Cadette Noodlehead New Cuisines Badge

Ramen noodles were invented in China thousands of years ago and were brought to Japan in 1859. It was not until 1958 however that Momofuku Ando invented the instant noodled that we know and love today. In 1971, he introduced Cup Noodles which were voted Japan’s top invention of the 20th century! The next year, in 1972, Cup O’Noodles was introduced in the U.S. and the American diet was permanently changed.

Step One- Make a Dish from Another Country & Step Three- Whip up a Dish from Another Time Period:

Back to Basics – Traditional Japanese Ramen

Have an adult help you make traditional Ramen Noodles like they were first served in the 1850’s. There are many recipes available on the internet, but here is an easy one we found. Feel free to modify this recipe with ingredients that you have on hand and be sure to takes pictures or videos to share on the zoom meeting. Ingredients

 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skin-on) *  kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to season  1 tbsp unsalted butter  2 tsp sesame or vegetable oil  2 tsp fresh ginger, minced  3 tsp fresh garlic, minced  3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce  2 tbsp mirin  4 cups rich chicken stock  1 oz dried shitake mushrooms (or 1/2 cup fresh)  1–2 tsp sea salt, to taste  2 large eggs  1/2 cup scallions, sliced  2 (3 oz) packs dried ramen noodles  optional: fresh jalapeño slices, for serving  Cook the chicken*: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Melt the butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and cook until the skin is golden brown and releases easily from the pan, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until golden. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from the oven, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil until ready to serve.

 Make the ramen broth: Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat, until shimmering. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for a few minutes until softened. Add the soy sauce and mirin, and stir to combine. Cook for another minute. Add the stock, cover, and bring to boil. Remove the lid, and let simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, then add the dried mushrooms. Simmer gently for another 10 minutes, and season with salt, to taste.

 Make the soft-boiled eggs: Fill a pot with enough water to cover the eggs, and bring to a boil. Gently lower the eggs (still cold from the fridge) into the boiling water, and let simmer for 7 minutes (for a slightly-runny yoke) or 8 minutes (for a soft, but set-up yoke).

 Meanwhile, fill a large bowl with ice water. When the timer finishes, transfer the eggs to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Wait at least 5 minutes, or until cool enough to handle, then carefully peel away the shell and slice in half, lengthwise. Set aside until ready to serve.

 Assemble the ramen bowls: Meanwhile, chop the scallions and jalapeño (if using). Slice the chicken into thin pieces. Set aside. When the eggs finish cooking, add the ramen noodles to the boiling water. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until soft, then divide the noodles into two large bowls. Add the sliced chicken and the ramen broth. Top with the fresh scallions, jalapeño and the soft boiled egg. Serve immediately.

Step Two- Try a Dish from Another US Region Every area of the United States is known for a certain style of cooking. New England clam chowder, Philly cheesesteak, Southern Grits, New Orleans Gumbo, Tex-Mex and California Sushi are all popular foods that originated in a region of the US. 1. Pick your favorite dish from a U.S. region. Southern Fried chicken? Midwestern Mac & Cheese? It’s up to you. 2. Now alter your dish to include a package of Ramen Noodles! 3. The ramen could be used as a simple ingredient, or they could be the star of the show. Be creative. 4. Make sure to write your recipe down and be ready to share your innovative recipe on the zoom meeting.

Step Four: Create a Dish that Makes a Statement Vegetarian and Vegan Lifestyles are becoming more and more popular for health and sustainability reasons. Use your noodle to create a healthy vegetarian version of ramen. 1. Open your package of ramen noodles but throw away the flavor packet. REMEMBER: NO MEAT FLAVOR! 2. Use alternative protein sources like tofu, beans, or tempeh to make a hearty meal. 3. Be sure to add plenty of veggies to make it as healthy as it is delicious. 4. Write down your recipe and be sure to share it on the Zoom meeting.

Step Five: Throw a Potluck Party This part will be done on the Zoom meeting where your share your recipes with the group!