The world of Korean instant noodles has recently been buzzing with excitement over a new recipe that took social media by storm—Chef Ahn Sung-jae’s “Garlic Ramen,” made with Jongwon Paik’s signature Paik Ramen and roasted whole garlic. The pairing of these two culinary giants, featured on Netflix’s variety show Culinary Class Wars, has led to an explosion of interest in this unique dish. With over 6 million views on YouTube, this dish has quickly become a fan favorite.
The Recipe: Roasted Garlic and Paik Ramen
At the heart of this recipe are two simple yet key ingredients: Paik Ramen and whole garlic. While it may sound simple, preparing it takes some skill and time. The process begins by roasting whole garlic cloves—keeping the skin on but trimming the root and top ends. The garlic is pan-seared until golden, which deepens its flavor without the sharpness typically associated with raw garlic.
Once the garlic is ready, it’s added to boiling water alongside the Paik Ramen seasoning packet. The garlic cooks further in the broth for about five minutes, releasing its rich, savory essence into the soup. Once the garlic softens, you peel it and mash it into the broth for a creamy, deep flavor. Finally, the ramen noodles are added, with chopped green onions and crispy noodle bits served as a garnish for added texture.
A Rich and Flavorful Experience
Tasting the garlic ramen is a unique experience. The broth is rich, with a deep umami flavor that only roasted garlic can provide. The noodles soak up this flavor, creating a well-balanced bite every time. The mashed garlic gives the broth a creamy texture, while the green onions add a slight crunch. The dish isn’t overly spicy, leaning more towards a sweet and savory heat rather than a sharp, fiery kick. For those who prefer spicier ramen, this might be a bit mild, but it’s a delightful take on comfort food with a twist.
After trying the dish, one might find it hard to go back to regular instant ramen. The added depth of flavor from the garlic elevates the entire experience, making it feel like a gourmet meal. It’s the kind of ramen you could see yourself enjoying once in a while for a special treat.
Not Without Its Challenges
Despite the simplicity of its ingredients, the recipe isn’t the easiest to prepare. While Chef Ahn managed to whip up the dish in 10 minutes, for many home cooks, it takes much longer. Roasting the garlic and peeling it after boiling requires patience. If you’re not careful, the garlic might stick to its skin, making it a bit tedious to handle. In addition, the broth may evaporate faster than expected, so adding extra water throughout the process is recommended.
The final touch of crispy noodle bits, while a nice idea, didn’t add much to the texture, so skipping it wouldn’t detract from the overall flavor.
The Jongwon Paik Effect: A Marketing Success
Jongwon Paik’s involvement in this recipe has proven to be a marketing goldmine for his Paik Ramen. The once under-the-radar product has now become a hot topic among food lovers and Korean instant noodle fans alike. The viral recipe video featuring Chef Ahn Sung-jae has done more for the product than any traditional TV commercial could have. This is a prime example of “creator commerce” in action—when a celebrity introduces a product, and their fan base eagerly supports it.
For Jongwon Paik, this garlic ramen recipe is not only a culinary success but a commercial one as well. It showcases the power of content-driven marketing and how a simple dish can turn into a viral sensation, capturing the interest of millions.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Dish
Whether you’re a fan of the Netflix show or just love exploring new flavors, Chef Ahn Sung-jae’s garlic ramen is worth a try. It offers a fresh take on traditional instant noodles with a gourmet twist. While it may take a little extra time to prepare, the result is a bowl of ramen rich in flavor and satisfying to the last bite.
So, the next time you’re in the mood to elevate your instant noodle game, give this garlic ramen a try. You may just find yourself craving it again and again.
Reference: https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/018/0005846411?sid=101
