Traditional Japanese Ramen Soup

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 2 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're craving a bowl of heartwarming comfort, look no further than this Traditional Japanese Ramen Soup. With its rich, savory broth and perfectly tender pork, this dish is a satisfying meal that's perfect for any season.

Ingredients for Traditional Japanese Ramen Soup

Pork shoulder is the star of your ramen, providing a rich, hearty flavor and tender texture after slow cooking. The chicken broth and water serve as the base for your soup, creating a flavorful canvas for other ingredients. Soy sauce adds depth and a salty, umami kick, while miso paste contributes a uniquely savory taste. The combination of garlic and ginger infuses the soup with aromatic warmth.

Your dried ramen noodles are the foundation of the dish, providing a satisfying bite. Green onions, bean sprouts, nori, and bamboo shoots add freshness and texture. Sesame seeds add a nutty finish, while boiled eggs enrich the soup with creaminess. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste to enhance all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork is perfectly cooked and tender.
  • Prepare your toppings while the pork is simmering to save time.
  • Rinse the noodles in cold water after cooking to prevent them from sticking together.
  • If you like a bit of heat, add some chili oil or sriracha to your bowl before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This ramen pairs well with a light cucumber salad dressed in sesame oil and rice vinegar. For something extra, serve with a side of gyoza or edamame. A cup of green tea complements the flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs or beef brisket work well as substitutes for pork.
How can I make this vegetarian?
Swap the pork for tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The broth can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble the bowls fresh for the best texture.

Traditional Japanese Ramen Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the pork shoulder and sear it until it's nicely browned on all sides. This step locks in the juices, making the pork extra flavorful. Once browned, remove the pork and set it aside for now.

In the same pot, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté them just until they're fragrant, which should take about a minute or two. This will form the aromatic base of your broth.

Pour in the chicken broth and water, giving it a good stir to combine everything. Stir in the soy sauce and miso paste. Bring the pot to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Return the seared pork to the pot, cover it, and let it cook gently for about 1.5 hours. This slow cooking will break down the pork until it's beautifully tender.

While the pork is cooking, boil the eggs in a separate pot for about 7 minutes. Once done, transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Peel them once they're cool and slice them in half.

Prepare the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set them aside. As the pork finishes, you can start assembling the ramen bowls.

Remove the pork from the broth and slice it thinly. Divide the cooked noodles among your serving bowls, ladle over the hot broth, and top with the sliced pork, halved eggs, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, green onions, nori strips, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Season each bowl with salt and pepper to taste.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Deep, umami-rich flavor from the slow-simmered broth.
  • Perfectly balanced with tender pork and fresh toppings.
  • Customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Great way to explore traditional Japanese flavors at home.

Ingredients

1 lb pork shoulder
2 eggs
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
3 oz dried ramen noodles
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp miso paste
2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
2 green onions, sliced
1 cup bean sprouts
1 sheet nori, cut into strips
1/2 cup bamboo shoots
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add pork shoulder and sear until browned on all sides.
2. Remove pork and set aside. In the same pot, add garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and water, and stir in soy sauce and miso paste. Bring to a simmer.
4. Return pork to the pot, cover, and cook for 1.5 hours until tender.
5. In a separate pot, boil eggs for 7 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. Peel and slice in half.
6. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
7. Remove pork from the broth and slice thinly.
8. To assemble, divide noodles among bowls, ladle hot broth over, and top with sliced pork, eggs, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, green onions, nori strips, and sesame seeds.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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