If you love bold flavors and comforting bowl meals, the Tan Tan Ramen with Spicy Sesame Broth and Pork Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish bursts with rich, nutty sesame goodness combined with a spicy kick and perfectly seasoned pork, all nestled atop fresh ramen noodles. It’s a harmonious blend that will warm your soul and excite your taste buds, making it a beloved recipe to share with friends or savor on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Tan Tan Ramen with Spicy Sesame Broth and Pork Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s enhancing the broth’s creamy texture, adding layers of spice, or bringing fresh, vibrant pops of color to your bowl.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful base that gives the soup its comforting warmth and depth.
- Sesame paste: Adds a rich, nutty creaminess that defines the broth’s signature taste.
- Soy sauce: Provides savory umami that balances the sesame’s richness.
- Rice vinegar: A splash of tanginess that brightens the broth.
- Chili oil: The fiery element that brings a delicious spicy heat.
- Sugar: A subtle sweetness that rounds out the bold flavors.
- Grated ginger and minced garlic: Fresh aromatics that uplift the broth with warmth and scent.
- Ground pork: The hearty protein, seasoned perfectly for a satisfying bite.
- Vegetable oil: Used to brown the pork and release the aromatics.
- Fresh ramen noodles: The chewy, springy noodles that soak up all the delicious broth.
- Sichuan peppercorns: A unique spice that adds a slightly numbing, tingling sensation and citrusy notes.
- Green onions: For a fresh, crisp contrast and lovely color.
- Soft-boiled egg: Creamy yolk halves that add richness to every mouthful.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted for an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor.
- Crushed peanuts: Adds texture and a delightful crunch topping the ramen.
How to Make Tan Tan Ramen with Spicy Sesame Broth and Pork Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Broth
Begin by bringing 4 cups of chicken broth to a gentle simmer. This is your warm canvas, ready to capture bold, layered flavors. Next, whisk in sesame paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, sugar, ginger, and garlic. Stir continuously until the sesame paste and sugar dissolve into a smooth, creamy broth. Then, let it simmer for about 5 minutes to marry the robust flavors beautifully.
Step 2: Cooking the Pork
While the broth simmers, heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork, breaking it apart with a spoon. You want it browned and cooked through for that perfect meaty flavor. Sprinkle in Sichuan peppercorns at the end and allow them to bloom for a minute or two. This step infuses the pork with a distinctive citrusy and slightly numbing spice that makes the dish truly special.
Step 3: Cooking the Noodles and Egg
Boil water in a separate pot and follow package instructions to cook your fresh ramen noodles until just tender (usually 3 to 4 minutes). In parallel, prepare the soft-boiled egg by boiling it for 6 to 7 minutes before plunging it into an ice bath. This gives you a perfectly set egg white with a luscious, slightly runny yolk that’s heaven atop your ramen.
Step 4: Bringing It All Together
Drain the noodles and divide them evenly between bowls. Ladle the spicy sesame broth over the noodles, creating a comforting pool of flavor. Top each bowl with the fragrant, peppercorn-infused pork, then nestle half of the soft-boiled egg on top. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions, sesame seeds, and crushed peanuts for a combination of freshness, crunch, and visual flair. Serve immediately to enjoy every enticing layer of this Tan Tan Ramen with Spicy Sesame Broth and Pork Recipe.
How to Serve Tan Tan Ramen with Spicy Sesame Broth and Pork Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes elevate your Tan Tan Ramen with Spicy Sesame Broth and Pork Recipe from delicious to exceptional. Fresh green onions add a crisp bite and bright green color that livens the bowl. Toasted sesame seeds contribute a subtle crunch and deepen the nutty dimension, while crushed peanuts offer contrast with their saltiness and texture. For an extra flair, a drizzle of chili oil can boost the heat if you want it spicier.
