Miso Ramen

Name: Miso Ramen
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 400 g ramen noodles; 1 L miso broth; 150 g ground pork; 1 handful bean sprouts; 1 tbsp butter; to taste fine sea salt

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 meat

Miso Ramen, as perfected in the bustling city of Sapporo, is a celebration of warmth and generosity. Crafted with a hearty miso broth and a lavish hand with salt and fat, it reflects the spirit of Hokkaido's cold winters. This home version captures the comforting essence that Japanese family cooks bring to their tables, sharing bowls of steaming ramen with friends and loved ones.

Expect a robust, savory experience with each slurp. The miso broth, enriched by butter, envelops the springy ramen noodles, while tender ground pork adds depth. The crunch of bean sprouts provides a refreshing contrast, creating an irresistible medley of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

400 gramen noodles
1 Lmiso broth
150 gground pork
1 handfulbean sprouts
1 tbspbutter
to tastefine sea salt

Method

Begin by seasoning 150 g of ground pork with a pinch of fine sea salt. Use your hands to mix the salt evenly into the meat, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. This step enhances the flavor of the pork and ensures it is well-seasoned throughout.
Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned ground pork. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork is browned and each piece has a deep, caramelized color, which indicates that the flavors have developed fully.
In a separate pot, bring 1 L of miso broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This will be the base of your ramen, so ensure it is hot and ready to infuse with the flavors of the pork.
Add the browned pork to the simmering miso broth. Allow it to braise gently for about 5 minutes, which will help the pork absorb the savory flavors of the miso and become tender.
While the pork is braising, cook 400 g of ramen noodles according to the package instructions in a separate pot of boiling water. Once the noodles are tender but still firm to the bite, drain them and set aside.
Add 1 tbsp of butter to the miso broth with pork, stirring until it melts completely. The butter will add richness and a smooth texture to the broth.
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with fine sea salt if necessary, keeping in mind that the broth should be savory and well-balanced.
To serve, divide the cooked noodles among bowls. Ladle the miso broth and pork over the noodles, ensuring each bowl gets an even amount of pork. Top with a handful of bean sprouts for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Serve the miso ramen immediately, encouraging diners to mix the ingredients together to enjoy the full depth of flavors. This dish is perfect for sharing, embodying the communal spirit of Japanese home cooking.