Description
Tan Tan Ramen is a flavorful and comforting Japanese noodle soup inspired by the classic Sichuan dish. This recipe features a rich, savory broth blended with sesame paste, chili oil, and ginger, topped with spicy ground pork, fresh ramen noodles, and garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, and a perfectly soft-boiled egg. It combines creamy, spicy, and nutty flavors for a well-rounded and satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Broth Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons sesame paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pork Mixture
- 6 ounces ground pork
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
Noodles and Garnishes
- 4 ounces fresh ramen noodles
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 soft-boiled egg
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon crushed peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a medium-sized pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add the sesame paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic to the broth. Stir the mixture until the sesame paste and sugar are fully dissolved and the broth is smooth. Continue simmering for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Cook the Ground Pork: While the broth simmers, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Stir in the Sichuan peppercorns and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to release their flavor. Reduce heat to low and set the pork mixture aside.
- Cook the Ramen Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the fresh ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions, typically 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Soft-Boiled Egg: Place the egg in boiling water for 6 to 7 minutes, then transfer it to an ice bath to cool. Peel and cut the egg in half.
- Assemble the Ramen Bowls: Divide the cooked noodles evenly between two bowls. Pour the prepared broth over the noodles. Top with the cooked pork mixture, dividing it evenly. Place half of the soft-boiled egg in each bowl. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and crushed peanuts.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade Tan Tan Ramen.
Notes
- For an extra spicy kick, add more chili oil to taste.
- Sichuan peppercorns can be lightly toasted before adding to deepen their flavor.
- If fresh ramen noodles are unavailable, dried or frozen ramen can be used as substitutes.
- The soft-boiled egg can be marinated in soy sauce for more flavor if desired.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
