Name: Pork Ramen Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 6 cups chicken broth (or pork broth); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons miso paste; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon mirin (optional, for extra depth); 1 pound pork belly or pork shoulder; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 4 packs fresh or dried ramen noodles; 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved; ½ cup green onions, sliced; 1 cup bean sprouts; 1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into strips; ½ cup mushrooms (shiitake or cremini), sliced; 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional, for spice)

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Pork ramen is a rich and flavorful Japanese-inspired noodle soup featuring tender pork, a deeply savory broth, and chewy ramen noodles. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy night in and can be customized with your favorite toppings like soft-boiled eggs, scallions, and nori. Whether you’re craving a quick homemade ramen or looking for a weekend cooking project, this recipe will satisfy your noodle cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Flavorful – A savory broth infused with umami-packed ingredients.
Tender, Juicy Pork – Slow-cooked or seared for maximum flavor.
Customizable Toppings – Add eggs, mushrooms, greens, or chili oil to suit your taste.
Better Than Takeout – Enjoy homemade ramen with fresh ingredients and no artificial additives.
Comforting and Satisfying – A perfect balance of noodles, broth, and protein.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pork belly or pork shoulder
Ramen noodles
Chicken or pork broth
Soy sauce
Miso paste (optional)
Garlic
Ginger
Green onions
Sesame oil
Mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
Rice vinegar
Soft-boiled eggs
Mushrooms (shiitake or cremini)
Nori (seaweed sheets)
Chili oil (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Pork:
- If using pork belly, sear it in a pan until browned.
- For pork shoulder, slow cook it in broth with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 2-3 hours until tender.
- Slice or shred the pork once cooked.
Make the Broth:
- In a large pot, sauté garlic and ginger in sesame oil until fragrant.
- Add broth, soy sauce, mirin, and miso paste (if using).
- Simmer for at least 20-30 minutes to develop flavor.
Cook the Noodles:
- Boil ramen noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
Prepare the Soft-Boiled Eggs:
- Bring water to a boil, add eggs, and cook for 6-7 minutes.
- Transfer to an ice bath, peel, and slice in half.
Assemble the Ramen:
- Divide cooked noodles into bowls.
- Pour hot broth over the noodles.
- Top with sliced pork, soft-boiled eggs, mushrooms, green onions, and nori.
- Drizzle with chili oil if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2-4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes – 3 hours (depending on pork method)
Total Time: 1-3.5 hours

Variations

Spicy Miso Ramen: Add extra chili oil or a spoonful of gochujang for heat.
Shoyu Ramen: Use a soy sauce-heavy broth for a more traditional taste.
Tonkotsu-Style Ramen: Simmer pork bones for hours to create a creamy, rich broth.
Vegetable Ramen: Swap pork for tofu and use vegetable broth.
Extra Protein: Add shrimp, chicken, or even more eggs.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store broth and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Broth can be frozen for up to 3 months. Noodles should be cooked fresh.
Reheating: Warm the broth on the stovetop and cook fresh noodles before serving.

FAQs

Can I use instant ramen noodles for this recipe?

Yes! Fresh ramen is best, but instant noodles work in a pinch.

How do I make the broth richer?

Simmer it longer, add miso paste, or use bone broth for deeper flavor.

What’s the best pork cut for ramen?

Pork belly for fatty, tender slices; pork shoulder for slow-cooked shredded meat.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the broth and toppings in advance, then cook fresh noodles before serving.

How do I make spicy ramen?

Add chili oil, sriracha, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth.

What’s a good substitute for mirin?

Use rice vinegar with a pinch of sugar or dry sherry.

Can I make a lighter version of ramen?

Use lean pork loin and a broth with less soy sauce and oil.

How do I make the eggs perfectly soft-boiled?

Boil for 6-7 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath before peeling.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Absolutely! Spinach, bok choy, corn, and carrots all work well.

What’s the difference between ramen and pho?

Ramen has a thicker, wheat-based noodle and a richer, soy-based broth, while pho uses rice noodles and a lighter, fragrant broth.

Conclusion

Homemade pork ramen is a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s easier to make than you might think. With a rich broth, tender pork, and chewy noodles, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!