This hearty Pork Ramen elevates the humble instant noodle into a restaurant-worthy bowl of comfort that will warm you from the inside out. Featuring tender slices of perfectly seasoned pork belly or shoulder swimming in a rich, umami-packed broth, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something deeply satisfying and soul-warming. The magic happens when aromatic garlic, ginger, and soy sauce meld together to create layers of flavor that complement the succulent pork and chewy ramen noodles. Unlike the basic packet version, this homemade ramen builds complex flavors through proper technique and quality ingredients, resulting in a bowl that’s both nourishing and incredibly delicious. Perfect for cold days, late-night cravings, or any time you want to create something special from pantry staples, this pork ramen proves that comfort food can be both simple to make and deeply satisfying to eat.
Serves: 2 people
What You’ll Need
Collect these ingredients for your homemade pork ramen:
For the pork:
- 1/2 pound pork belly or pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the broth and assembly:
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional, but adds incredible depth)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili oil or sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved
- 1 sheet nori seaweed, cut into strips (optional)
- 1 cup fresh bean sprouts (optional)
Preparing the Pork
Cut your pork into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick and 2 inches long. This size ensures the pork cooks quickly and evenly while creating perfect bite-sized pieces for your ramen.
In a bowl, combine the sliced pork with soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix everything together with your hands, making sure each piece is well-coated with the marinade. Let the pork marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Building the Flavorful Base
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork strips and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is browned on all sides and cooked through. The edges should be slightly caramelized from the brown sugar.
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot with the pork. Cook for about 1 minute until they become fragrant and golden. This creates an aromatic base that will flavor your entire broth.
Creating the Rich Broth
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot with the pork and aromatics. Add the soy sauce, miso paste if you’re using it, rice vinegar, and chili oil. The miso paste adds incredible depth and richness to the broth, making it taste like it’s been simmering for hours.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together and creates a broth that’s rich, savory, and deeply satisfying.
Preparing the Perfect Noodles
While your broth simmers, cook the ramen noodles according to the package directions, but reduce the cooking time by about 1 minute. The noodles will finish cooking in the hot broth, so you want them slightly firm at this stage.
Drain the noodles thoroughly and divide them between two large bowls. Having the noodles ready in the bowls makes assembly quick and ensures they don’t overcook.
Assembling Your Ramen Bowls
Ladle the hot pork broth over the noodles in each bowl, making sure to distribute the pork pieces evenly. The hot broth will finish cooking the noodles to the perfect texture.
Top each bowl with your chosen garnishes – sliced green onions add freshness and color, while halved soft-boiled eggs provide richness and protein. Bean sprouts add crunch and freshness, and strips of nori seaweed give an authentic touch.
Soft-Boiled Egg Perfection
For perfect soft-boiled eggs, bring water to a boil and gently lower room-temperature eggs into the water. Cook for exactly 6 1/2 minutes, then immediately transfer to ice water to stop the cooking. Peel carefully and slice in half just before serving to reveal the creamy, golden yolk.
Final Presentation
Arrange your toppings attractively on top of each bowl – the colorful garnishes should look abundant and inviting. Drizzle a little extra chili oil around the edges if you like heat, and serve immediately while everything is steaming hot.
Enjoying Your Creation
Eat your pork ramen while it’s hot, mixing the toppings into the broth as you go. The combination of tender pork, chewy noodles, rich broth, and fresh garnishes creates a complete meal that’s satisfying, warming, and incredibly flavorful.
This homemade version proves that with just a little extra effort, you can transform simple ramen noodles into a restaurant-quality dish that’s far more satisfying than anything that comes from a packet. Each bowl delivers comfort food at its finest, with layers of flavor that develop with every spoonful.
