Teresa's Recipes
Kitakata Ramen
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Kitakata Ramen, a beloved dish from Japan's Fukushima Prefecture known for its rich, savory broth and tender pork belly. This comforting noodle soup is characterized by its unique combination of a thick, soy-based broth and chewy ramen noodles, topped with fresh garnishes like green onions and nori seaweed. Perfect for any time of year, Kitakata Ramen not only warms the body but also fills the soul with its nostalgic taste of tradition. Gather your ingredients and transport yourself to a cozy ramen shop in Japan with each delicious bowl!
Ingredients
- 1 pound Pork belly
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Mirin
- 2 tablespoons Sake
- 4 servings (about 8 ounces) Ramen noodles
- 4 Soft-boiled eggs
- 4 sheets, shredded Nori seaweed
- 1 cup, sliced Bamboo shoots
- 2, sliced Green onions
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 60g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the pork belly. Cook for 5 minutes to remove any impurities. Remove the pork belly, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chicken broth, soy sauce, mirin, and sake. Bring to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 30 minutes to develop the flavors.
- While the broth is simmering, prepare soft-boiled eggs by boiling them for 6-7 minutes, then plunge them into ice water to stop cooking. Peel and set aside.
- Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Slice the cooked pork belly into thin slices.
- To serve, divide the cooked ramen noodles into bowls. Pour the hot broth over the noodles.
- Top the ramen with slices of pork belly, sliced green onions, bamboo shoots, shredded nori seaweed, and halved soft-boiled eggs.
- Serve your delicious Kitakata Ramen hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Tips
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a piece of kombu (dried kelp) while simmering the broth.
- Feel free to customize your toppings with ingredients like corn, bean sprouts, or even spicy chili oil for a kick.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the pork with tofu and use vegetable broth.