Have you ever thought of cooking a homemade ramen recipe, but strayed away because it seemed way too complicated?
I grew up enjoying the most flavorful and satisfying tan tan ramen that could be found all over my Hawaiian island home. After moving to Eastern Washington, where authentic tan tan ramen is nowhere to be found, I set out on a quest to discover an easy way for me to make tan tan ramen at home. The main criteria: simple, flavorful, and YUMMY as ever!
If you’re a ramen enthusiast looking to recreate the delicious flavors of tan tan ramen at home, look no further! Let me guide you through the steps of making the best homemade tan tan ramen that your whole family will love.
What is Tan Tan Ramen (other than my favorite homemade ramen recipe)?
Tan Tan Ramen is a popular variation of ramen originating from Chinese cuisine. It features a rich and spicy broth, thick wheat noodles, and a variety of toppings. The defining characteristic of Tan Tan Ramen is its flavorful sesame-based broth, which gives the dish its unique and creamy taste. This perfect combination of flavors makes it a favorite among ramen lovers. (It’s obviously my personal favorite)! Serve the dish in authentic ramen bowls for a more full experience!
Tan Tan Ramen
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground meat (my favorite is ground beef)
- 2 onions diced
- 4 cloves garlic crushed or minced
- 2 tbsp ginger
- 2 cups leafy greens (I love spinach or bok choy)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 4 packages or servings ramen noodles
Soup Base
- 1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp chili oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 4 cups oat milk
- 4 cups chicken broth
Toppings (optionals)
- soft boiled egg
- green onions
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the ground meat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside in a bowl.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions become translucent and aromatic, about 7 minutes. Add in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
- Mix in the cooked ground meat into the pan with vegetables and stir in the mirin and hoisin sauce, cooking for another few minutes.
- Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions (typically in boiling water for 4-5 minutes).
- Meanwhile, whisk tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sugar together in a bowl.
- Bring oat milk and chicken broth to a soft simmer and remove from heat.
- Stir the tahini and soy sauce mixture into the broth.
- To assemble ramen bowls, divide noodles into bowls, ladle hot broth over noodles, add a scoop of meat and vegetable mixture, and any toppings desired.
Notes
- Experiment with the spice level: Adjust the amount of chili oil according to your taste preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with a smaller amount and gradually increase it to find your perfect balance.
- Play with toppings: Tan Tan Ramen is versatile when it comes to toppings. Consider adding soft-boiled eggs, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, or nori seaweed to enhance the visual appeal and flavors of your homemade ramen.
- Use fresh ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh ingredients to maximize the flavors of your Tan Tan Ramen. Freshly minced garlic, grated ginger, and thinly sliced green onions will take your dish to the next level. Using fresh noodles or better noodle brands will keep this recipe wholesome.
Homemade Tan Tan Ramen is one of my favorite go-to recipes in my home, as I get a taste of authentic Japanese food within the comforts of home. By following our simple recipe and adding your own personal touches, you’ll be able to create a bowl of ramen that rivals your favorite restaurant. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a steaming bowl of homemade Tan Tan Ramen that will impress your taste buds and warm your soul. Happy cooking!
For all my yummy go-to recipes, visit https://freshcupofjoy.com/category/food-health/recipes/.