HOME-STYLE CHICKEN RAMEN

When Kyle Itani of Itani Ramen makes ramen at home, this chicken version is his go-to. The broth is a relatively simple but deeply flavored chicken base layered with fresh ramen noodles, poached chicken breast, soft soy eggs, and a delicate fennel oil. We recommend Sun Noodle for fresh ramen noodles, but if you can't find them, dried will do in a pinch. Other common toppings you can buy include: Bamboo shoots, fish cake, pickled mustard greens, and corn kernels.

SERVES 4 PEOPLE   4 HOURS, 30 MINUTES

For the Broth

• 5 lb. chicken bones (backs, wings, and legs)
• 1 medium white onion, peeled
• 1⁄2 head green cabbage (1 pound 7 oz.)
• 1 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
• 1 medium carrot, peeled
• 3 dried shiitake mushrooms (1⁄4 oz.)
• 1 4-inch square of dried kelp (kombu)
• 4 oz. bonito flakes (about 7 cups)
• 8 oz. soy sauce
• 5 oz. mirin

Instructions

1. Combine chicken bones, onion, cabbage, ginger, and carrot in a large stock pot and cover with 3 quarts of cold water. Bring to a low boil over medium heat, and then immediately reduce heat to low to maintain a simmer for 4 hours, periodically skimming the fat.
2. Add the shiitake mushrooms, kombu, and bonito flakes and continue to simmer for one more hour. Skim the broth again and strain into a clean 4-quart pot. Add the soy sauce and mirin and bring pot back to just simmering.

To Assemble

• 9 cups chicken ramen broth, divided
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz.)
• 1⁄2 lb. mung bean sprouts
• 2 green onions
• 20 oz. fresh ramen noodles (recommended: Sun Noodle
• 1 7-minute egg, sliced in half
• 2 green onions, green parts only, sliced thinly at an angle. Reserve the white bottoms to make fennel oil.
• Fennel oil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring 1 quart (4 cups) ramen broth to a simmer and poach the chicken breasts for 8 minutes. Remove and cool. Slice into half-inch pieces at a slight angle.
2. Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large saucepan. Blanch the sprouts for 20 seconds, strain, and plunge in ice water to stop their cooking. Set the sprouts aside until ready to plate.
3. Make sure your ramen broth is simmering, your noodle water is boiling rapidly, and your toppings are all prepared and ready to plate. Drop 5 oz. of the noodles in the water and cook for 90 seconds. While they are boiling, ladle 1 ¼ cup (10 ounces) of broth into a soup bowl.
4. Strain the noodles and place in the bowl of broth. Pick up the noodles with chopsticks and fold them over on each other to create a bed for the toppings to sit upon. Repeat with remaining noodles and broth.
5. Garnish the bowls with the sliced chicken breast, blanched bean sprouts, and green onions. Drizzle fennel oil over the toppings.