Description
Experience the rich, spicy flavors of Japan with this easy Japanese Tan Tan Men recipe. Featuring savory ground pork, fresh ramen noodles, and a creamy, spicy broth made with miso, chili bean paste, and tahini, this comforting dish is perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. Garnished with soft-boiled eggs, green onions, and sesame seeds, it’s a delightful bowl of authentic Japanese ramen you can make at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces fresh ramen noodles
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon miso paste
- 1 tablespoon chili bean paste (toban djan)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup unsweetened soy milk (or regular milk)
- 1 tablespoon tahini (or creamy peanut butter)
- Salt to taste
Garnishes
- 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Blanched bok choy or spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the fresh ramen noodles according to the package instructions, drain them thoroughly, and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the pork: Add the ground pork to the pan and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and fully cooked through.
- Add seasoning: Stir in the soy sauce, miso paste, chili bean paste, and rice vinegar, mixing well to evenly coat the pork with the flavorful seasonings.
- Prepare broth: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy milk, and tahini until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Simmer the soup: Pour the broth mixture into the skillet with the pork and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked ramen noodles evenly between two bowls. Ladle the hot broth and pork mixture over the noodles.
- Garnish and serve: Top each bowl with soft-boiled egg halves, chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and blanched bok choy or spinach if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground pork with sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust spice level by varying the amount of chili bean paste to suit your heat preference.
- Use unsweetened soy milk for a dairy-free option; regular milk works as well if not avoiding dairy.
- Soft-boiled eggs add richness but can be omitted or replaced with a poached egg if preferred.
