Ramen is more than just a meal; it's an experience. This Japanese classic, with its deeply savory broth, tender noodles, and flavorful toppings, is the perfect comfort food. Tonkotsu Ramen, in particular, is known for its creamy, rich pork broth that’s simmered to perfection. Whether you're a ramen aficionado or a first-timer, making Tonkotsu Ramen at home is a rewarding experience.
Ingredients:
For the Broth:
- 2 lbs pork bones (neck and leg bones work best)
- 1 lb chicken wings
- 1 large onion, halved
- 5 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- Salt, to taste
For the Ramen Toppings:
- 4 large eggs
- 4 slices of chashu pork (braised pork belly)
- 1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into strips
- 1 cup bamboo shoots, marinated in soy sauce
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
For the Ramen Noodles:
- 400g fresh ramen noodles (find these at your local Asian market or make your own)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Broth:
- Begin by rinsing the pork bones and chicken wings under cold water. This helps to remove any blood or impurities.
- Place the bones and chicken wings in a large stockpot filled with water. Bring to a rolling boil and let it boil for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, drain the water and rinse the bones and wings thoroughly to remove any scum.
- Refill the pot with fresh water and add the bones, wings, onion, garlic, ginger, and green onions. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 12 hours, ideally 18-24 hours for maximum flavor.
- Skim any impurities that rise to the top. The broth will reduce and become concentrated.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve and season it with soy sauce, mirin, and salt to taste.
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Prepare the Ramen Toppings:
- For perfectly soft-boiled eggs, boil them for 6-7 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath immediately. Once cool, peel the eggs and set them aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly sear the chashu pork slices until they are golden brown on each side.
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Cook the Ramen Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes for fresh noodles).
- Drain the noodles and divide them into bowls.
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Assemble Your Ramen:
- Ladle the hot broth over the noodles in each bowl.
- Top with slices of chashu pork, soft-boiled egg halves, nori strips, bamboo shoots, and a sprinkle of green onions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the deep, comforting flavors of your homemade Tonkotsu Ramen.
Pro Tips:
- To achieve the perfect creamy texture in the broth, let it simmer low and slow. The longer you cook it, the richer it becomes.
- For a more intense flavor, marinate the soft-boiled eggs in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and water for a few hours or overnight.
- Fresh ramen noodles make a huge difference, but if you can't find them, dried noodles will work in a pinch.
With the right tools and ingredients, creating this authentic dish at home becomes a breeze. Check out Lamieus for high-quality kitchenware, including pots and skillets that will elevate your cooking experience.