Tan Tan Ramen
When you're whipping up a quick Chicken Broccoli Mushroom Stir Fry, think about sides that bring additional flavor and texture
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course dinner
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 2
Calories 580 kcal
For the Pork & Marinade:
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon spicy bean sauce Sichuan doubanjiang
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 8 ounces ground pork or substitute with chicken, turkey, or tofu for a vegetarian option
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or any other neutral oil
For the Soup Base:
- 2 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
- 1 tablespoon chili oil preferably homemade for fresh flavor
- 2 cups unsweetened oat milk or soy milk
- 2 tablespoons sesame paste can substitute with peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sugar
For the Noodles & Toppings:
- 2 scallions finely chopped
- 2 handfuls leafy greens such as spinach, baby bok choy, or yu choy, trimmed and washed
- 10 –12 ounces fresh ramen noodles such as Myojo medium-thick wavy ramen noodles
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Marinade
In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, ginger, spicy bean sauce, mirin, and ground pork. Mix it well and let this marinate for about 15–20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Pork
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated pork. Cook it until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula to achieve a fine texture. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Set aside once cooked.
Step 3: Create the Soup Base
In a large pot, combine the chicken stock and bring it to a gentle simmer. Next, add chili oil, oat milk, sesame paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Stir this mixture well. Allow it to simmer for dinner—around 10 minutes—so that the flavors unite.
Step 4: Prepare the Noodles
While the soup base simmers, boil water in a separate pot. Once boiling, cook the fresh ramen noodles according to package instructions, usually around 3–5 minutes. Drain and set aside when ready.
Step 5: Assemble Your Ramen Bowl
Now comes the fun part! In individual bowls, add a portion of noodles. Pour the rich soup base over the noodles liberally. Top with the cooked pork, chopped scallions, and a handful of leafy greens. For an extra kick, drizzle a bit more chili oil on top. Enjoy your piping hot bowl of tan tan ramen!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance flavor significantly. They add a pungent kick that dried spices can't match.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the level of chili oil based on your heat tolerance. A little goes a long way!
- Experiment with Broths: Try using homemade broth for a richer base. Alternatively, vegetable stock would work beautifully for a lighter option.
- Add Depth with Acidity: Incorporate a splash of vinegar or even a squeeze of lime before serving to brighten the dish.
- Tweak the Toppings: Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings. Consider adding soft-boiled eggs or seaweed for an extra layer of flavor.
Calories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 25gFat: 25gFiber: 4g