Ramen Type
Miso Ramen
What is Miso Ramen?
Miso ramen originates from Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, where the cold winters demanded a more warming, substantive bowl. It was popularized in the 1960s at a Sapporo noodle shop and quickly became one of the three canonical ramen styles. The broth combines a pork or chicken base with a generous spoonful of fermented miso paste — most commonly white (shiro) or red (aka) — stirred in at the end to preserve the live cultures and complex fermented aroma.
The result is a soup that is simultaneously rich and nuanced, with a satisfying earthiness unlike any other style. Hokkaido miso ramen is often topped with corn, butter, ground pork, and bean sprouts, reflecting the agricultural bounty of the region.
Flavor Profile
How to Make Miso Ramen
- 1
Build a Pork-Chicken Base
Simmer pork ribs and chicken carcasses with ginger, garlic, and kombu for 3–4 hours. The stock should be golden and flavorful but not overly rich.
- 2
Prepare Miso Tare
Combine 2 parts white miso with 1 part red miso, sake, mirin, and a touch of sesame paste. Whisk until smooth. Do not boil miso — add to individual bowls off heat.
- 3
Sauté Aromatics & Assemble
Stir-fry ground pork, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add to the bowl with 2–3 tbsp miso tare and hot stock. Top with corn, butter, bean sprouts, and thick wavy noodles.
Where to Buy in the US
- Asian Grocery Stores
- H Mart carries Hokkaido-style miso paste (Sapporo Ichiban brand) and thick wavy noodles.
- Online
- Amazon stocks Marukome and Hikari miso in 1–5 lb tubs for scratch cooking.
- Whole Foods
- White and red miso by Miso Master and South River Miso available nationally.
- Specialty
- Umami Insider and Japan Centre stock Hokkaido miso ramen kits for home cooks.
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Miso Ramen Essentials
Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen 5-Pack
The original Hokkaido-style miso instant ramen, a cult classic since 1966.
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Hikari Organic White + Red Miso Combo
Organic miso for building a rich, complex tare from scratch.
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Nongshim Soon Veggie Noodle Soup (Miso)
Vegan-friendly miso ramen with clean ingredient list.
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