Butter, a rich and creamy seasoning, adds a luxurious depth to ramen, enhancing its flavor and texture. This dairy product, made from churning fresh or fermented cream, introduces a smooth, velvety quality to the broth.
Its subtle sweetness and savory richness meld seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a harmonious and indulgent bowl of ramen. Butter is particularly popular in ramen varieties that feature hearty and robust broths, as it helps to mellow the flavors and add a layer of richness. The addition of butter can elevate the overall dining experience, making each sip and bite more satisfying and flavorful.
Usage and Selection
Butter is typically added to ramen as a finishing touch, melting into the hot broth just before serving. This method ensures that the butter retains its creamy texture and enhances the flavor of the dish.
To use butter in ramen, simply add a small pat (about 1 tablespoon) to the bowl just before serving, allowing it to melt and mix with the broth.
When selecting butter for ramen, opt for unsalted, high-quality butter to control the seasoning and avoid overpowering the dish with salt. European-style butter, which has a higher fat content, can add an extra level of creaminess and richness. Store butter in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness, and allow it to come to room temperature before adding it to the ramen for easier melting.
Types of Ramen Using butter
Butter is a versatile seasoning that enhances various types of ramen, adding a rich and creamy texture to the dish. Here are some popular types of ramen that commonly include butter:

Shoyu Ramen
Shoyu ramen uses a clear and salty soy sauce broth and is considered fairly balanced, with many comforting flavors.

Miso Ramen
Miso Ramen originates from Hokkaido and features a robust miso-based broth, as well as ground pork, corn, and a blend of savory toppings.

Tonkotsu Ramen
Tonkotsu ramen is creamy and intensely savory. It’s based on a rich pork bone broth and uses toppings like chashu and mushrooms.

Butter Corn Ramen
Butter corn ramen is a Hokkaido specialty known for its creamy broth, sweet corn, and savory butter. It is also topped with corn.