culture?

A

Ajitama, or marinated soft‑boiled egg, varies by region: Kyushu often uses a soy‑based tare, while Tokyo styles may add mirin or dashi. Some regions soak the egg for 24 hours, others like the quick method on Way of Ramen use a 5‑minute roll for speed.

cultural
Q

How is ajitama traditionally served with ramen in Japan?

A

Traditionally, a halved ajitama is placed on top of the hot ramen just before serving, allowing the warm broth to further infuse the egg. It is usually sliced in half lengthwise to showcase the runny yolk.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is ramen traditionally associated with in Japanese culture?

A

Ramen is a everyday comfort food, but it is also served at festivals, late‑night gatherings, and as a quick meal after work. Special ramen bowls are sometimes featured at New Year’s celebrations for good luck.

cultural
Q

What other Japanese dishes pair well with this quick ramen from Way of Ramen?

A

Side dishes like gyoza, takoyaki, or a simple cucumber sunomono complement the ramen. A light miso soup or a small salad with sesame dressing also balances the richness of the lard‑based broth.

cultural
Q

What makes this quick ramen special or unique in Japanese ramen cuisine?

A

The recipe focuses on speed and minimal equipment, using a quick‑marinated ajitama and a simple broth built from soy sauce, chicken stock powder, ginger, and lard. It captures the essential umami without lengthy simmering.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making quick ramen with ajitama from Way of Ramen?

A

Common errors include cracking the egg during boiling, over‑cooking the noodles, and adding too much water which dilutes the broth. Also, forgetting to melt the lard fully can leave a greasy texture.

technical
Q

Why does this quick ramen recipe use lard instead of just oil or butter?

A

Lard provides a silky, pork‑derived richness that is traditional in many Japanese ramen broths. It emulsifies with the hot water to create a glossy, mouth‑coating fat layer that oil or butter cannot replicate.

technical
Q

Can I make the ajitama ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can soft‑boil several eggs, peel them, and roll them in the tare sauce. Store the coated eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; bring them to room temperature before adding to hot ramen.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Way of Ramen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Way of Ramen specializes in practical, beginner‑friendly ramen tutorials, focusing on quick techniques, ingredient shortcuts, and the fundamentals of ramen broth, noodles, and toppings.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Way of Ramen's approach to Japanese ramen differ from other ramen channels?

A

Way of Ramen emphasizes speed and accessibility, showing how to create satisfying ramen with minimal equipment and inexpensive ingredients, whereas many other channels focus on elaborate, time‑intensive recipes or high‑end specialty components.

channel

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