Topping & Side Dishes
MENMA
What Is Menma?
Menma is a classic Japanese ramen topping made from seasoned bamboo shoots. Traditional menma is made with fermented bamboo shoots, giving it its distinctive texture and flavor.
This easy homemade version starts with pre-boiled bamboo shoots and seasons them with shiitake dashi, soy sauce, sugar, and kombu powder. The bamboo shoots are lightly stir-fried, then simmered until the seasoning is absorbed, creating a savory topping that is easy to prepare at home. Made entirely with plant-based ingredients, this recipe is naturally vegan.
WHY ADD MENMA TO YOUR RAMEN?
Menma adds both texture and savory flavor to a bowl of ramen. Its firm bite provides contrast to soft noodles, while the soy sauce and dashi seasoning complements the flavors of the soup.
Shiitake dashi and kombu add umami without the need for meat-based stock, keeping this ramen topping entirely plant-based.
HOW TO USE MENMA
Ramen Topping:
Add a few pieces of menma to a finished bowl of ramen for a classic combination of savory flavor and crunchy texture.
Side Dish:
Serve the seasoned bamboo shoots on their own as a simple Japanese-style side dish.
RAMEN PAIRING IDEAS
Instructions
1) The day before, soak 1 dried shiitake mushroom in 1/4 cup (60 ml) water and refrigerate overnight to make shiitake dashi. The next day, remove the mushroom and reserve 2 Tbsp (30 ml) of the dashi for this recipe.
2) Cut the pre-boiled bamboo shoots into easy-to-eat, menma-style pieces.
3) Rub a small amount of salt into the bamboo shoots and let them rest for 10–15 minutes.
4) Rinse the bamboo shoots briefly and drain them thoroughly.
5) Heat a small amount of sesame oil in a pan. Add the bamboo shoots and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
6) Add 2 Tbsp (30 ml) shiitake dashi, soy sauce, sugar, and a pinch of kombu powder.
7) Cook over medium-low heat until almost all of the liquid has evaporated.
8) Remove from the heat and allow the menma to cool so the flavors can settle.
