When you think of Halloween, what comes to mind? Candy, spooky decorations, and creative costumes usually top the list. But this Halloween, why not add a unique and delicious twist to your menu? Enter squid ink ramen—jet-black noodles that are perfect for the eerie vibe of the holiday!
These dark, inky noodles not only scream Halloween with their dramatic color but also offer a surprisingly delightful flavor. They bring an extra level of spooky sophistication to your Halloween feast, making them the perfect dish to impress your guests.
A Surprising Twist for Halloween
Halloween is all about the unexpected, and squid ink ramen noodles deliver just that. When your guests sit down, they may expect a typical bowl of ramen—until they see the dark, mysterious noodles. The squid ink doesn’t just color the noodles; it also adds a briny taste that complements a rich dashi-based tonkotsu broth beautifully.
Making Squid Ink Ramen at Home
Creating squid ink ramen noodles at home is easier than you might think! You can easily tweak our traditional The Story of Ramen noodle recipe by adding squid ink. You can even purchase pre-packaged squid ink here.
Here’s how we make the noodles:
Ingredients (per serving):
90 grams bread flour
5 grams squid ink (buy here)
2 grams lye water
1 gram fine sea salt
Instructions:
Measure and mix: Start by measuring the bread flour in a prep bowl using a kitchen scale.
Prepare the squid ink mixture: Add squid ink to another bowl and top it up with water until the scale reads 33 grams.
Mix liquid ingredients: Add the sea salt and lye water to the squid ink and stir until the salt dissolves.
Combine with the flour: Gradually pour the squid ink mixture into the flour while stirring with chopsticks.
Form the dough: Once combined, use your hands to squeeze the dough into a ball.
Separate and roll the dough: Flatten the dough into individual servings (this ensures it fits into the pasta roller).
Feed into a pasta roller: Start with the thickest setting and feed the dough through. Fold it in half and continue feeding it through until smooth (about 7 times on setting number 1).
Thin the dough: Gradually increase the roller setting to thin the dough (e.g., once on setting 2, once on 3, and once on 4).
Cut into noodles: Use the spaghetti attachment to cut the dough into noodles.
Cook: Boil the noodles for 90 seconds, then drain and add to a rich bone or seafood broth.
Customize for Spookiness!
Halloween wouldn’t be complete without some creepy, fun garnishes. Here are a few spooky ideas to take your squid ink ramen to the next level:
Eyeball eggs: Halved quail eggs with black sesame seeds in the center make perfect eyeballs floating in your ramen.
"Bloody" garnishes: Drizzle red chili oil or spicy mix for a "bloody" effect.
Alien octopus: Add tentacle-like slices of octopus or squid to give the appearance of alien creatures swimming in the broth.
A Conversation Starter
Squid ink ramen noodles aren’t something you see every day. Their unique color and flavor will be a big hit at your Halloween gathering and spark plenty of conversation. It’s also a great way to share a bit of culinary flair and inspire your guests to try making something spooky and delicious on their own.
To learn how to make ramen noodles from scratch, come to our ramen cooking class in San Francisco. You can book your seats here.
Conclusion
If you're looking for an unforgettable dish to make your Halloween party stand out, squid ink ramen noodles are the perfect choice. They’re visually stunning, delicious, and provide a fun, gourmet alternative to the usual Halloween fare. Whether you’re hosting adults or kids, these spooky noodles are sure to be a hit!
 | Manville Chan is the Founder and Chief Experience Officer at The Story of Ramen. |
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