Tonkotsu Ramen: A Comforting Japanese Classic
Ah, our favorite quick tonkotsu ramen recipe… With fall and winter fast-approaching, we’re digging out our cold-weather soup recipes. With a little shopping for specialty items, you can have a delicious bowl of ramen at your disposal for months to come!
Where Does Tonkotsu Ramen Come From?
Tonkotsu ramen originated in southern Japan. It was first created as an affordable fast food for fish market workers. Over time, Tonkotsu ramen has become a staple of Japanese cuisine. Although the authentic version is traditionally made by simmering pork bones for eight hours, this quick recipe takes just 30 minutes. Therefore, you can enjoy this rich and milky noodle soup without spending all day in the kitchen. Sip on this unforgettable dish and be transported to Tokyo’s bustling metropolis.
Customizing Your Quick Tonkotsu Ramen Recipe
We suggest customizing your bowls by adding various toppings to this Tonkotsu ramen recipe. Great additions include soft-boiled eggs, cooked slices of pork belly, pork tenderloin, pancetta, chicken breast, sautéed spinach, or tofu. Moreover, these toppings enhance the flavor and make the dish more satisfying. Eat like a Japanese local with Tonkotsu ramen, the most classic and popular broth flavor in Japan!
Trying the Quick Tonkotsu Ramen Recipe
When you get a chance to try this quick Tonkotsu ramen recipe, we would love to hear about your results in the comments below. Since some of these ingredients may be difficult to find in your local grocery store, we have added a few helpful links to specialty Amazon products below.
Drink Pairings
For the perfect dining experience, consider pairing your Tonkotsu ramen with beverages such as green or matcha tea, sake, Riesling wine, or a cold lager beer like Kirin, Sapporo, or Asahi. Consequently, these drinks complement the rich flavors of the ramen and enhance your meal.
Conclusion
Tonkotsu ramen is not just a dish; it’s an experience. This quick and easy recipe allows you to enjoy a traditional Japanese meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you are new to Japanese cuisine or a seasoned enthusiast, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Learn more about the history of ramen and explore different ramen toppings.
Happy cooking!
Japanese Tonkotsu Ramen Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 180 g Tonkotsu soup base (pork bone broth)
- 12 oz Ramen noodles
- 1 cup Kikurage mushrooms
- 1 cup Corn (cooked)
- 2 tablespoon Sesame chili oil
- 4 Sheets nori or seaweed snack
- ¼ cup Green onions sliced
- 1 teaspoon Togarashi spice
- 4 Eggs
- 2 cups Spinach Sautéed (optional)
Proteins (choose one):
- 6-8 oz Pork belly (thinly sliced)
- 8-12 oz Pork tenderloin (thinly sliced)
- 8-12 oz Chicken breast (thinly sliced)
- 12 oz Tofu (thinly sliced)
- ½ lb Ground pork
Instructions
Make Tonkotsu Broth
- Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add tonkotsu soup base and stir until dissolved.
- Add kikurage mushrooms, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20-25 minutes as you continue with the recipe.
Prep Ingredients
- (For the noodles & eggs) Fill a medium-large pot ¾ full of water, cover, and bring to a boil on high heat.
(Optional) Cook Eggs
- Gently lower eggs into the medium pot of boiling water and boil for 7-10 minutes (7 for soft, 10 for hard-boiled). Prepare an ice bath for the eggs by adding ½ ice and ½ cold water to a medium bowl. Important: keep boiling water for step 5!
- When the eggs have cooked, place them in the ice bath for 2-3 minutes. Peel the eggs by cracking on a hard surface and rolling until shell becomes loose. Remove the shells and keep warm.
(Optional) Cook Your Protein
- If adding your own protein, cook during this step, cut into thin slices, and keep warm.
- If adding spinach, saute during this step and keep warm.
Cook Noodles
- Add ramen noodles to the medium pot of boiling water from step 3 and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Drain using a colander and rinse the noodles under warm water.
Plate & Serve!
- Divide cooked noodles between soup bowls, ladle the tonkotsu broth over the noodles, and add your favorite toppings: corn, green onions, nori (seaweed), sesame chili oil, and togarashi (spicy!).
- (Optional) serve with halved eggs, prepared protein, and/or sauteed spinach.
- Enhance your experience with a playlist (takeoutkit.com/playlists).
Video
Are you looking for more delicious global recipes? Be sure to check out the complete list.
Rachael says
A easy short-cut method for making ramen at home.