You’re in for a treat with Tan Tan Ramen, a Japanese noodle soup that’s spicy, savory, and packed with depth. To discover its secrets, you’ll need pork belly, dark soy sauce, and sesame oil – don’t even think about substituting these essentials. Marinate your pork, cook it to perfection, and then simmer it with a mix of chili peppers, mushrooms, and soy sauces. Balance your flavors, thicken your broth, and don’t forget to add some freshness with bamboo shoots and scallions. Now, are you ready to reveal the mysteries of this umami-rich masterpiece?
Ingredients
Ingredients Needed for Tan Tan Ramen
To make authentic Tan Tan Ramen, you’ll need a long list of ingredients, including:
- Pork belly
- Pork shoulder
- Water
- Salt
- Vegetable oil
- Dried red chili peppers
- Dried lily flower
- Dried wood ear mushrooms
- Spiced dry tofu (or extra-firm tofu marinated in soy sauce and five-spice powder as a substitute)
- Dark soy sauce
- Light soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Bamboo shoots
- Scallions
- Egg
Why These Ingredients Matter
Don’t even think about substituting pork belly with bacon – it’s not the same. The combination of dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, and sesame oil gives Tan Tan Ramen its signature umami taste. The bamboo shoots, scallions, and egg add a welcome crunch and freshness to the dish.
Tips for Substituting Ingredients
If you want to try a substitute for spiced dry tofu, you can use extra-firm tofu marinated in soy sauce and five-spice powder. However, keep in mind that it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
Instructions
Make Delicious Tan Tan Ramen
To make a rich and savory Tan Tan Ramen, start by marinating the pork belly and pork shoulder in a mixture of water, salt, and vegetable oil. This step is crucial in developing the flavor profile of your dish.
Cook the Pork
Next, heat sesame oil in a pan and add the marinated pork. Cook until it’s browned. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
Add Aromatics and Spices
Add the following ingredients to the pan:
– Dried red chili peppers
– Dried lily flower
– Dried wood ear mushrooms
– Dried shiitake mushrooms
You’ll start to notice the cultural influences of Chinese and Japanese cuisine coming together.
Add Liquid Ingredients
Pour in the following ingredients:
– Low sodium chicken stock
– Salt
– Sugar
– White pepper
– Dark soy or mushroom soy sauce
– Light soy sauce or seasoned soy sauce
– White vinegar
Don’t worry, it’s not as challenging as it seems!
Simmer and Thicken
Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer until the ingredients are cooked through. You can use this time to think about the cooking techniques you’re employing, like braising and simmering. Finally, thicken the soup with cornstarch and water. You’ll have a rich, savory Tan Tan Ramen that’s sure to please!
Tips and Variations
Tips and Variations
This authentic Tan Tan Ramen recipe is a great starting point for you to experiment with flavors and make it your own! You can try different things to suit your taste preferences.
- Try substituting spiced dry tofu with regular tofu or adding more dried red chili peppers for an extra kick.
- Want a thicker broth? Add more cornstarch!
This recipe has been passed down through generations of a Chinese takeout restaurateur family, and every ingredient has been carefully selected to create a harmonious balance of flavors. But remember, everyone’s taste buds are different!
- Add more vinegar for a tangier taste.
- Add more white pepper for an extra boost of flavor.
The possibilities are endless! Take this recipe as a starting point and make it your own.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Information for Tan Tan Ramen
The nutrition facts for this Tan Tan Ramen recipe, serving 32 flats and drumettes, are broken down into a detailed analysis of various nutrients.
Calories and Macronutrients
– This recipe has 420 calories per serving.
– It contains 22g of fat (33% of your daily value) and 35g of carbs (12% of your daily value).
– You’ll get a decent amount of protein (25g) to balance out the carbs and fat.
Vitamins and Minerals
– This recipe is a good source of:
– Vitamin A (20% of your daily value)
– Vitamin C (40% of your daily value)
Sodium Content
– This recipe contains 650mg of sodium (27% of your daily value).
– If you’re watching your salt intake, you may want to adjust the seasoning.
