Hearty Doenjang Ramen (Fermented Soybean Paste Ramen)
Hearty Doenjang Ramen (Fermented Soybean Paste Ramen)
Baek Jong-won’s Doenjang Ramen Recipe from Alley Restaurant, Ttukseom Episode
As a fan of ‘Alley Restaurant’, I remember the Ttukseom episode featuring a grilled fish restaurant being particularly memorable. This Doenjang Ramen was recommended as a warming soup dish that would complement their menu. The recipe was revealed on the show, and I’ve captured it to share with you. Although my photos might be a bit rough, let’s get started with Baek Jong-won’s signature Doenjang Ramen from the Ttukseom episode!
Ingredients- 1 packet of instant ramen
- 2 Tbsp doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (optional, for enhanced flavor)
- 600ml water
- 1/2 cheongyang chili pepper (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 handful of green onions
- 1 handful of dried shrimp (the show used freshwater shrimp; dried shrimp is a good substitute)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the flavorful doenjang base, the heart of this ramen. While the show demonstrated using a ladleful of doenjang, for home cooking, we’ll use 2 tablespoons of doenjang, 2 tablespoons of gochugaru, and 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Combine these in a pot and stir-fry over low heat. For an even richer flavor, you can add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic while stir-frying. Sautéing the garlic with the doenjang and chili flakes creates a wonderfully aromatic and complex base.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the broth! Pour 600ml of water into the pot. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the prepared doenjang mixture. Add half a cheongyang chili pepper for a spicy kick, a handful of chopped green onions for freshness, and a handful of dried shrimp for that delightful umami. If freshwater shrimp are unavailable, dried shrimp work beautifully. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. This is the foundation for Baek Jong-won’s delicious Doenjang Ramen broth.
Step 3
It’s time to cook the ramen noodles! Once the broth is boiling, add the ramen soup base that came with your instant noodles and the ramen noodles themselves. You can adjust the cooking time according to your preference for noodle texture. Cook for a shorter time for a chewier, ‘al dente’ texture, or a bit longer for softer noodles.
Step 4
Personally, I prefer my ramen slightly chewy, so I usually cook it for about 3 minutes. Once the noodles are cooked to your liking, turn off the heat and serve in a bowl. And there you have it – Baek Jong-won’s Doenjang Ramen! The show’s version sometimes included an egg added at the end, but if you dislike a cloudy broth, feel free to omit it. You can also garnish with extra chopped green onions or chili peppers for added flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy this comforting and spicy Doenjang Ramen for a satisfying meal!
