Homemade Kitakata Ramen

Ingredients

• 4 cups (946ml) chicken broth 4 cups (946ml) chicken broth
• 2 cups (473ml) pork broth 2 cups (473ml) pork broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon sake 1 tablespoon sake
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 200g (7oz) ramen noodles 200g (7oz) ramen noodles
• 4 slices of chashu (braised pork belly) 4 slices of chashu (braised pork belly)
• 4 soft-boiled eggs 4 soft-boiled eggs
• 1 cup (150g) marinated bamboo shoots 1 cup (150g) marinated bamboo shoots
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 4 sheets of nori (seaweed) 4 sheets of nori (seaweed)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, combine the chicken broth and pork broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sesame oil to the broth. Stir well to combine.
3. 3.
   Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. 4.
   In a separate pot, heat the chashu slices in the broth until warmed through.
5. 5.
   Prepare soft-boiled eggs by boiling them for 6-7 minutes, then transferring them to an ice bath to cool. Peel and set aside.
6. 6.
   Divide the cooked noodles among four bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles.
7. 7.
   Arrange the chashu slices, soft-boiled eggs, marinated bamboo shoots, green onions, and nori on top of the noodles.
8. 8.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ramen noodles — Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, but make sure to slightly undercook them as they will continue to cook in the hot broth.
• Chashu (braised pork belly) — For a more tender and flavorful chashu, marinate the pork belly in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, sake, ginger, and garlic overnight before braising.
• Soft-boiled eggs — To achieve the perfect soft-boiled eggs, bring a pot of water to a boil, gently lower the eggs into the boiling water, and cook for 6-7 minutes for a slightly runny yolk.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of sesame oil or chili oil to your ramen bowl before serving.
• Customize your toppings by adding corn, bean sprouts, or mushrooms to your ramen.
• If you prefer a spicier broth, add a dollop of spicy miso paste or chili garlic sauce to your bowl.
• Experiment with different types of protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu to suit your dietary preferences.
• To enhance the umami flavor of the broth, consider adding a small piece of kombu (dried kelp) during the simmering process.

Serving advice

Serve the Kitakata Ramen hot, as soon as it is prepared, to fully enjoy the flavors and textures of the dish. Provide chopsticks and spoons for easy consumption.

Presentation advice

When serving Kitakata Ramen, arrange the toppings neatly on top of the noodles, allowing the vibrant colors of the ingredients to shine through. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions for an added visual appeal.