Haha’s 631 Doenjang Ramen
Happy Together Late Night Snack’s Star Recipe: Haha’s 631 Doenjang Ramen
Recreate Haha’s famous 631 Doenjang Ramen, a hit from the ‘Happy Together’ late-night snack segment! This recipe elevates instant ramen by building a rich broth similar to doenjang jjigae (Korean soybean paste stew) and using a special 6:3:1 ratio of doenjang, ssamjang, and gochujang for an incredibly flavorful soup. It’s simple yet sophisticated, perfect for a late-night craving or a comforting meal. Get ready for a deeply savory and satisfying ramen experience!
Main Ingredients
- 1 packet ramen noodles
- 1/4 Korean zucchini (aehobak)
- 1 small potato
- 1 Korean chili pepper (cheongyang)
- 1/2 red chili pepper
- 1/2 small block of firm tofu
- 1/2 onion
- A little oyster mushrooms
- A little green onion
Broth & Seasoning
- 1.5 Tbsp Korean soybean paste (doenjang)
- 0.5 Tbsp ssamjang (Korean seasoned soybean paste)
- 3-4 dried anchovies for broth
- 1 piece dried kelp (3×4 cm)
- A little dried shrimp (optional)
- 0.3 Tbsp red chili paste (gochujang)
- 5 cups water
- 1.5 Tbsp Korean soybean paste (doenjang)
- 0.5 Tbsp ssamjang (Korean seasoned soybean paste)
- 3-4 dried anchovies for broth
- 1 piece dried kelp (3×4 cm)
- A little dried shrimp (optional)
- 0.3 Tbsp red chili paste (gochujang)
- 5 cups water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, we’ll create a delicious broth, just like making a traditional doenjang jjigae. Finely chop the vegetables that will go into the stew: Korean zucchini, potato, onion, and chili peppers. Ensure the potato pieces are bite-sized for faster cooking.
Step 2
In a pot, add 5 cups of water, dried kelp, anchovies, and optional dried shrimp. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes to extract a deep, savory flavor. Remove the kelp, anchovies, and shrimp. Add the chopped potatoes to the strained broth and bring back to a simmer.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the secret seasoning for Haha’s 631 Doenjang Ramen! Mix doenjang, ssamjang, and gochujang in a 6:3:1 ratio. For example, combine 1.5 Tbsp doenjang, 0.5 Tbsp ssamjang, and 0.3 Tbsp gochujang. This ratio is key to achieving the perfect flavor balance.
Step 4
A key point for Haha’s 631 Doenjang Ramen, as he mentioned, is to cook the broth until it turns a ‘vibrant orange’ color. Once the potatoes are halfway cooked, stir in the prepared doenjang mixture. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to develop its characteristic orange hue. This step ensures the rich, savory notes of the doenjang are fully released.
Step 5
When the broth is beautifully boiling and orange, add the chopped Korean zucchini, onion, green chili pepper, and red chili pepper. If you enjoy mushrooms, adding oyster mushrooms or others will enhance the flavor further. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
Step 6
Add the tofu and let it simmer for another moment. Once all the ingredients are well combined, break the ramen noodles in half and add them to the pot. Stir gently to separate the noodles and cook until they are al dente, usually about 3-4 minutes.
Step 7
Oh no! The pot became too full after adding the ramen! If you’re using a ttukbaegi (earthenware pot), consider reducing the broth quantity beforehand or transferring the soup to a larger pot. Continue boiling until the noodles are cooked through.
Step 8
Your warm and savory Haha’s 631 Doenjang Ramen is ready! The comforting doenjang base, chewy ramen noodles, and tender vegetables create a delightful harmony. Enjoy this delicious meal, perhaps with some kimchi!