Side Dishes
This ramen pairs wonderfully with light side dishes that complement without overpowering. Pickled vegetables such as kimchi or cucumber salad provide a tangy crunch that refreshes the palate. Steamed dumplings or a simple seaweed salad make excellent accompaniments, enhancing the Asian-inspired meal experience. A chilled glass of green tea or sake rounds out the dining perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Tan Tan Ramen with Spicy Sesame Broth and Pork Recipe in individual smaller bowls for a tasting party. Layer the pork and noodles artistically and use halved soft-boiled eggs as edible “centerpieces.” You can also sprinkle extra crushed peanuts or chili threads for dramatic visual contrast. Let your creativity shine in presentation — it’s part of the joy of sharing this dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover broth and pork can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the noodles aside to avoid them becoming soggy. This way, you preserve the textures and flavors to reassemble fresh bowls later without losing any magic.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, only freeze the broth and cooked pork mixture. Avoid freezing noodles or eggs as their texture will degrade. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the broth and pork gently over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook fresh ramen noodles separately and prepare new soft-boiled eggs if possible. Assemble components just before serving for the best taste and texture, replicating the fresh-made experience.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter instead of sesame paste?
Peanut butter has a different flavor profile and consistency, so it won’t quite replicate the creamy, nutty texture of sesame paste. For the authentic taste in the Tan Tan Ramen with Spicy Sesame Broth and Pork Recipe, it’s best to stick with sesame paste.
How spicy is this Tan Tan Ramen recipe?
The chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns add a moderate but flavorful heat with a unique tingling sensation. You can adjust the level of spiciness by controlling the amount of chili oil or omitting the peppercorns if you prefer a milder bowl.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground pork with tofu crumbles or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The spicy sesame broth still packs incredible flavor, keeping the dish satisfying and delicious.
What is the best type of noodles to use?
Fresh ramen noodles are ideal for their texture and ability to soak up the broth. If you can’t find fresh ramen, dried ramen noodles work as well, just follow package cooking times carefully to avoid overcooking.
How important is the soft-boiled egg?
The soft-boiled egg adds creamy richness that balances the spicy and nutty elements. While it’s a traditional and delicious topping, you can certainly enjoy the Tan Tan Ramen with Spicy Sesame Broth and Pork Recipe without it if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the comforting warmth and bold flavors of the Tan Tan Ramen with Spicy Sesame Broth and Pork Recipe. It’s a gorgeous bowl that’s surprisingly simple to make yet so satisfying to eat. I can’t recommend it enough for your next cozy meal at home — it’s sure to become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Tan Tan Ramen with Spicy Sesame Broth and Pork Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
A flavorful and comforting Tan Tan Ramen recipe featuring a rich sesame broth, spicy ground pork, fresh ramen noodles, and garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, and a soft-boiled egg. This Japanese-inspired dish combines creamy, spicy, and savory elements for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Broth Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons sesame paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pork Topping
- 6 ounces ground pork
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
Noodles and Garnishes
- 4 ounces fresh ramen noodles
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 soft-boiled egg
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon crushed peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a medium-sized pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add Flavorings: Add the sesame paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic to the broth.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir the mixture until the sesame paste and sugar are completely dissolved and the broth is smooth.
- Simmer the Broth: Continue to simmer the broth for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pork: While the broth simmers, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the Pork: Add the ground pork to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
- Add Sichuan Peppercorns: Stir in the Sichuan peppercorns and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes to release their flavor.
- Set Pork Aside: Reduce heat to low and set the cooked pork aside.
- Boil Water for Noodles: In a separate pot, bring a large amount of water to a boil to cook the ramen noodles.
- Cook Noodles: Add the fresh ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 3 to 4 minutes.
- Prepare Soft-Boiled Egg: Simultaneously, place the egg in boiling water for 6 to 7 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to cool.
- Drain Noodles: Once cooked, drain the noodles and set aside.
- Peel Egg: Peel the cooled soft-boiled egg and cut it in half.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked ramen noodles evenly between two bowls.
- Add Broth: Pour the prepared broth over the noodles in each bowl.
- Top with Pork: Spoon the cooked pork mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Garnish with Egg: Place half of the soft-boiled egg on top of each bowl.
- Add Final Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and crushed peanuts over the ramen.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Tan Tan Ramen.
Notes
- The soft-boiled egg adds a creamy texture that complements the spicy broth nicely.
- Use fresh ramen noodles if possible for the best texture, but dried noodles can be substituted.
- Adjust the chili oil amount to suit your preferred spiciness level.
- Sichuan peppercorns provide a unique numbing heat; omit if you dislike this sensation.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground pork with crumbled tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
