Tonkotsu Ramen


Tonkotsu Ramen Recipe

Tonkotsu ramen is a beloved Japanese noodle soup known for its rich and creamy pork bone broth. Here's a step-by-step guide to making authentic tonkotsu ramen at home.

Ingredients

  • For the broth:
    • 2 pounds pork bones (neck bones and trotters are ideal)
    • 1 onion, quartered
    • 1 head of garlic, halved
    • 1 piece of ginger (about 2 inches), sliced
    • 2 green onions
    • Water (enough to cover the bones)
  • For the tare (seasoning sauce):
    • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    • 1/4 cup mirin
    • 1 tablespoon sake
    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • For serving:
    • Ramen noodles
    • Chashu pork (braised pork belly)
    • Nori (seaweed)
    • Soft-boiled eggs
    • Menma (bamboo shoots)
    • Chopped green onions
    • Chili oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth

Start by blanching the pork bones in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. This helps remove impurities. Drain and rinse the bones under cold water.

2. Simmer the Broth

In a large pot, add the cleaned bones, onion, garlic, ginger, and green onions. Fill the pot with water to cover the bones. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a rolling simmer.

3. Cook for Hours

Let the broth simmer for at least 12-14 hours, adding water as needed to keep the bones submerged. The longer you simmer, the richer the broth will be.

4. Make the Tare

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sesame oil. Heat gently until combined and set aside.

5. Strain the Broth

Once the broth is ready, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove the solids. You should have a creamy, opaque broth.

6. Cook the Noodles

In a separate pot, cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

7. Assemble the Ramen

To serve, place cooked noodles in a bowl, then ladle hot broth over the noodles. Add a drizzle of tare for seasoning. Top with chashu pork, soft-boiled eggs, menma, nori, and chopped green onions. Sprinkle with chili oil if desired.

8. Enjoy!

Your homemade tonkotsu ramen is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve hot and savor the rich flavors.