Ramen, Tantanmen

Noodles;

2 5 oz packages of individual portions of fresh or frozen Ramen noodle

Stock:

4 Cups strong chicken stock

1 Tbs. toasted sesame oil

1.5 Tbs. finely chopped scallions

1 (1") ginger, finely minced

2 clove garlic, finely chopped

1/3 Lb. ground pork for stock (optional)

Tare (base for soup)

2 Tbs. soy sauce

1 tsp. rice vinegar

1/2 tsp. sugar

4Tbs.  Neri Goma (Japanese sesame paste, toasted sesame paste. (Tahini is 95% equivalent)

1 Tbs. Rāyu (Japanese hot Chile oil, available at amazon.com)

Pork Topping:

1 Tbs. minced ginger

1Tbs. Minced garlic

1 tablespoon tobanjan (Japanese chile bean sauce, available at amazon.com)

1 Tbs. Mirin

2/3 Lb. of ground pork

1 Tbs canola oil

2 tsp. Diamond Crystal kosher salt

Other toppings:

2 baby Bok Choy, Root end removed, leaves thinly sliced and stems chopped (do not chop leaves)

4 Quail eggs

4 scallions, finely chopped

Chashu Pork

Ramen eggs

Shredded Nori

Tare:

In a separate bowl whisk together the Tare by combining the soy, sugar, salt, Neri Goma, rice vinegar and Rayu

Divide the Tare into 2 three deep serving bowls

Stock:

Bring stock to a simmer

In a separate skillet heat sesame oil, chopped scallions, ginger, and garlic in a 12" skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Add the 1/3 Lb optional pork and cook until pork is just cooked through

Add contents of skillet to the simmering stock

Pork Topping:

Marinate the pork for the topping with minced ginger and Mirin for 15 minutes

Wipe the skillet clean and to the smoking point. Add the oil and remaining 2/3 Lb,pork. Fry until crispy, add the garlic, ginger and Tobanjan and cook for an additional minute. Set aside

Finishing:

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil or simply use the pot of simmering broth

Add Bok Choy in a basket, blanch for 30 to 60 seconds in stock, remove, drain and set aside.

In a basket add Quail eggs for 3 minutes, remove, remove from shell and set aside. Continue to reserve water

Add noodles to boiling water; cook, until tender, 2 to 3 minutes, drain, and add to bowls

Ladle chicken broth over each bowl of noodles, stir to incorporate the Tare

Garnish with scallions, Bok Choy fried pork and some Rayu, if you like.

Calories for a single serving:

5 oz noodles 370

Stock and Tare without pork 245

Ground pork added to stock 200

If ground chicken added instead to broth 100

Pork topping 481

If chicken substituted 215

Ramen eggs 70 each

Chashu pork from recipe in this cookbook 250 per serving

Chef's notes