Making World-Class Ramen With Walmart Ingredients

Making World-Class Ramen With Walmart Ingredients is a medium Japanese recipe that serves 1. 650 calories per serving. Recipe by Jason Farmer on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs | Cook: 6 hrs 30 min | Total: 9 hrs

Cost: $60.77 total, $60.77 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 lb Pork Neckbones (bone‑in, for clear broth)
  • 4 lb Chicken Wings (raw, for broth)
  • 1 lb Chicken Feet (cleaned, adds gelatin)
  • 6 L Filtered Spring Water (for broth clarity)
  • 1 medium Onion (roughly chopped)
  • 1 medium Carrot (roughly chopped)
  • 1 bunch Scallions (Green Onions) (roots trimmed, white parts used for oil, green tops for garnish)
  • 4 oz Mushrooms (roughly chopped)
  • 5 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 in Ginger (sliced)
  • 4 oz Bacon (optional, adds smoky umami)
  • 1 cup Soy Sauce (Shoyu) (Japanese style preferred)
  • 2 tbsp Sake (Japanese rice wine)
  • 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
  • 0.5 tsp Sugar
  • 1.5 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 tsp MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) (optional, boosts umami)
  • 1 cup Neutral Oil (Vegetable Oil) (for scallion oil)
  • 2 lb Pork Shoulder (bone‑in or boneless, for shredded topping)
  • 2 tbsp Sugar (for rub)
  • 2 tbsp Kosher Salt (for rub)
  • 200 g Thin Spaghetti or Angel Hair Pasta (Deo brand preferred, creates alkaline noodles)
  • 4 tbsp Baking Soda (1 tbsp per quart of water for alkaline noodle hack)
  • 4 large Eggs (for soft‑boiled ajitama)
  • 1 tbsp Sugar (for egg marinade)
  • 1 tsp Sugar (extra for egg marinade)
  • 1 cup Sake (for egg marinade)
  • 1 cup Soy Sauce (for egg marinade)

Instructions

  1. Blanch Pork Neckbones

    Bring a large pot of tap water to a rolling boil, add the pork neckbones, and boil for 10 minutes. Skim off any scum, then drain, rinse the bones under cold running water, and set aside.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Blanch Chicken Wings and Feet

    In a separate pot, bring tap water to a boil, add chicken wings and feet, and boil for 5 minutes. Skim the foam, drain, rinse under cold water, then tear each wing at the joint and clip the toenails off the feet. Cut an X into the palm of each foot.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Start Pork Broth Simmer

    Place the blanched pork bones in the large stockpot, add 6 L of filtered spring water, and bring to a gentle simmer (about 190°F). Maintain this temperature for 2 hours, skimming any surface scum occasionally.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: 190°F

  4. Add Chicken to Broth

    After the pork has simmered 2 hours, add the prepared chicken wings, feet, and any remaining aromatics (if using). Return to 190°F and simmer for an additional 3 hours, continuing to skim.

    Time: PT3H

    Temperature: 190°F

  5. Prepare Aromatics and Bacon

    Roughly chop 1 onion, 1 carrot, the roots‑trimmed scallion bunch, 4 oz mushrooms, mince 5 garlic cloves, slice a 1‑inch piece of ginger, and dice the optional bacon.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Add Aromatics and Bacon to Broth

    Stir the chopped vegetables and bacon into the simmering broth. Continue to simmer for 1 hour at 190°F.

    Time: PT1H

    Temperature: 190°F

  7. Strain and Cool Broth Quickly

    Using a fine mesh strainer (lined with cheesecloth if desired), strain the broth into a metal bowl set in a larger bowl filled with ice water. Stir until the broth is cool to the touch.

    Time: PT15M

  8. Make Soy‑Based Tare (Seasoning Liquid)

    In a small saucepan combine 1 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp sake, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, ½ tsp sugar, 1½ tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp MSG. Bring to a boil, then immediately remove from heat and whisk until dissolved. Cool before use.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 212°F

  9. Prepare Scallion Aroma Oil

    Heat 1 cup neutral oil in a small pot over medium heat. Add the white parts of two bunches of scallions and cook until golden brown (10‑20 minutes). Remove from heat, let cool, then strain into a storage container.

