Ever sat down at a ramen shop, opened the menu, and stared blankly at the list of broths? If you're someone who avoids heavier, meat-based soups, it can be hard to know where to start.
But here's the good news—there are delicious ramen options that don't rely on heavy broths and still deliver rich, satisfying flavor.
Let's dive into two broth bases that are lighter, more balanced, and perfect for everyday comfort: Shoyu and Miso ramen.
Shoyu Ramen: The Balanced Classic
Shoyu ramen is one of the oldest and most beloved ramen types. It's made from a soy sauce base, usually combined with a light soup made from vegetables, mushrooms, or chicken. The broth is clear, brownish in color, and full of savory, slightly sweet notes.
Why Shoyu Ramen Stands Out:
1. Lighter and easier on the stomach
2. Layers of flavor from soy, garlic, and scallions
3. Pairs well with a variety of toppings and noodles
Common toppings you'll see:
• Soft-boiled egg
• Bamboo shoots
• Seaweed (nori)
• Grilled or roasted chicken slices
• Scallions and bean sprouts for crunch
If you want to try it at home, here's a simple recipe that captures that warm, comforting taste.
Simple Shoyu Broth at Home
Ingredients:
• 4 cups vegetable or light chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ inch ginger slice
Instructions:
1. Sauté garlic and ginger in sesame oil until fragrant.
2. Add broth and soy sauce, and bring to a gentle simmer for 10–15 minutes.
3. Strain if needed, then serve hot over ramen noodles and toppings.
This base is clean but never boring—and it's easy to customize.
Miso Ramen: Creamy, Bold, and Hearty
Miso ramen is a little different—it's thicker, creamier, and has an earthier taste thanks to fermented soybean paste. Originally popularized in Hokkaido (the northern part of Japan), this broth is ideal for colder days when you want something more filling, but still not overwhelming.
What Makes Miso Ramen Special:
1. Deep, nutty flavor with a touch of sweetness
2. Thick, cloudy broth that clings to noodles
3. Pairs beautifully with vegetables, tofu, or corn
Favorite toppings include:
• Corn and a dab of plant-based butter
• Bean sprouts
• Grilled tofu or seasoned egg
• Chopped scallions and garlic oil
Quick Miso Ramen Base (Meat-Free Option)
Ingredients:
• 3 tablespoons white or yellow miso paste
• 3½ cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon chili paste (optional for a kick)
• Corn and spinach (to add directly to the pot)
Steps:
1. Heat sesame oil in a pot and sauté garlic.
2. Stir in miso paste until it softens and blends.
3. Slowly add broth while whisking to dissolve the paste completely.
4. Add chili paste and vegetables, simmer for 5–10 minutes.
5. Serve over cooked noodles and your choice of toppings.
This bowl is creamy, cozy, and full of natural umami.
Top Spots to Try Non-Heavy Ramen
Here are a few standout places known for excellent ramen that don't rely on heavy broths:
1. Afuri (Japan, LA, Portland, Vancouver)
Famous for yuzu shoyu ramen—a light, citrusy broth made with chicken and seafood, often paired with grilled protein and microgreens.
2. Ramen Hood (Los Angeles, USA)
A 100% plant-based ramen place. Their signature ramen uses sunflower seed broth that mimics the creamy texture of heavier versions—without the heaviness.
3. Ippudo's Miso Option (New York, Singapore, London)
While known for variety, their miso broth is rich and full-bodied with a vegetable-forward taste and deep umami layers.
How to Order Confidently
If you're avoiding certain ingredients, here's what helps:
1. Ask about the broth base: Some shops use mixed stock—so check if it's vegetable, chicken, or seafood based.
2. Stick to miso or shoyu for lighter options: They often have more transparent ingredient lists.
3. Choose toppings wisely: Grilled chicken, tofu, or extra veggies work well and won't overwhelm the dish.
4. Customize it! Add chili oil, garlic, or even a dash of vinegar to lift the flavor without heaviness.
Ramen is way more than just a quick noodle bowl—it's a whole flavor universe. Whether you're team Shoyu for something clean and soulful, or team Miso for richness without meat, there's a bowl waiting for you. And hey, if you ever invent your own broth combo, don't keep it to yourself—let's trade ramen secrets. 🍜
What's the best non-heavy ramen you've ever tried—or made at home? Share your picks!
