There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of ramen on a chilly evening. The first time I made this Pumpkin Miso Ramen, my kids gathered around the table curious about the bright orange broth. “Is it soup or is it noodles?” they asked. I smiled and said, “It’s comfort in a bowl.” What surprised them most was the crispy sesame mushrooms on top—they were gone before I even sat down.
This recipe is quick (ready in 30 minutes), wholesome, and perfect for family dinners. It blends the sweetness of pumpkin with the deep umami of miso, giving you a broth that feels rich but not heavy. And those mushrooms? They add the crunch every good ramen deserves.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 200g ramen noodles (fresh or dried)
- 1 small pumpkin (about 2 cups roasted and mashed)
- 3 tbsp white miso paste
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small piece of ginger, grated
- 200g mushrooms (shiitake or button)
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Cooking oil for frying
- Toppings: spring onions, chili oil, nori strips, or a boiled egg
Step-by-Step Method
- Roast the pumpkin – Peel, cube, and roast until soft, then mash into a smooth puree.
- Make the broth – In a pot, heat sesame oil. Add garlic and ginger until fragrant. Stir in pumpkin puree, miso paste, soy sauce, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the noodles – Boil ramen noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Crispy sesame mushrooms – Toss mushrooms in cornstarch, sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt. Pan-fry until golden and crunchy.
- Assemble – Divide noodles into bowls, pour in hot pumpkin miso broth, and top with crispy mushrooms and your favorite toppings.
Why This Recipe Works
- 30 Minutes Only – Perfect for weeknights.
- Family-Friendly – Creamy pumpkin broth is mild enough for kids.
- Nutrient-Rich – Pumpkin adds vitamins and fiber, miso supports gut health.
- Vegan Option – Skip the egg topping and keep it plant-based.
Serving Tips
This ramen pairs beautifully with quick pickled cucumbers (you can check my recipe here for a refreshing side). If you’d like to learn more about the magic of miso, visit Just One Cookbook for a deeper dive into Japanese miso traditions.
Final Thoughts
Food doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. This Pumpkin Miso Ramen with Crispy Sesame Mushrooms proves that in half an hour, you can turn simple ingredients into something that warms the heart. Next time the family gathers, surprise them with this golden bowl of comfort—they’ll be asking for seconds before you even sit down.
Enhance this German Leek Soup with:
- German Cucumber Salad for crisp freshness
- Homemade Schnitzel Recipe for added heartiness
- Traditional German Potato Soup for a cozy soup duo
