Wakayama Ramen with Tender Pork and Rich Broth

Ingredients

• 4 cups (950ml) pork broth 4 cups (950ml) pork broth
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 200g (7oz) ramen noodles 200g (7oz) ramen noodles
• 200g (7oz) pork belly, thinly sliced 200g (7oz) pork belly, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 sheets nori seaweed, cut into small squares 2 sheets nori seaweed, cut into small squares
• 4 soft-boiled eggs 4 soft-boiled eggs
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, combine the pork broth, water, soy sauce, and mirin. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 1 hour to develop the flavors.
2. 2.
   In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the pork slices to the pan and cook until browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Set aside.
4. 4.
   Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. 5.
   Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls. Pour the hot broth over the noodles, ensuring each bowl has an equal amount of broth.
6. 6.
   Top the noodles with the cooked pork slices, green onions, nori seaweed, and a soft-boiled egg.
7. 7.
   Season with salt to taste and serve immediately.

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.
• Pork belly — For extra tenderness, you can marinate the pork slices in the soy sauce, ginger, and garlic mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a dash of chili oil or chili flakes to the broth.
• Customize your toppings by adding bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, or corn.
• If you prefer a thicker broth, simmer it for a longer time to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
• To save time, you can use pre-made pork broth or chicken broth as a substitute.
• Experiment with different cuts of pork, such as pork shoulder or pork loin, for variations in flavor and texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Wakayama Ramen hot, straight from the stove. Encourage your guests to mix the toppings and noodles into the broth before enjoying each spoonful.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, arrange the toppings neatly on top of the noodles and garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions. Serve the ramen in traditional Japanese bowls for an authentic touch.