When making ramen, the traditional method involves boiling water separately and then cooking the noodles in the boiling water. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. The amount of water will depend on the number of servings you plan to make.
Once the water reaches a rolling boil, carefully add the ramen noodles to the pot. Most ramen noodles cook quickly, typically within 2-4 minutes, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Gently stir the noodles to ensure they don't stick together. Use chopsticks or a fork to separate the strands if needed.
While the noodles are cooking, you can simultaneously prepare the broth and other ingredients, such as sliced vegetables, protein (e.g., sliced cooked meat, tofu), and seasonings.
Once the noodles have reached your desired level of doneness (usually al dente), remove the pot from heat and carefully drain the noodles using a colander or sieve.
Rinse the cooked noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
Transfer the cooked and rinsed noodles to a bowl, and then ladle the hot broth over the noodles. Add your desired toppings, such as sliced green onions, boiled egg, nori, or bamboo shoots.
It's important to note that there are various styles of ramen, and some may require slightly different cooking methods. For instance, instant ramen often comes with seasoning packets and requires a shorter cooking time. Adjust the cooking instructions accordingly based on the specific type of ramen you are preparing.