Introduction
Ramen is more than just a quick meal—it’s an art form. From its deep, umami-rich broth to perfectly chewy noodles and toppings that add texture and flavor, a great bowl of ramen is both comforting and exciting.
In this recipe, we’ll break down how to make authentic homemade ramen from scratch, including broth, noodles, and toppings. This is a tonkotsu-style ramen with a rich pork broth, but we’ll also include variations for chicken, miso, and vegan ramen.
Ingredients
For the Tonkotsu (Pork) Broth (Cooking time: 8-12 hours for best results)
- 2 lbs (900g) pork bones (neck bones, trotters, or marrow bones)
- 1 onion, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
- 1 leek, chopped
- 2 dried shiitake mushrooms (optional, for umami boost)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin (optional)
- 10 cups water
For the Ramen Noodles (Homemade Option)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup warm water
For the Tare (Seasoning Sauce) – Essential for Flavor
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp miso paste (for miso ramen)
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Toppings (Choose your favorites!)
- Chashu Pork (braised pork belly)
- Soft-Boiled Egg (marinated in soy sauce)
- Menma (fermented bamboo shoots)
- Nori (seaweed sheets)
- Green onions (thinly sliced)
- Corn and butter (great for miso ramen)
- Mushrooms (shiitake or enoki)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Make the Tonkotsu Broth (8-12 hours)
Blanch the Pork Bones:
- Place the bones in a large pot of boiling water for 5 minutes to remove impurities.
- Drain and rinse the bones under cold water.
Simmer the Broth:
- Add cleaned bones back to the pot with 10 cups of fresh water.
- Bring to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil).
- Add onion, garlic, ginger, leek, and dried shiitake mushrooms.
- Simmer for at least 8 hours (or up to 12 for the best depth of flavor).
Strain & Season:
- Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve.
- Stir in soy sauce and mirin for depth of flavor.
- Keep warm until ready to serve.
Step 2: Make the Ramen Noodles (or Use Store-Bought)
Mix the Dough:
- Combine flour, salt, and baking soda in a bowl.
- Slowly add warm water while kneading until it forms a firm dough.
Rest & Roll:
- Wrap in plastic and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough and cut into thin strips.
Cook the Noodles:
- Boil for 2-3 minutes, then drain and rinse in cold water.
Step 3: Make the Tare (Flavor Seasoning)
- Mix soy sauce, miso paste (for miso ramen), mirin, and sesame oil.
- Adjust saltiness based on taste.
Step 4: Prepare the Toppings
Soft-Boiled Egg:
- Boil eggs for 6-7 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath.
- Peel and marinate in soy sauce for 1 hour.
Chashu Pork (Optional, but Delicious!):
- Roll pork belly into a log and tie it with kitchen twine.
- Sear in a hot pan, then braise in soy sauce, sake, and mirin for 1-2 hours.
- Slice thinly before serving.
Step 5: Assemble the Ramen Bowl
- Place 2-3 tbsp of tare in the bottom of a bowl.
- Add hot ramen broth and mix well.
- Place cooked noodles in the center.
- Arrange toppings beautifully on top.
- Serve with a side of chili oil, sesame seeds, or extra soy sauce.
Alternative Ramen Variations
🍜 Shoyu Ramen (Soy Sauce-Based)
- Use a lighter chicken broth and add extra soy sauce and dashi for a clear, savory soup.
🍜 Miso Ramen (Savory & Rich)
- Stir 3 tbsp miso paste into the tare for a deeper, fermented umami taste.
- Toppings: Corn, butter, mushrooms, and ground pork.
🍜 Spicy Tantanmen (Spicy Peanut Ramen)
- Add 1 tbsp tahini (sesame paste) and chili oil to the tare.
- Use ground pork or tofu as a topping.
🍜 Vegan Ramen
- Use a mushroom or miso-based broth with kombu (seaweed) and dried shiitake mushrooms.
- Swap chashu for tofu or sautéed mushrooms.
Final Tips for Perfect Ramen
✅ Simmer the broth long enough – The longer, the richer. Overnight is best!
✅ Use fresh or homemade noodles – Store-bought is fine, but homemade makes a difference.
✅ Layer the flavors properly – Tare first, then broth, then toppings.
✅ Customize toppings – Ramen is all about personalization!
Conclusion
Homemade ramen is a rewarding dish that combines rich broth, chewy noodles, and flavorful toppings into one soul-satisfying bowl. Whether you love tonkotsu, miso, shoyu, or spicy tantanmen, this recipe lets you recreate an authentic ramen experience at home.
