FOR THE CHICKEN AND NOODLES
FOR THE GINGER-SCALLION SAUCE
At least 2 hours before serving, cut a number of slits into the chicken thighs without piercing them completely (if using deboned skin-on chicken, cut slits on the meaty underside of the thighs). Place thighs in a bowl, and add soy sauce, sugar, salt and pepper, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil and Shaoxing wine if using. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and allow to marinate in the fridge.
Make the ginger-scallion sauce: In a small heat-safe bowl, combine scallions, ginger, salt and sugar. Mix thoroughly to release some of the liquid. Let sit for at least 5 minutes.
Add the oil to a small saucepan and heat until it reads 325 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. Carefully pour the hot oil into ginger-scallion mixture. The mixture will immediately sizzle. Add fish sauce if using, stir, and let cool. (Sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week.)
When ready to eat, bring a large pot of water to boil. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to a large (12-inch) nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs until beautifully brown, about 5 minutes on each side. When the chicken is cooked (it should register at least 165 degrees with an instant-read thermometer), remove from heat onto a plate.
Cook the ramen bricks in the pot of boiling water according to package directions. Divide cooked noodles among four bowls, and spoon a generous tablespoon of ginger-scallion sauce and its flavored oil onto the noodles, tossing to combine. Slice each thigh into strips and lay over each bowl of noodles. Spoon more ginger-scallion sauce onto the chicken.
In the same pan you used to cook the chicken, add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the drippings and fry four eggs sunny-side up. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Drape one fried egg each over each bowl and add chile oil or chile crisp if desired. Break the yolk over noodles, chicken and sauce.
