Hakata Ramen

Ingredients

• Narutomaki (fish cake) (4 slices)
• Soft-boiled eggs (2)
• Ramen noodles (4 servings)
• Green onions (2, thinly sliced)
• Pork belly (200g, thinly sliced)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Mirin (2 tablespoons)
• Soy sauce (3 tablespoons)
• Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Water (8 cups)
• Pork bones (1 kg)

Instructions

1. Firstly, place the pork bones in a large pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 2 hours, skimming off any impurities that surface.
2. After simmering, carefully remove the pork bones from the broth. Strain the broth using a fine mesh sieve, discarding any solids left over.
3. Return the strained broth to the pot. Add in the minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, mirin, and salt. Let the broth simmer for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend harmoniously.
4. While the broth is simmering, prepare the noodles as per the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
5. In a separate pan, cook the thinly sliced pork belly until it turns beautifully crispy and browned.
6. To serve, divide the cooked noodles among four bowls. Ladle the aromatic, simmered broth over the noodles. Add in the crispy pork belly, sliced green onions, soft-boiled eggs, and slices of narutomaki.
7. Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy this soul-warming, authentic Japanese culinary experience.