Easy Pork Tonkotsu Ramen
Love Pork Tonkotsu Ramen? Want to make it as simple as possible? Same.
Serving
2-4
Ready In:
30-45 minutes
Good For:
Lunch, Dinner
Introduction
About this Recipe
Listen. I am not in any way a professional Pork Tonkotsu Ramen chef. This recipe is not in any form or fashion the fanciest or absolute best way to make a true Pork Tonkotsu Ramen.
However, I do LOVE me some Pork Tonkotsu Ramen. Its rich, comforting and even a little nostalgic of those college years where the only ramen I could afford was $1. So, I wanted to learn how to make it.
I’ll admit, Pork Tonkotsu was a little intimidating to me. When I researched this recipe they all required intricate ways to wrap and cook the pork belly, and in order to make the broth you had to “perfectly strain and skim the fat”. I might be a perfectionist, but I’m also impatient and wanted to find a way to get my ramen fix without having to do a lot of extra work. Also, I just don’t have cooking string readily available. I live in a camper…I’m sorry.
If you want to make the most authentic Pork Tonkotsu Ramen recipe, then I apologize, this ain’t it.
However, if you do love Pork Tonkotsu Ramen and want an easy and simple way to make it for those days where you just need a big, comforting bowl of noodles. I got you.
Ingredients
For the Pork Belly:
- 1-2 lbs, pork belly
- 1/4 cup, low sodium soy sauce (or regular, just taste your broth as you go to make sure it doesn’t get too salty)
- 1 1/2 cup, broth (I used vegetable)
- 1 tbsp, brown sugar
- 3-5 cloves, garlic, chopped
- 1 tbsp, dark soy sauce
For the Ramen:
- 12 oz bottle, Pork Tonkatsu broth (if you don’t have this, dont worry! I have a solution in the written instructions below)
- Ramen Noodles (I used two sleeves of noodles from a 16oz bag.)
- Add-ins of choice, I used:
- green onions
- mushrooms
- bok choy
- seaweed
Our Tips:
- Add Siracha or chili flakes to make your Tonkotsu broth spicier.
- Experiment with different toppings and add-ins to your ramen. Minced garlic, enoki mushrooms, soft boiled eggs, the options are endless. I always throw in any extra veggies I have laying around.
- Try using different broths, stocks and spices until your get your perfectly customized Tonkotsu Ramen.
- After your pork belly has rested and sliced, sear in a hot pan for about a minute on each side. This helps give your pork that beautiful golden brown color and little bit of extra crispy texture.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Turn on Instant Pot and set to Saute.
Add a little oil in the pot and then once your oil is hot, sear your pork belly on both sides until golden brown.
My Instant Pot is smaller, so I cut my pork belly in half and saved the rest for another recipe!
Step 2
Once pork belly is brown on both sides, cancel Saute on Instant Pot.
In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, broth, garlic, dark soy sauce, and brown sugar until well combined. Then add to Instant Pot with your pork belly.
Step 3
Close lid on Instant Pot and make sure your steam release valve is on Seal.
Set to Pressure Cook Normal and cook your pork belly for 25 minutes or until internal temp reaches 145 degrees.
Step 4
When your pork belly is done, immediately turn your steam release valve to Venting to release the pressure.
Step 5
Remove pork belly from Instant Pot and set aside to rest.
Step 6
Here’s where things can go a couple different ways.
You could set your Instant Pot to Saute Low, add a couple more cups of broth and season to taste with onion powder, garlic powder, red chili or any other spices to create your Tonkotsu Ramen “broth.”
Or, if you’re like me and really want to try a bottled Tonkotsu broth you found at the store, you can set your Instant Pot to Saute Low and add your premade stock to the rest of your broth.
Whichever way your decide, slowly add in a little bit of broth at a time into your Instant Pot until your Tonkotsu broth taste to your liking.
Step 7
If you’re not serving your ramen immediately, cook your noodles separate, following the package instructions.
If you’re serving your ramen right away or don’t mind, you can cook your noodles in your Instant Pot with your hot broth.
Note: If you’re doing it the second way, just watch your noodles because they can soak up too much broth and become soggy. You might also have less Tonkotsu broth to serve if doing it this way.
Step 8
While your noodles cook, slice your pork belly to your desired thickness.
Step 9
Add noodles and broth to a bowl. Top with your sliced pork belly and add any additional toppings.
Serve hot and enjoy!
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