If you’ve spent any time on the internet, you’ve probably heard of the Kewpie Mayo Ramen trend that’s been sweeping through kitchens all over the world. It’s one of many ramen hacks that have been trending on TikTok and social media and is personally my favorite.
It’s amazing how adding Kewpie mayo, egg, and a few simple ingredients can make such a difference. The additional fat from the mayo transforms the broth, making it creamy, savory, and super comforting. While not completely the same as the ramen you would get from a ramen shop, it definitely comes close and the best part–it just takes 10 minutes to make.
What makes Kewpie mayo ramen so good?
The magic happens when you mix this creamy mayo into your bowl of ramen. The creamy texture of the egg and mayo blends seamlessly with the hot broth, creating a luxurious, velvety soup base that coats every noodle. The umami in Kewpie mayo complements the savory depth of the broth, resulting in a a literal flavor bomb in your mouth.
What is Kewpie mayo, and how is it different from regular mayo?
Kewpie mayo is different from regular mayonnaise. This creamy condiment has its roots in Japan and is renowned for its unique flavor profile and distinctive packaging. There are also two tips available (round and star) that allow you to squeeze out the mayo in either size/shape.
What really sets Kewpie mayo apart from its traditional counterparts is its special combination of ingredients. It’s made using egg yolks, rice vinegar, and a dash of MSG (monosodium glutamate), which enhances the umami taste. The rice vinegar also brightens the mayo and provides a pleasantly tangy element. The result is a smoother, creamier, and more flavorful mayonnaise.
Which ramen brand should I use?
The beauty of the Kewpie mayo ramen hack is its versatility. You can absolutely use any ramen, but I prefer to use Shin Ramen. Shin Ramen has a very peppery and spicy base, which balances perfectly with the creaminess of the egg and mayo. While I find the spicy broth in Shin Ramen extremely addicting and satisfying, it may be hard to tolerate for those who have a low threshold for spice. The egg and mayo offsets some of the heat so trying it this way be more palatable for those who prefer a less spicy and peppery broth.
What are the best ramen toppings to use?
While ramen is great on its own, I like to add additional protein and vegetables to my ramen to make it more filling and nutritionally balanced.
Pork and shrimp are proteins of choice when it comes to ramen toppings, but tofu and sliced beef are great options too. Here are a few additional ramen toppings to try:
- Sliced pork belly or Chasu
- Spam
- Shrimp
- Tofu
- Sliced beef
- Shredded pork
- Ramen egg
- Bok choy
- Bean sprouts
- Mushrooms (Enoki, King Oyster, Woodear, etc)
- Corn
- Fish cakes
- Bamboo shoots
- Sliced green onions
- Nori
Kewpie Mayo Ramen
Ingredients
- 1 pack instant ramen
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tbsp Kewpie mayo
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 cups water
Ramen Toppings
- 4 shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 egg soft boiled
- 1 King oyster mushroom
- 1 green onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup corn
- 1/2 tsp furikake seasoning to garnish *optional
Instructions
- Prepare your soft boiled egg and other toppings. Peel and devein the shrimp and slice the king oyster mushroom. Carefully score the mushroom on both sides in a criss-cross pattern. Add butter to heated pan and cook the mushroom slices and shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Set aside.
For the Kewpie Mayo Ramen
- Boil ramen noodles according to package instructions
- Add instant ramen seasoning packet and vegetable packet to your bowl. Add egg yolk and Kewpie mayo and grated garlic. Use chopsticks or a fork to whisk everything together. Once the noodles are ready, use a ladle to slowly drizzle in about a cup of the noodle water while whisking with your other hand to ensure the eggs don't scramble.
- Add the noodles and remaining noodle water and give everything a mix.
- Top with cooked shrimp, mushrooms, corn, and soft boiled egg. Garnish with green onion slices and furikake seasoning if desired.
