Authentic Tonkotsu Ramen Recipe

 Rich and Creamy Japanese Noodle Soup

Tonkotsu Ramen is a classic Japanese noodle soup celebrated for its rich, creamy pork bone broth, tender chashu (braised pork), and flavorful toppings. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you in creating this comforting dish at home, perfect for ramen enthusiasts!

Ingredients

For the Tonkotsu Broth:

• 4 lbs (1.8 kg) pork bones (neck bones or trotters)
• 1 lb (450 g) pork belly (for chashu)
• 1 onion, halved
• 1 head of garlic, halved
• Water (enough to cover the bones)

For the Chashu Pork:

• 1 lb (450 g) pork belly, rolled and tied
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup sake
• 1/2 cup mirin
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 green onions, coarsely chopped

For the Ramen:

• 12 oz (340 g) ramen noodles (fresh or dried)
• 4 large eggs (for soft-boiled eggs)
• Thinly sliced green onions (for garnish)
• Nori sheets (seaweed, optional)
• Menma (bamboo shoots, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tonkotsu Broth

Blanch the Bones:
In a large pot, add the pork bones and cover with cold water. Bring to a rolling boil for about 10 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse the bones under cold water.

Simmer the Broth:
Return the cleaned bones to the pot, adding enough water to cover them. Add the halved onion and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 12 to 18 hours, replenishing water as needed to keep the bones submerged. The longer you cook, the richer and creamier the broth will be.

2. Make the Chashu Pork

In a separate pot, combine soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, and chopped green onions. Add the rolled pork belly.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat, cover, and cook for about 2 hours, turning occasionally until tender. Once cooked, let it cool in the liquid before slicing into thin pieces.

3. Prepare Soft-Boiled Eggs

Bring a pot of water to boil. Carefully add the eggs and boil for 6–7 minutes for a soft yolk. Remove the eggs and place them in ice water to stop cooking. Once cool, peel the eggs and marinate them in soy sauce for extra flavor.

4. Cook the Ramen Noodles

Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

5. Assemble Your Ramen Bowl

In each bowl, add a portion of cooked noodles. Ladle hot tonkotsu broth over the noodles. Top with slices of chashu pork, a halved soft-boiled egg, thinly sliced green onions, nori sheets, and menma if desired.

6. Serve

Enjoy your homemade Tonkotsu Ramen hot! This rich and comforting dish is ideal for any ramen lover.

Tips for Perfect Tonkotsu Ramen

• Bone Selection: A mix of pork neck bones and trotters enhances the creaminess of the broth.
• Longer Cooking Time: Aim for at least 12 hours of simmering for the best flavor.
• Marination: For maximum flavor, marinate the soft-boiled eggs in soy sauce overnight.

This authentic Tonkotsu Ramen recipe captures the essence of this classic Japanese dish, allowing you to enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen at home. Perfect for cold days or whenever you crave comfort food!