30 Best Ramen Toppings for A Delicious Meal

No tasty noodle soup is complete without one (or more) of these ramen toppings.

Keep it simple with tofu, or go nuts with eggs, greens, and spice!

Ramen Toppings 101: The Ultimate List

Ramen is a Japanese soup featuring a rich broth and noodles. The noodles are long, thin, and chewy, and the broth is crazy flavorful.

But they don’t make the ramen special – the toppings do! 

And from veggies to seaweed, there are so many different ramen toppings to amplify this humble soup.

Use a few, or use them all. Either way, enjoy!

1. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a very popular topping for ramen. They’re especially a favorite for vegetarians since they have a satisfying meaty texture. 

When they’re cooked in warm broth, mushrooms take on tons of flavor. Plus, they’re a great source of plant-based protein. 

There are several different mushroom varieties used in ramen. Though wood ear and shitake mushrooms are two of the most popular.  

2. Scallions

Scallions, also known as green onions, are an easy way to add a burst of flavor. 

These long green onions are thinly sliced and usually sprinkled on top as a garnish just before serving.

They add a nice bright pop of color to any richly flavored dish. 

3. Bean Sprouts

Bean sprouts are one of my favorite toppings. They’re crispy, fun, and don’t get soggy in soup like other ingredients can. 

Bean sprouts add a fresh bite to rich soups, and the flavor is very mild.

If you love a fresh crunch in ramen, bean sprouts are a must-have topping. 

4. Pork Belly

Pork belly is a beloved ramen topping that people go crazy for. 

It’s got quite a bit of fat, so it needs to be cooked low and slow. But then it’s insanely tender and pairs wonderfully with the noodles and veggies.

When eating out, look for chashu in the description, and you know it’s soft and delicious pork belly!

5. Soft-Boiled Egg

Soft-boiled eggs are a fantastic ramen topping. Not only do they provide a little bit of protein, but the texture is so yummy!

Plus, the soft yolk runs into the broth, adding a rich, velvety flavor.

But that’s not all it’s good for. The egg whites absorb the flavor-packed broth and become impossibly scrumptious.

6. Bamboo Shoots

Bamboo shoots are another very common ramen topping. They’re delicious, tender, and actually good for you. 

They’re sweet yet earthy, which is a nice compliment to the soup flavors. Plus, they add a nice layer of crunch.

Think of them like celery, but don’t cut them as small.

7. Cabbage

Cabbage is a familiar ingredient that works incredibly well in countless dishes. 

It’s crunchy, very mild, and absorbs flavor like a dream.

In ramen, it provides the perfect texture contrast and bulk without distracting from the main elements. 

8. Bok Choy

Bok choy is a type of Chinese cabbage that’s super tasty fried in butter, and served as a simple side.

But it’s also terrific in ramen!

You can spot it by the dark leafy green top and white, crunchy base. It’s sweet but mild and soaks up a lot of flavor from the broth. 

It’ll cook right in the pot and wilt, kind of like spinach.

9. Corn

Corn is a super popular ramen topping – especially spicy ramen as it balances the flavor with sweetness. 

It’s also vibrant and crispy, which is a lovely contrast to the dark soup and chewy noodles.

Plus, it’s always fun to chase around the bottom of the bowl. 

10. Sriracha

We all know and love Sriracha. It tastes great on everything, and ramen is no exception. 

The spicy chili garlic flavors work well with rich broth. And you can add as much or as little as you want. 

You can even serve Sriracha on the side as a dipping sauce. That way, the whole pot won’t be spicy.

11. Butter

Butter definitely isn’t a common or traditional ramen topping, but it’s one to consider. 

This American contribution makes the broth creamy and velvety.

It’s still umami-rich, but you’ll notice the silky texture with just a small amount of butter.

12. Tofu

Need more protein, but you’re vegan? It’s tofu to the rescue!

It’s like a delicious sponge that soaks up all kinds of yummy flavor. 

The soft texture is pleasant, though you could easily throw crispy tofu on top just before serving.

Either way, this is a must-try.

13. Garlic

Garlic.

I could stop there. Is there anything that doesn’t taste better with garlic? 

It adds bright flavor and smells incredible. Garlic also gives ramen that extra touch you can’t quite put your finger on. 

It’s sweet, spicy (in the garlicky kind of way), and oh-so-irresistible. 

14. Chili Peppers

Chili peppers are a hot ticket item for spicy food lovers.

So if you like your food (ramen especially) with a kick of heat, chili peppers are a must. 

