Authentic Homemade Pork Ramen Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb boneless pork shoulder
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons miso paste
2 tablespoons sake
2 teaspoons sesame oil
4 packets ramen noodles (discarding the flavor packet)
2 green onions, sliced
2 boiled eggs, halved
1 cup bean sprouts
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 sheet of nori (seaweed), cut into strips
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pork shoulder and cook until it is browned on all sides.
Remove the pork from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the garlic and onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the chicken broth, water, soy sauce, miso paste, and sake to the pot. Stir until the miso paste is fully dissolved.
Add the pork shoulder back into the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 2 hours. The pork should be tender and easily pulled apart with a fork.
While the pork is simmering, prepare the ramen noodles according to the package instructions and set them aside.
Once the pork is done, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks.
Divide the ramen noodles into four bowls. Top each bowl with a portion of the shredded pork, a half of a boiled egg, some bean sprouts, mushrooms, green onions, and nori strips.
Heat the sesame oil in a small pan over medium heat and drizzle it over each bowl.
Pour the broth from the pot over the noodles in each bowl. Serve hot.

Tools for making

Cutting board - Used for preparing and cutting the ingredients.
Chef's knife - A sharp knife for slicing and dicing the pork, garlic, onions, and other ingredients.
Large pot - Used for cooking the broth and simmering the pork.
Stirring spoon - Used for stirring the broth and other ingredients.
Forks - Used for shredding the cooked pork and serving.
Small pan - Used for heating the sesame oil.
Bowls - Used for serving the ramen.
Tongs - Useful for handling and serving the boiled eggs.
Measuring cups and spoons - Used for precise measurement of ingredients such as soy sauce, miso paste, and sake.
Strainer - Used for straining the broth or noodles if needed.

Recipe variations

Substitute the pork shoulder with chicken thighs or beef slices.
Add vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or corn kernels to the broth.
Include extra toppings such as bamboo shoots, sliced jalapenos, or shredded carrots.
Make it spicy by adding chili paste or sriracha sauce to the broth.
For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with tofu or tempeh.
Create a seafood ramen by adding shrimp, scallops, or crab meat to the broth.
Experiment with different types of noodles like udon, soba, or rice noodles.
Customize the broth flavor by adding ginger, lemongrass, or star anise.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or toasted sesame seeds for added flavor.
For a healthier option, use whole wheat or gluten-free ramen noodles.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the authentic flavors of Japan with this delicious Pork Ramen recipe. This recipe combines tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork shoulder with the salty tang of miso and soy sauce, all soaked up by soft ramen noodles. The dish is then topped with various fresh and flavorful ingredients such as green onions, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and the seaweed known as nori. We'll also show you how to finish it off with a drizzle of aromatic sesame oil and serve it piping hot. This homemade ramen is a comforting, hearty meal that's perfect for a cold day or when you're in need of some culinary comfort. Expect a rich, umami-packed broth and a satisfying combination of textures from the various toppings. Enjoy the process of putting together this ramen as much as you will enjoy eating it.

Common questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, you can use a different cut of pork such as pork tenderloin or pork belly, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.

Can I substitute the miso paste?
If you don't have miso paste, you can substitute it with soybean paste or even peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

Is it necessary to discard the ramen flavor packets?
Yes, for this recipe, we discard the flavor packets that come with the ramen noodles. The homemade broth provides all the flavor needed for the dish.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the pork with tofu or add a variety of vegetables such as bok choy, carrots, and corn to make it a vegetarian ramen.

Can I make the broth ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the broth ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the broth and proceed with the remaining steps.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - A sturdy surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife - A sharp knife for slicing the pork, mincing garlic, and dicing onions.
Large pot - Used for simmering the pork and making the broth.
Forks - Used to shred the cooked pork shoulder.
Small pan - Used to heat and drizzle sesame oil over the ramen bowls.
Soup ladle - Used to pour the broth over the ramen noodles.
Soup bowls - Deep bowls to hold the ramen and its toppings.
Chopsticks or spoons - Utensils for eating the ramen.

Origin stories

Ramen, a dish that has become synonymous with Japanese cuisine, actually has its roots in China. It was first introduced to Japan in the late 19th century by Chinese immigrants, who set up food stalls in Yokohama's Chinatown and served what was then called "shina soba" or "Chinese noodles". Originally, ramen was a simple dish, composed of wheat noodles in a meat or fish based broth, often flavored with soy sauce, and topped with sliced pork, green onions, and nori. Over the years, however, regional variations developed, and today, there are numerous styles of ramen unique to different regions of Japan. One such variation is pork ramen, a hearty, filling dish that utilizes the rich flavors of pork shoulder, simmered for hours to create a flavorful broth, and served with an array of toppings. The humble bowl of noodles that started as street food has now become an integral part of Japanese culture, and has taken the world by storm with its comfort and complexity.

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.