Authentic Chūkasoba (Japanese Ramen Noodles) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200 grams of chūkasoba noodles
  • 1 liter of chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of mirin
  • 1 tablespoon of sake
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 small piece of ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 200 grams of pork belly, thinly sliced
  • 2 spring onions, chopped
  • 1 boiled egg, halved
  • 100 grams of canned bamboo shoots
  • 1 sheet of nori, cut into two
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
  • 2 teaspoons of chili oil (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by preparing the broth: In a large pot, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, mirin, sake, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
  2. In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced pork belly and cook until it is browned and crispy. Remove the pork from the pan and set it aside.
  3. Cook the chūkasoba noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  4. Divide the cooked noodles between two bowls. Pour the simmering broth over the noodles.
  5. Top each bowl with half of the cooked pork belly, spring onions, boiled egg, bamboo shoots, and a piece of nori.
  6. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of each bowl and add a teaspoon of chili oil if desired.
  7. Serve the Chūkasoba immediately, while it is still hot.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - for preparing the broth
  • Frying pan - for cooking the pork belly
  • Strainer - for draining and rinsing the noodles
  • Bowls - for serving the Chūkasoba
  • Chopsticks - for eating the noodles
  • Soup ladle - for pouring the broth over the noodles
  • Kitchen knife - for mincing garlic, chopping spring onions, and cutting nori
  • Grater - for grating ginger
  • Measuring spoons - for precisely measuring ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, and sake

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian option: Replace the pork belly with tofu or tempeh slices.
  • Seafood variation: Add cooked shrimp, crab meat, or sliced fish cake to the toppings.
  • Spicy version: Increase the amount of chili oil or add a tablespoon of sriracha sauce to the broth.
  • Vegetable-packed: Include additional vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, bean sprouts, or snow peas.
  • Customized toppings: Experiment with different toppings like sliced mushrooms, corn kernels, or shredded carrots.
  • Broth variations: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth or dashi (Japanese fish stock) for different flavor profiles.
  • Extra garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, sliced green chilies, or pickled ginger on top for added freshness and flavor.
  • Gluten-free option: Replace the chūkasoba noodles with gluten-free soba noodles or rice noodles.
  • Low-carb alternative: Swap the noodles with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles for a lighter version.

Recipe overview

Chūkasoba, also known as ramen, is a beloved Japanese dish known for its savory broth, chewy noodles, and array of toppings. This recipe will guide you through the process of making your own Chūkasoba at home, featuring a flavorful broth infused with soy, mirin, and sake, topped with succulent pork belly, fresh spring onions, and other traditional garnishes. The process is straightforward: you'll start by creating a deeply flavorful broth, then build your bowl with cooked noodles, your prepared toppings, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The result is a comforting, hearty meal that's sure to satisfy your cravings for authentic Japanese cuisine. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of noodles instead of chūkasoba noodles? Yes, you can substitute chūkasoba noodles with other types of noodles like ramen, udon, or soba noodles if you prefer.
  2. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Yes, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute for chicken broth if you want a vegetarian version of the dish.
  3. Can I use other meats instead of pork belly? Certainly! You can use chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu as alternative protein options in this recipe.
  4. What can I use as a replacement for mirin? If you don't have mirin, you can use a combination of white wine or sherry mixed with a small amount of sugar as a substitute.
  5. Is the chili oil necessary? No, the chili oil is an optional ingredient. If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add it, but the dish can still be delicious without it.
  6. Can I make the broth in advance? Yes, you can prepare the broth ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. Just reheat it before pouring it over the noodles.
  7. Can I add other toppings? Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like corn, seaweed, bean sprouts, or sliced mushrooms to personalize the dish to your taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Needed to cook the broth and simmer it.
  • Frying pan - Used to cook the pork belly until crispy.
  • Colander - Used to drain and rinse the cooked chūkasoba noodles.
  • Bowls - Used to serve the Chūkasoba.
  • Chopsticks - Traditional utensil for eating Chūkasoba.
  • Soup spoons - Used to consume the broth.
  • Kitchen timer - Helpful for cooking the noodles for the correct amount of time.

Origin stories

Chūkasoba, literally meaning "Chinese noodles," is a clear testament to the cultural intermingling that has shaped Japanese cuisine. It was first developed during the Meiji era (1868-1912) when Japan was opening its borders to the world after centuries of self-imposed isolation. The dish was inspired by the noodle soups served in the Chinatowns of Yokohama and Kobe. While it was initially a street food, available from yatai food stalls, it eventually found its way into restaurants and home kitchens all across Japan. Today, it's renowned as a comforting and versatile dish, with each region, and even each ramen shop, putting its unique spin on the classic recipe. It's a testament to the Japanese ethos of kaizen, or continuous improvement, where no dish is ever truly perfected, but always evolving.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.