Description
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Easy Japanese Tan Tan Men, a flavorful and spicy ramen noodle soup featuring ground pork, fragrant garlic and ginger, and a rich, creamy broth infused with soy sauce, tahini, and chili oil. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal, this dish combines traditional Japanese flavors with a deliciously spicy kick.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 200g ramen noodles
- 200g ground pork (or any meat substitute)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons tahini (or peanut butter)
- 1 tablespoon chili oil
- 500ml chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Optional Toppings
- Bok choy
- Bean sprouts
- Soft-boiled egg
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions until tender. Drain the noodles and set them aside for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Cook the Meat: Add the ground pork or meat substitute to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in soy sauce, tahini (or peanut butter), and chili oil to the meat mixture. Cook and mix well for 1 to 2 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to slightly thicken.
- Combine Noodles and Broth: Add the cooked ramen noodles back into the pot. Gently stir to coat the noodles in the flavorful broth without breaking them.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds. Add optional toppings such as bok choy, bean sprouts, or a soft-boiled egg to enhance the dish.
- Enjoy: Serve the Tan Tan Men hot. Use chopsticks and a spoon to enjoy the rich, spicy, and comforting flavors of this homemade Japanese-style noodle soup.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or tofu as a meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Tahini can be replaced with peanut butter for a slightly different nutty flavor.
- Adjust the amount of chili oil to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Adding vegetables like bok choy or bean sprouts adds extra texture and nutrition.
- For a richer broth, add a dash of sesame paste or a splash of miso.
- Soft-boiled eggs add protein and creaminess to the dish.
- Make sure not to overcook the noodles to maintain ideal texture.
