Description
This Easy Japanese Tan Tan Men recipe offers a delicious and authentic take on the spicy sesame ramen dish. Featuring tender ground pork, flavorful broth infused with miso and chili bean paste, and fresh greens, it’s a perfect meal for warming up. Quick to prepare, this recipe balances spicy, savory, and nutty flavors for a satisfying bowl of Japanese comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles and Protein
- 12 ounces fresh or dried ramen noodles
- 8 ounces ground pork or chicken
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon miso paste
- 1 tablespoon chili bean paste (toban djan) or Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon sesame paste or tahini
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 2 cups baby spinach or bok choy
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- Optional: soft-boiled egg for serving
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown Meat: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add ground pork or chicken and cook broadly for 5-7 minutes, breaking meat into small pieces until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Combine Broth and Seasonings: Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, miso paste, chili bean paste (or Sriracha), sesame paste, sugar, and white pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add Greens: Stir in the baby spinach or bok choy and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until just wilted but still vibrant.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked noodles evenly among serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth with meat and vegetables over the noodles.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each bowl with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a soft-boiled egg if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the full flavor and warmth.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili bean paste or Sriracha to control the spice level.
- Ground chicken or turkey can be used as an alternative to pork.
- For extra texture and flavor, add mushrooms, corn, or other vegetables.
- Soft-boiled eggs are optional but add richness and a traditional touch.
- If using dried noodles, be careful not to overcook as fresh noodles require less time.
