Tonkotsu ramen is a rich and creamy Japanese noodle soup made with pork bone broth, noodles, and various toppings. The broth is the star of this dish, requiring several hours of simmering to achieve its signature creamy texture and deep flavor. Here’s a comprehensive recipe to make Tonkotsu Ramen at home.
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Ingredients
For the Broth
- 2 pounds pork bones (preferably a mix of marrow bones, trotters, and neck bones)
- 1 pound pork fatback
- 1 large onion, peeled and halved
- 1 head garlic, halved
- 1 piece of ginger (2 inches), sliced
- 2-3 green onions (scallions), trimmed and halved
- Water (enough to cover the bones)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1 tablespoon salt (adjust to taste)
For the Tare (Flavor Base)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup mirin
- 1/2 cup sake
- 1/4 cup bonito flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 piece of ginger (1 inch), crushed
For the Noodles and Toppings
- Fresh or dried ramen noodles
- Chashu pork (braised pork belly)
- Soft-boiled eggs
- Menma (bamboo shoots)
- Nori (seaweed)
- Green onions (scallions), finely sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Optional: sliced mushrooms, corn, spinach, bean sprouts, etc.
Instructions
Making the Broth
- Prepare the Pork Bones and Fatback:
- Rinse the pork bones under cold water to remove any blood or impurities.
- Place the bones in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse the bones thoroughly to remove any scum.
- Rinse the pot to remove any residual scum and refill it with fresh water. Add the cleaned pork bones back to the pot.
- Simmer the Broth:
- Add the pork fatback, onion, garlic, ginger, and green onions to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for at least 10-12 hours. Check occasionally to skim off any scum that forms on the surface and to ensure the bones remain covered with water. Add more water as necessary.
- Finish the Broth:
- After 10-12 hours, remove the pork fatback and set it aside. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into another large pot, discarding the solids.
- Blend the reserved pork fatback in a food processor until smooth, then stir it back into the broth to add richness and creaminess.
- Season the broth with soy sauce, mirin, and salt. Adjust to taste.
Making the Tare
- Prepare the Tare:
- Combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, bonito flakes, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove solids. Set aside.
Preparing the Toppings
- Prepare the Chashu Pork:
- For the chashu pork, braise a piece of pork belly in soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic, and ginger for several hours until tender. Slice thinly.
- Prepare the Soft-Boiled Eggs:
- Soft-boil eggs by boiling for 6-7 minutes, then plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Peel and marinate in soy sauce and mirin for a few hours.
Assembling the Ramen
- Cook the Noodles:
- Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Ramen:
- In each serving bowl, add a spoonful of tare (flavor base).
- Ladle the hot broth into the bowl.
- Add the cooked ramen noodles.
- Top with slices of chashu pork, a soft-boiled egg, menma, nori, green onions, and any other desired toppings.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Enjoy your homemade Tonkotsu Ramen!
FAQs about Tonkotsu Ramen
1. What is Tonkotsu Ramen?
Tonkotsu Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup known for its rich, creamy broth made from simmering pork bones for several hours. It is typically served with ramen noodles and various toppings.
2. How long does it take to make Tonkotsu Ramen?
The process takes about 12-14 hours, including the time to prepare the broth, tare, and toppings. This long simmering time is essential to achieve the broth’s signature creamy texture and deep flavor.
3. Can I use a slow cooker or Instant Pot for the broth?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker or Instant Pot to make the broth. For a slow cooker, cook on low for 12-14 hours. For an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 2-3 hours, followed by natural pressure release.
4. What are the key ingredients for the broth?
The key ingredients include pork bones (marrow bones, trotters, neck bones), pork fatback, onion, garlic, ginger, and green onions. These ingredients are simmered together to create the rich broth.
5. What is tare and why is it important?
Tare is the flavor base for ramen. It is a concentrated sauce made from ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, sake, bonito flakes, garlic, and ginger. Tare adds depth and complexity to the broth.
6. Can I make the broth ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the broth ahead of time. Once the broth is prepared, let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
7. What kind of noodles should I use for Tonkotsu Ramen?
Use fresh or dried ramen noodles specifically made for ramen. These noodles are usually thin and wavy, perfect for absorbing the rich broth.
8. How do I make the chashu pork?
Chashu pork is made by braising a piece of pork belly in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic, and ginger until tender. Slice it thinly before adding it to the ramen.
9. Can I customize the toppings?
Absolutely! Common toppings include chashu pork, soft-boiled eggs, menma (bamboo shoots), nori (seaweed), green onions, and sesame seeds. You can also add mushrooms, corn, spinach, bean sprouts, or other preferred toppings.
10. Is Tonkotsu Ramen gluten-free?
Traditional Tonkotsu Ramen is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce and ramen noodles. However, you can make a gluten-free version by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
11. Can I make a vegetarian version of Tonkotsu Ramen?
While traditional Tonkotsu Ramen is made with pork bones, you can create a vegetarian version using a rich vegetable broth or miso-based broth. Replace the pork with tofu or other plant-based proteins.
Conclusion
Tonkotsu Ramen is a comforting and flavorful dish that requires time and patience to perfect. The long simmering process creates a rich and creamy broth that is the heart of this beloved Japanese noodle soup. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can recreate the authentic taste of Tonkotsu Ramen at home. Whether you stick to the traditional toppings or customize it to your liking, this homemade ramen will undoubtedly impress and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy the process and savor every delicious bite of your homemade Tonkotsu Ramen!
Image Courtesy: foodandwine
