Tonkotsu Ramen is a rich and flavorful Japanese noodle soup with a creamy pork broth. Here’s how you can make it at home:
Ingredients:
- For the broth:
- 2-3 lbs pork bones (such as neck bones, trotters)
- 1 onion, peeled and halved
- 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
- 1 piece ginger (about 3 inches), sliced
- 6-8 cups water
- 1 cup chicken broth (optional, for extra depth)
- For the soup base:
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- Salt, to taste
- For serving:
- Fresh ramen noodles
- Chashu pork (sliced, for topping)
- Soft-boiled eggs (halved)
- Thinly sliced green onions
- Nori sheets (seaweed), cut into strips
- Bamboo shoots (menma), optional
Instructions:
- Prepare the broth:
- In a large pot, add the pork bones and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and let it cook for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse the bones under cold water to remove any impurities.
- Return the bones to the pot and add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cover with 6-8 cups of water (enough to cover the bones) and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer gently, uncovered, for at least 6 hours, skimming the surface occasionally to remove any foam or impurities. The longer you simmer, the richer the broth will become.
- Prepare the soup base:
- In a small bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, mirin, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prepare the toppings:
- While the broth is simmering, prepare your toppings. Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Slice the chashu pork, boil the eggs, and prepare the green onions, nori, and bamboo shoots.
- Assemble the ramen:
- Strain the broth through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot. Discard solids. Skim off excess fat from the surface of the broth.
- Bring the broth back to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with salt or soy sauce.
- Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles.
- Arrange slices of chashu pork, halved soft-boiled eggs, green onions, nori strips, and bamboo shoots on top of the noodles.
- Drizzle a little of the soup base over each bowl for added flavor.
- Serve immediately:
- Tonkotsu ramen is best enjoyed piping hot. Serve with additional soy sauce, chili oil, or sesame seeds on the side for extra flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Tonkotsu Ramen, a comforting and satisfying Japanese noodle soup!