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Spicy Tan Tan Ramen Bowls

This dish always has me reminiscing about my time in Japan, and in the States, I’m always on the hunt for great tan tan ramen (a type of spicy ground pork ramen). This is my adaptation from the many versions I had all over Japan and brings me back to slurping a bowl of it down in many a ramen shops. Unlike most ramen, this uses sesame paste to give the broth it’s creamy texture.  The caramelized pork pairs so well with the spicy broth, leafy greens, and the delicate noodles!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: best ramen bowls, best ramen recipes, pork, tan tan, ramen, ramen bowls, spicy ramen,, spicy, tan tan pork
Servings: 4 bowls

Ingredients

  • For the pork:
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 2 tbsp mirin
  • 1 heaping tbsp spicy bean paste (la doubanjiang)
  • 1/2 tbsp fermented hot chili paste (gochujang)
  • 1 heaping tbsp. fresh grated ginger
  • 10 cloves crushed garlic
  • For the broth:
  • 1 tbsp white sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp chili crunch
  • 3 tbsp sesame paste tahini (can sub w/ peanut butter)
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 12 oz can of evaporated milk
  • For the bowls:
  • 8-9 oz ramen or thin Asian style egg noodles ramen
  • Optional garnishes: bok choy, leafy spinach, scallions, crushed peanuts, chili crunch, chili oil, fried onions, fried garlic

Instructions

  • Mix all the pork ingredients together until well combined.  Cook on high heat, stirring occasionally, until pork begins to become golden brown and caramelized.  Remove from heat and set aside.  
  • For the broth, mix all the ingredients together except the chicken broth and evaporated milk to make the broth base.  In a sauce pan simmer the chicken stock on the stove. Once simmering, turn off from heat and stir in your evaporated milk.
  • Cook your noodles according to your package instructions. To assemble, place two tablespoons of the broth base at the bottom of a wide bowl, add two cups of your broth and mix until smooth.  Place a forth of your cooked noodles in your broth and top with a forth of the caramelized pork.  Top with your garnishes, we used scallions, bok choy, and chili crunch.