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Pesto Ramen

Pesto Ramen
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Pesto Ramen is a vibrant fusion dish that combines the rich, herbaceous flavors of classic Italian pesto with the comforting, slurpy magic of Japanese ramen noodles. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or to impress friends with something delightfully different, this recipe is simple, customizable, and ready in under 30 minutes with fresh and readily available ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Pesto Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts (lightly toasted recommended)
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
  • 1/3 cup good quality olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice or zest

Ramen Ingredients

  • 2 servings ramen noodles (fresh or dried)
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Optional Garnishes & Variations

  • Additional pine nuts
  • Parmesan shavings
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu (for protein boost)
  • Red pepper flakes or chili oil (for spicy twist)
  • Spinach, kale, or arugula (greens upgrade)
  • Soba or udon noodles (noodle swap)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pesto Sauce: In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, peeled garlic cloves, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse everything together while gradually drizzling in olive oil to form a smooth, vibrant green sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  2. Cook the Ramen Noodles: Bring your vegetable or chicken broth to a gentle boil in a pot. Add your ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3 to 4 minutes, until tender but still springy. Drain the noodles, reserving some broth for the soup base.
  3. Combine Pesto with Broth: Lower the heat under your broth and stir in the prepared pesto sauce. Mix until the sauce is fully incorporated, creating a creamy, flavorful soup base that carries the rich herbal taste.
  4. Assemble the Pesto Ramen Bowl: Place the cooked ramen noodles into serving bowls and ladle the pesto-infused broth over them. Garnish with additional pine nuts, Parmesan shavings, or fresh basil leaves for an irresistible finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh homemade pesto to enhance flavor and aroma compared to store-bought versions.
  • Reserve some cooking water from the noodles to adjust broth consistency if needed.
  • Do not overcook noodles; al dente texture provides the best mouthfeel.
  • Lightly toast pine nuts before blending to boost their nuttiness.
  • Adjust seasoning progressively by tasting as you mix pesto and broth to achieve perfect balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pesto ramen, fusion recipe, Italian pesto, Japanese ramen, quick noodle soup, herbaceous noodle bowl

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/pesto-ramen/