You don’t even have to eat the pepper to feel the benefits. Just add them to the broth and remove them before serving.

Thai chili peppers are a popular option because they’re small and pack a punch. 

15. Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are small but mighty. And a little sprinkle of these tiny seeds will add a wonderful nutty flavor.

They help cut the rich flavors of the broth, and they’re a nice crunchy element too.

Just sprinkle them over the top before serving and dig in!

16. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is often referred to as shoyu in the ramen world. In fact, shoyu ramen was one of the first kinds of ramen noodle soup. 

It’s filled with salty umami flavor that’s bright and slightly tangy. And a little goes a long way, so start out with just a dash.

17. Nori 

Nori is dried seaweed, and it’s a super popular ramen topping.

It can be served on top as a garnish or inside of the broth. Since it comes from the ocean, it has lots of salty, briny flavor. 

18. Fish Cake

Steamed fish cakes are not only tasty; they looks super pretty too!

They’re often served as white disks with a pink swirl in the middle. Though they can also be seen on skewers.

Either way, the soft texture, and pleasant fishy flavor are an excellent addition to a big bowl of tasty broth and noodles.

19. Kamaboko

Kamaboko is a type of steamed fish loaf made from white fish paste. It’s firm but soft when you bite into it. 

You’ll notice it has a subtle seafood flavor with a bit of saltiness. And while the texture is a bit rubbery, it tastes nice with other ramen ingredients. 

20. Kimchi

Kimchi is a type of fermented cabbage that adds loads of flavor to ramen. It’s tangy and sometimes has a little kick to it. 

Although kimchi is traditionally made with cabbage, there are many different kinds, such as spicy cucumber kimchi. 

Aside from incredible flavor, kimchi is packed with probiotics, so it’s great for your gut!

21. Chili Oil

Chili oil is a scrumptious way to add customizable the heat in your dish. 

It doesn’t add a ton of flavor, but it can make you sweat!

Add as much or as little as you like. Just be careful not to add too much right off the bat – or it’ll blow your socks off!

22. Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is a delicious addition to ramen. It gives the same great, nutty flavor of the seeds, just without the crunch.

Plus, you’ll get more of it in every bite as the oil disperses throughout the broth.

It’s subtle, but it makes a difference. 

23. Radishes

Radishes are one of my favorite ramen add-ins. They’re spicy and crisp with a nice peppery bite. 

I love the color and fresh crunch – it works so well with the soft noodles and broth. 

Sprinkle a few radish coins into your soup for a fresh take on a yummy dish. 

24. Seaweed

Seaweed can be added to any soup, just like kale or spinach. It gives the dish a wonderful briny flavor without adding too much salt. 

I love the umami flavors that seaweed can add to ramen. And despite its ocean origin, it is not fishy at all. 

25. Gochujang

Gochujang is a fermented red pepper paste and a total flavor bomb. 

It’s super spicy, sweet, salty, and savory. So if you’re dealing with a lackluster broth, gochujang will fix it for sure. 

I suggest mixing it with a little bit of rice vinegar before adding it to broth. That should help distribute it into the soup. 

26. Miso Paste

Miso paste is an extremely common ramen flavor. So much so, there are entire broths and ramen bowls made with it. 

There are many different kinds, including dark, red, and light. Either way, it’s sure to take your ramen to the next level! 

27. Togarashi

Togarashi is a delicious Japanese spice blend that’s a combination of red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, seaweed, and orange peel. 

It’s heavenly.

Togarashi has the perfect palate-pleasing notes of spicy, sweet, salty, and savory. So sprinkle it over the top and dive in.

28. Pickled Ginger

Ginger instantly adds a punch of flavor to ramen. It’s bright, tangy, and spicy and will even boost your immune system!

Pickled ginger, also known as benishoga, is often placed on top of tonkatsu ramen for warmth.

And you’ll definitely feel it tickling its way down your throat.

So throw some into your ramen, and you won’t be disappointed. 

29. Lime

Lime is an easy go-to. This sour citrus adds brightness to ramen that few ingredients can replicate. 

It’s the best way to cut through all the rich flavors. And all it takes is a quick squeeze.

30. Green Veggies

Green veggies make an excellent addition to any noodle soup. They make it more filling, and it’s an easy way to get more veggies in. 

Veggies like broccoli absorb tons of broth and turn into mouthwatering bites of goodness. 

Wilted spinach will add some welcomed bitterness and so many nutrients. And kale is another great option if you have it. 

No matter what your veggie of choice is, it will taste great and look beautiful.