Article by Gil "hannaone"
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Image by hannaone: Tteok Saeu Ramen/새우와 떡라면

라면 - Quick Version

Ramen, a well-known soup with its signature combination of noodles and flavorful broth, is a beloved dish among many. In Korea, it is often prepared using instant noodle packs, although it can also be crafted entirely from scratch in the comfort of one's own kitchen..

Servings: 1 or 2

Ingredients
Ramen Noodles*

Broth:
1 1/2 cup water
3 medium dried anchovies
1 oz Dried kelp (Kombu)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon shitake mushroom powder
2 ounces fatty beef
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon gochugaru

Optional Ingredients:
Sliced brisket
Egg
Mandu
Tteok
Pork
Shrimp
Clams
Squid
Octopus
Cheese

Optional Garnishes:
Green onion
Egg Strips

Ramen noodles without added flavorings can now be found in various locations such as Walmart, Costco, Amazon, and other retail stores. Shiitake powder is readily available at organic/natural grocers, herbal suppliers, Amazon, and even some mainstream markets. Alternatively, you can create your own shiitake powder by pulsing dried mushrooms in a food processor or blender. When cooking with beef or pork, the fat marbling or cap adds significant flavor. Enhance the taste of soups and stocks by browning the fat in a hot skillet and deglazing with a small amount of liquid.

Directions
Place the water, anchovies, and kelp in a pot and bring to a slow simmer over low heat. Simmer for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and strain out the solids.
Heat a small skillet over medium high heat, add sesame oil, quickly brown the beef, add a small (1 or 2 tablespoons) amount of the kelp broth to deglaze the pan and remove from heat.  
Add the beef and pan liquid to the broth, then the minced garlic, mushroom powder, and gochugaru, and continue simmering for another 15 minutes.
Add the ramyun noodles, any optional ingredients according to their cook time, and cook to your desired firmness.

Final
Garnish with chopped green onion and serve while hot.