Homemade Saimin-Ramen
Saimin are one of the classics of Hawaii. It is bursting with that “umami” flavor and just warms the soul. The concept of saimin is very simple: broth, noodles, and garnishing. Remember to slurp those noodles to show how much you love this dish!
Saimin was developed during the plantation era in Hawaii. It’s a mixture between Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino. It is a local favorite and is seen in many restaurants like Zippys and even McDonalds! Saimin is my number one local comfort food.
Video Tutorial
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Homemade Saimin
Saimin are one of the classics of Hawaii. It is bursting with that "umami" flavor and just warms the soul. The concept of saimin is very simple: broth, noodles, and garnishing.
Print Recipe
Equipment
- Pot
Ingredients
- 1-2 packages ramen noodles
Broth:
- 2 pieces konbu (dried kelp)
- 1 cup dried shrimp
- 1 cup bonito flakes
- 1/4 cup dried shiitake mushrooms
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup shoyu (soy sauce)
Garnishing:
- sliced ham
- sliced eggs
- shredded nori (roasted seaweed)
- chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prep the toppings by slicing the green onions, kamaboko, meat, and nori. Fry the egg like an omelette and cut it into slices. Set it aside.
- To make the broth for the saimin, boil 8 cups of water. Add in the konbu, dried shrimp, bonito flakes, dried shiitake mushrooms, and salt. Let it simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and add in the shoyu. Stir it briefly and set it aside to steep for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Cook the noodles by boiling it in water until it is al dante or according to the package's instruction. Drain the water and set it aside.
- After the broth has steeped, strain the broth through a fine strainer. Press down on the solids to squeeze out any remaining liquids. Discard the solids. If there is leftover broth, it can be stored covered in the fridge for at least 2 days.
- In a bowl, add in the noodles and broth. Top it off with the nori, ham, kamaboko, and eggs. Lastly, garnish it with green onions. Serve it hot and enjoy!
Servings: 2
My husband’s family was stationed in Honolulu, his brothers and sisters stayed in Hawaii and married Hawaiian and Asian spouses. when i meet them in Hawaii I feel in love with them and Hawaii AND the food. I love how you tell story with your recipes and so far find them to be the most authentic. That opinion is also my husbands, and he grew up eating them. Thanks I’m having fun making them..
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