Whether you're making a rich bowl of ramen or a comforting bowl of pho, we've gathered a few of our favorite recipes to help you create a cozy night at home.
Recipe #1 — Easy Homemade Ramen
You don't need a restaurant kitchen to make a deeply satisfying bowl of ramen. This version comes together in about 30 minutes and tastes like you've been simmering it all day.
What you'll need:
- 4 cups chicken or pork broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp miso paste (white or red)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet)
- Toppings of your choice (see Recipe #3!)
How to make it:
- In a medium saucepan, sauté garlic and ginger in a little oil for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add broth, soy sauce, and miso paste. Whisk until the miso dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add sesame oil and taste — adjust soy sauce or miso to your liking.
- Cook noodles separately according to package directions. Drain and divide into bowls.
- Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and pile on your toppings.
Pro tip: A soft-boiled egg on top is non-negotiable. See Recipe #4!
Recipe #2 — Classic Vietnamese Pho
Pho is all about the broth — fragrant, deeply savory, and warming from the inside out. This simplified version skips the hours-long simmer but doesn't skip the flavor.
What you'll need:
- 6 cups beef broth (good quality — it matters here!)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-star anise
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 8 oz flat rice noodles (banh pho)
- 6 oz thinly sliced beef (sirloin or eye of round)
Fresh toppings to serve alongside: Bean sprouts, fresh basil, sliced jalapeño, lime wedges, hoisin sauce, sriracha
How to make it:
- Toast the cinnamon, star anise, and cloves in a dry pan for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add broth, fish sauce, and sugar. Simmer for 20 minutes. Strain out the spices.
- Cook rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and divide into bowls.
- Arrange raw beef slices over the noodles — the hot broth will cook them perfectly.
- Ladle boiling broth over everything. Serve immediately with fresh toppings on the side.
The secret is in the spices — don't skip the toasting step!
Recipe #3 — Five Easy Toppings That Make Any Noodle Bowl Better
The toppings are where the magic happens. Here are five easy additions that take any noodle bowl from good to wow:
- Soft-boiled egg — rich, jammy yolk, slightly soy-marinated if you have time (see Recipe #4)
- Crispy mushrooms — slice shiitake or cremini mushrooms, sauté in butter and soy sauce until golden
- Green onions & sesame seeds — simple, fresh, and they add the perfect finishing crunch
- Nori (dried seaweed) — cut into strips and tuck into the side of the bowl for an authentic touch
- Chili crisp — a spoonful on top adds heat, crunch, and depth all at once. Obsession-worthy.
Recipe #4 — How to Soft-Boil the Perfect Egg
The perfect ramen egg has a fully set white and a yolk that's jammy and golden — not runny, not chalky. Here's the foolproof method:
- Bring a pot of water to a full rolling boil.
- Gently lower eggs in with a spoon (straight from the fridge is fine).
- Boil for exactly 6 minutes and 30 seconds.
- Transfer immediately to an ice bath for 5 minutes.
- Peel and slice in half lengthwise.
Optional soy marinade: After peeling, place eggs in a zip-lock bag with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, and a splash of water. Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better). The whites turn a beautiful golden brown and the flavor is incredible.
✨ Curated for Noodle Night
Every great noodle bowl deserves a great bowl to live in. We've curated two complete handcrafted table settings — each made by artisans in Nepal for Ten Thousand Villages.
🔵 Indigo Night Set
- Blue Crackle Ceramic Mug — $19.99
- Blue Stoneware Bowl & Chopsticks Set — $30.99
- Blue Striped Handloomed Placemat — $14.99
🟤 Terra Cotta Harvest Set
- Terra Cotta Ceramic Mug — $19.99
- Terra Cotta Stoneware Bowl & Chopsticks Set — $30.99
- Brown Striped Handloomed Placemat — $14.99
Mix and match or collect them all — Noodle Night is always a good idea.
