Ingredients:
- 2 Large Eggs (straight from the fridge)
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (for Ajitama marinade)
- 1/4 cup Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine)
- 1/2 cup Water (for Ajitama marinade)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (for Tare)
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp Freshly grated or minced Ginger
- 1/2 tsp Freshly grated or finely minced Garlic
- 4 cups Low Sodium Chicken Stock
- 1/2 cup Water (for Broth)
- 8 oz Fresh or Dried Ramen Noodles
- 2 Spring Onions (Scallions), thinly sliced (green parts only)
- 2 sheets Dried Nori Seaweed (cut into quarters)
- Chili Oil (Optional, to taste)
Instructions:
- Prepare Marinade: Whisk together the Ajitama soy sauce (1/4 cup), mirin, and 1/2 cup water in a small, non-reactive container large enough to hold the two eggs. Set aside.
- Cook Eggs: Bring a small saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Gently lower the cold, large eggs into the boiling water using a slotted spoon.
- Time Precisely: Set your timer for 6 minutes and 30 seconds. Maintain a gentle boil.
- Stop the Cook: Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath once the timer sounds. Allow them to chill for 5 minutes.
- Peel and Marinate: Carefully peel the eggs under running water. Place the peeled eggs into the marinade container. Ensure they are submerged (or turn them every 30 minutes). Marinate for a minimum of 1 hour, ideally 6 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the Tare: In a small bowl, combine the 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic. This mixture is the flavour bomb base (Tare).
- Heat Stock: In a large pot, combine the chicken stock and 1/2 cup of water. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Do not boil rapidly.
- Infuse: Allow the stock to simmer gently for 5–7 minutes to concentrate the flavour. Keep warm over low heat.
- Cook Noodles: Bring a separate, large pot of water to a vigorous boil. Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions (usually 2–3 minutes for fresh noodles).
- Drain and Shake: Drain the noodles thoroughly using a spider strainer or colander. Rinse briefly under hot water to remove excess starch, then shake dry.
- Build the Bowl: Divide the prepared Tare equally into the bottom of two large serving bowls. Ladle 2 cups of the hot simmering broth over the Tare in each bowl and stir gently to dissolve the flavour base. Place the cooked, drained noodles directly into the broth.
- Garnish and Serve: Slice the marinated Ajitama egg in half lengthwise. Arrange the egg halves on top of the noodles. Garnish generously with sliced spring onions and a sheet of nori seaweed. Drizzle with chili oil if desired. Serve immediately.