Miso Bone-Broth Ramen Recipe

Discovering Comfort in Homemade Ramen

Japanese cuisine has always held a special place in my culinary adventures, offering a comforting warmth that soothes and nourishes. Ramen, in particular, embodies this essence with its rich broths, chewy noodles, and diverse toppings that create a symphony of flavors and textures. It's more than just a meal—it's a source of comfort and rejuvenation, perfect for recovering after a long workout or finding solace when feeling under the weather. The simplicity of its preparation and the complexity of its flavors make ramen a favorite in my kitchen, a dish that never fails to uplift and satisfy.

Dreaming of Japan

Japan is not just a destination on my travel wishlist; it's a culinary pilgrimage waiting to happen. The allure of bustling ramen shops in Tokyo, the serene tea houses in Kyoto, and the fresh seafood markets in Osaka beckon with promises of new flavors and experiences. Each bowl of homemade ramen brings me closer to that dream, bridging the gap between my kitchen and the vibrant streets of Japan. As I prepare this recipe, I'm reminded of the shared love for good food and the anticipation of exploring Japan's culinary treasures firsthand.

 

Homemade Ramen with Tare Sauce Pork Belly, Kimchi, and Bok Choy

Ingredients:

For the Tare Sauce (Flavor Base):

• 1/2 cup sake for cooking
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon pressed garlic

For the Ramen:

• 4 servings of ramen noodles
• 8 cups bone broth
• 4 tablespoons miso paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• Salt to taste

For the Tare Sauce Pork Belly:

• 1 lb pork belly, sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

For the Kimchi:

• 1 cup chopped kimchi

For the Bok Choy:

• 2 baby bok choy, halved
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

For the Mushrooms:

• 2 cups mixed mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Hard-Boiled Eggs:

• 4 eggs

Instructions:

Prepare the Tare Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, combine sake for cooking, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and pressed garlic.
2. Simmer over medium heat until the sauce is condensed and slightly thickened. Set aside.

Prepare the Tare Sauce Pork Belly:

1. Marinate pork belly slices in soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the pork belly until browned and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes per side. Set aside.

Prepare the Bok Choy:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add halved baby bok choy and cook until slightly wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.

Prepare the Mushrooms:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté sliced mushrooms until golden brown and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Carefully add eggs and boil for 9-12 minutes, depending on desired doneness.
2. Transfer eggs to an ice bath to cool. Peel and halve them.

Prepare the Ramen:

1. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, bring bone broth to a simmer.
3. In a small bowl, mix miso paste with a ladleful of hot broth until smooth. Add the miso mixture back into the pot along with soy sauce and mirin. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

Assemble the Ramen:

1. Divide cooked ramen noodles among 4 bowls.
2. Ladle hot broth over the noodles, ensuring each bowl gets an equal amount of broth.
3. Top each bowl with slices of Tare Sauce Pork Belly, a spoonful of chopped kimchi, sautéed mushrooms, halved baby bok choy, and a half of a hard-boiled egg.

Serve: Garnish each bowl with green onions, sesame seeds, or nori strips if desired.

Enjoy your Homemade Ramen!

This flavorful ramen recipe combines savory broth, tender pork belly, crunchy vegetables, and the spicy tang of kimchi for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for impressing guests with your homemade ramen skills!