UmamiBoosted Chicken Ramen Broth

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken bones or 2 chicken carcasses
• 10 cups water
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 1 small leek, sliced (optional for flavor, omit if desired)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dried shiitake mushrooms
• 1 small piece of kombu (about 2x2 inches)
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon miso paste (white or red)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

Instructions:

1. Rinse the chicken bones under cold water.
2. In a large pot, combine the chicken bones, water, garlic, ginger, leek (if using), soy sauce, dried shiitake mushrooms, kombu, mirin, miso paste, salt, and black peppercorns.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
4. Skim off any scum that rises to the surface.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer gently for at least 1 hour, up to 3 hours for maximum flavor extraction.
6. Remove the pot from the heat and strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
7. Use immediately or let it cool before storing in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freezing for later use.

By incorporating mirin and miso paste alongside the other umami-boosting ingredients, you'll create a deeply flavorful and rich Chicken Ramen Broth with layers of complexity. Enjoy the enhanced umami experience in your Chicken Ramen dish! Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your preferences.