This simplified version of pork ramen is an unintimidating recipe that’s easy to make. Japanese-style pork belly is oven braised with a sweet and savory marinade until tender. It’s then sliced and served over a quick ramen broth prepared Better Than Bouillon® Mushroom Base.
Recipe tags: mushroom base, moderate difficulty, lunch, pork, roast
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 tsp | Better Than Bouillon® Mushroom Base |
| ¼ cup | mirin |
| ¼ cup | low-sodium soy sauce |
| 2 tbsp | packed brown sugar |
| 2 tsp | minced fresh gingerroot |
| 3 cloves | garlic, minced |
| 2 lbs | boneless skinless pork belly, cut into 2 pieces |
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | Better Than Bouillon® Mushroom Base |
| 12 oz | ramen noodles |
| 4 | eggs, soft-cooked and halved |
| 1 cup | corn kernels (optional) |
| 4 | green onions, thinly slices |
| 2 tsp | toasted sesame seeds |
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup water with Mushroom Base, mirin, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and garlic.
In ovenproof medium saucepan (with lid) set over medium-high heat, cook pork belly starting fat side down and flipping occasionally for 6 to 8 minutes or until brown all over. Remove from heat and stir in mushroom base mixture. Cover and cook, flipping halfway through, for 1-1/2 hours to 2 hours or until pork is very tender. Skim as much rendered fat as you can, reserving it for Step 4. Reserve pot with remaining cooking liquid for the broth in Step 5. Cut pork belly into 1/4-inch slices.
In large skillet set over medium-high heat, heat 2 tbsp of fat. Sear pork belly slices, flipping once, for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden on both sides. Keep warm.
In reserved pot with cooking liquid, stir in 4 cups water and Mushroom Base; bring to a boil. Add ramen noodles and cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until al dente.
Divide ramen noodles among 4 large serving bowls. Ladle broth over noodles. Top with sliced pork belly, halved soft-cooked egg, corn (if using), green onions and sesame seeds.
Garnish ramen with sriracha hot sauce or fresh chiles, a drizzle of sesame oil and nori strips, if desired.
Tips: Mirin is a sweet Japanese cooking wine prepared with rice. It can be found in well-stocked supermarkets, Japanese grocers and online. In a pinch, substitute with sherry or sweet marsala wine.
