Abura Soba (Oil Noodles)

Abura Soba (Oil Noodles)

Abura Soba, literally translating to 'oil noodles', is a beloved dish hailing from the vibrant streets of Japan. This delightful meal combines chewy ramen noodles with a savory, aromatic sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. The rich flavors of garlic and ginger are beautifully balanced with the heat from chili oil, creating a warm essence that beckons you back for more. Topped with perfectly crispy pork belly, fresh bean sprouts, and vibrant green onions, each bowl is a celebration of textures and tastes. This dish not only reflects the street food culture of Japan but also showcases the country's knack for elevating simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • Ramen noodles (2 servings)
  • Pork belly (200 grams, sliced)
  • Bean sprouts (1 cup)
  • Green onions (2, chopped)
  • Nori (seaweed) (1 sheet, shredded)
  • Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon, toasted)
  • Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
  • Sesame oil (1 tablespoon)
  • Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon)
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
  • Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated)
  • Chili oil (1 tablespoon (adjust to taste))
  • Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Sugar (1 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, tossing them lightly with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili oil, sugar, and salt to create a rich and flavorful sauce. Adjust the chili oil according to your heat preference.
  3. Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced pork belly and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and let it rest on a paper towel to absorb excess fat.
  4. In the same pan, add the bean sprouts and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still maintain a crunch.
  5. Add the cooked ramen noodles to the pan and pour the prepared sauce over them. Toss everything together gently until the noodles are well-coated and heated through.
  6. Divide the noodles into serving bowls. Top each bowl with crispy pork belly slices, a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions, shredded nori, and toasted sesame seeds.
  7. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Dietary Information

Servings: 2 • Dish Type: Main Course • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 15 minutes • Calories: 600 • Fat: 40g • Carbs: 50g • Protein: 25g • Sodium: 1200mg • Sugar: 2g