She Strengthens

Savory Japanese Pork Ramen Recipe

A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish

When it comes to crafting the perfect Japanese pork ramen, patience and skill are essential. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a simplified recipe that still packs a punch of flavor.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 3 equal pieces
• Kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons canola oil (optional)
• 1 yellow onion, coarsely chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 leek, halved lengthwise and coarsely chopped (white and green parts)
• 1/4 pound cremini or button mushrooms, brushed clean and coarsely chopped
• Low-sodium soy sauce, for seasoning
• Sesame and/or chile oil, for seasoning
• 1 1/2 pounds fresh ramen noodles
• 8 large eggs (optional)
• About 4 green onions, finely chopped (white and pale green parts)

Preparing the Pork

Season the pork with salt. If desired, take the extra step to brown the pork in a skillet with oil before transferring it to the slow cooker. This adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Slow Cooking the Broth

Combine the pork, yellow onion, garlic, ginger, leek, mushrooms, and broth in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Assembling the Ramen

Transfer the pork to a cutting board and break it into bite-size chunks, discarding any excess fat. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids. Return the pork and broth to the slow cooker and season with soy sauce and sesame and/or chile oil.

Cooking the Noodles and Eggs

Cook the ramen noodles according to the package directions. If desired, top each bowl with a soft-boiled egg, simmering them in boiling water for 5-6 minutes before peeling.

Serving

Divide the noodles among individual bowls, ladling the broth and pork over the top. Sprinkle with green onions and add a halved soft-boiled egg, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

This recipe yields 8 servings, with a total cooking time of 9 hours and 30 minutes of active cooking time. With its rich flavors and tender pork, this Japanese pork ramen is sure to become a new favorite.