Virgin Islands Style Ramen

Ingredients

In this Virgin Islands adaptation of Asahikawa ramen, we incorporate Caribbean spices and ingredients to infuse the dish with the flavors of the United States Virgin Islands. The traditional Japanese broth is enhanced with allspice, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers, giving it a spicy and aromatic kick. The toppings include succulent shrimp and tender chicken, adding a taste of the Caribbean's abundant seafood and poultry. The result is a fusion of two distinct culinary traditions, creating a vibrant and flavorful ramen experience. We alse have the original recipe for Asahikawa ramen, so you can check it out.

• 4 cups (946ml) chicken broth 4 cups (946ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 8 ounces (225g) ramen noodles 8 ounces (225g) ramen noodles
• 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 chicken breast, cooked and sliced 1 chicken breast, cooked and sliced
• 1 cup (150g) sliced bell peppers (assorted colors) 1 cup (150g) sliced bell peppers (assorted colors)
• 1 cup (150g) sliced carrots 1 cup (150g) sliced carrots
• 1 cup (150g) sliced cabbage 1 cup (150g) sliced cabbage
• 1 cup (150g) bean sprouts 1 cup (150g) bean sprouts
• 2 green onions, sliced 2 green onions, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 6g
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, allspice, thyme, minced Scotch bonnet pepper, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. 2.
   While the broth simmers, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a separate pan, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same pan, add the sliced chicken breast and cook until heated through.
5. 5.
   Divide the cooked ramen noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, then top with cooked shrimp, sliced chicken, bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, bean sprouts, green onions, and cilantro.
6. 6.
   Serve the Virgin Islands Style Ramen hot, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup. Enjoy the fusion of Caribbean and Japanese flavors!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to devein the shrimp before cooking to remove the digestive tract. This can be done by making a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and rinsing it under cold water.
• Scotch bonnet pepper — Handle the pepper with caution as it is very spicy. Wear gloves while handling and mincing the pepper, and avoid touching your face or eyes.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and chicken and add tofu or tempeh as a protein substitute.
• Adjust the spiciness of the broth by adding more or less minced Scotch bonnet pepper, according to your preference.
• Garnish the ramen with sliced fresh chili peppers for an extra kick of heat.
• Experiment with different vegetable toppings such as bok choy, snow peas, or sliced mushrooms.
• If you prefer a thicker broth, simmer it for a longer time to reduce and concentrate the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Virgin Islands Style Ramen hot in individual bowls. Provide lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup, adding a refreshing citrusy flavor. Encourage diners to mix the toppings and noodles into the broth before enjoying each spoonful.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the toppings in an aesthetically pleasing manner on top of the noodles. Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over the ramen for a pop of vibrant green color. Serve the ramen in colorful bowls to reflect the vibrant Caribbean atmosphere.