This recipe for Sesame Ramen with Caramelized Pork combines the creamy richness of a tahini-based broth with spicy, sweet caramelized pork, all complemented by the fresh crunch of vegetables and the satisfying chew of noodles. It’s a delightful bowl full of contrasting flavors and textures, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Sesame Paste:
- 6 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
- ½ tablespoon soft brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger (approx. 6cm)
For the Caramelized Pork:
- 2 spring onions, finely sliced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (approx. 2cm)
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- 1 red chilli, finely sliced
- 200 g pork mince, preferably 15–20% fat content
- 2½ tablespoons honey
- 1½ tablespoons fish sauce
For the Noodles and Soup:
- 2 large eggs
- 800 ml chicken stock
- 100 g tenderstem broccoli, cut into 5cm pieces
- 2 portions of ramen or medium egg or wheat noodles
- 1 carrot, shredded with a julienne peeler or cut into matchsticks
- 1 spring onion, finely sliced for garnish
Directions
- Make the Sesame Paste:
- In a bowl, combine tahini, Thai red curry paste, soft brown sugar, light soy sauce, and grated ginger. Mix well until fully combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Caramelized Pork:
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of oil, the spring onions, ginger, garlic, and red chilli. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the pork mince to the pan. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the honey and fish sauce, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pork is nicely caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Noodles and Vegetables:
- Bring the chicken stock to a boil in a large pot. Add the tenderstem broccoli and cook for about 3 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
- Add the noodles to the broth, cooking according to package instructions until just tender.
- In the last minute of cooking, add the shredded carrot to blanch slightly.
- Assemble the Ramen:
- In separate bowls, whisk the sesame paste with a little hot stock from the pot to thin it out. Then divide this mixture between two serving bowls.
- Pour the hot broth with noodles and vegetables over the sesame paste in each bowl. Stir gently to combine.
- Serve:
- Top each bowl with a generous amount of caramelized pork.
- Soft boil the eggs (about 6 minutes for slightly runny yolks), peel, and then halve. Place an egg half in each bowl.
- Garnish with additional sliced spring onions.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 28g
Prep and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 2 people
Sesame Ramen with Caramelized Pork is a wonderfully complex and delicious meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. Enjoy the depth of flavor from the sesame and red curry paste, the sweetness and texture of the caramelized pork, and the fresh, crisp vegetables all nestled in a warm, comforting broth.
