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A close-up overhead view of a steaming bowl of homemade spicy ramen, showing the rich texture of the broth and noodles.

Tan Tan Ramen Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Creamy & Spicy Noodles

This Tan Tan Ramen recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience with its creamy sesame broth, spicy chili oil, and savory ground pork. A foolproof guide to making the ultimate authentic and flavorful Japanese noodle soup at home in under an hour.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Calories: 750

Ingredients
  

For the Spicy Ground Pork
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp doubanjiang (spicy bean paste)
  • 1 tsp sugar
For the Broth & Tare
  • 1/2 cup Chinese sesame paste or tahini
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp chili oil plus more for serving
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup unsweetened soy milk for extra creaminess
For Assembly
  • 4 servings fresh or dried ramen noodles
  • 4 soft-boiled eggs (Ajitsuke Tamago) optional
  • 1 cup bok choy, blanched
  • Scallions, thinly sliced for garnish
  • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot
  • 1 Skillet

Method
 

  1. Cook the Ground Pork: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the soy sauce, doubanjiang, and sugar. Cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Tare: In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil until smooth. This is the flavor base of your ramen. Divide this mixture evenly among four large ramen bowls.
  3. Heat the Broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer. Once simmering, stir in the unsweetened soy milk and heat through. Do not let it boil after adding the soy milk.
  4. Cook the Noodles: While the broth is heating, cook the ramen noodles according to package directions. Be careful not to overcook them; they should be firm and chewy. Drain the noodles well.
  5. Assemble Your Bowl: Pour about 2 cups of the hot broth into each bowl containing the tare. Stir vigorously to combine the broth and the sesame paste mixture until the soup is creamy and emulsified. Add the cooked noodles to each bowl. Top with a generous portion of the spicy ground pork, a soft-boiled egg, blanched bok choy, and a sprinkle of sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Drizzle with extra chili oil if you like it spicy!

Notes

Tip 1: For the creamiest broth, ensure your sesame paste is well-stirred and smooth before mixing it into the tare.
Tip 2: You can make the spicy pork topping and the tare mixture up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a quick weeknight meal.
Tip 3: Don't pour the hot broth over the noodles. Always add the noodles to the prepared broth bowl to prevent them from becoming soggy.