    Time: PT20M

  10. Cure Pork Shoulder for Shredded Topping

    Mix 2 tbsp sugar with 2 tbsp kosher salt. Rub the mixture evenly over the 2‑lb pork shoulder. Place in a sealed container and refrigerate for 6‑18 hours.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Roast Cured Pork Shoulder

    Preheat the oven to 250°F. Place the cured pork shoulder on a baking sheet and roast uncovered for 6 hours, basting with rendered fat every 2 hours.

    Time: PT6H

    Temperature: 250°F

  12. Make Soft‑Boiled Soy‑Marinated Eggs (Ajitama)

    In a small pot bring water to a boil, add a paper‑clip‑pierced egg, and boil for exactly 7 minutes, stirring gently for the first minute. Transfer eggs to an ice bath, cool, peel, and place in a container with a cooled marinade of 1 cup soy sauce, 1 cup sake, 1 cup water, 1 tbsp + 1 tsp sugar. Refrigerate for 6‑24 hours.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 212°F

  13. Alkaline Noodle Hack

    Bring several quarts of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt and 1 tbsp baking soda per quart. Add 200 g thin spaghetti or angel‑hair pasta and cook 2 minutes longer than package instructions. Drain and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 212°F

  14. Prepare Curly Scallion Garnish

    Slice the green tops of the scallions lengthwise, then thinly slice into ribbons. Soak ribbons in ice water for 10‑15 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT10M

  15. Assemble the Ramen Bowl

    Warm a serving bowl in the oven on low. Add 2 tbsp tare, 1 tbsp scallion oil, 1¼ cup hot chintan broth, 5½ oz alkaline noodles, a handful of shredded pork, one marinated soft‑boiled egg (halved), and a small bunch of curly scallions. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
650
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
70 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains soy, Contains pork, Contains egg

Allergens: Wheat, Soy, Egg, Pork

Last updated: March 14, 2026

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Making World-Class Ramen With Walmart Ingredients

Recipe by Jason Farmer

A step‑by‑step guide to creating a restaurant‑quality bowl of ramen using only budget ingredients from Walmart. Includes a clear pork‑and‑chicken chintan broth, homemade tare, scallion oil, soft‑boiled soy‑marinated eggs, shredded pork shoulder, alkaline noodles made from regular pasta, and curly scallions.

MediumJapaneseServes 1

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
40m
Prep
13h 10m
Cook
1h 40m
Cleanup
15h 30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$60.77
Total cost
$60.77
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Blanching bones to remove myoglobin and prevent cloudy broth
  • Maintaining a low simmer at ~190°F throughout the 6‑hour broth extraction
  • Skimming scum regularly for clarity
  • Rapidly cooling the broth in an ice bath
  • Creating a very salty tare to season the entire dish
  • Low‑and‑slow roasting the pork shoulder at 250°F
  • Precisely timing the soft‑boiled eggs (7 minutes) and marinating
  • Using baking soda to alkalize pasta for ramen‑style noodles

Safety Warnings

  • Handle boiling water and hot broth with care to avoid burns.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the pork shoulder from the 250°F oven.
  • Ensure chicken and pork reach safe internal temperatures (165°F for chicken, 145°F for pork) before consumption.
  • Be cautious when using a paper clip to pierce eggs; keep it clean to avoid contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of ramen soup in Japanese cuisine?

A

Ramen originated in early 20th‑century Japan, inspired by Chinese wheat noodles, and evolved into a national comfort food with regional styles like shoyu, miso, tonkotsu, and chintan. It is now a staple in both casual eateries and high‑end restaurants, symbolizing warmth and communal dining.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chintan broth in Japanese ramen?

A

Chintan, meaning "clear soup," is most common in the Kyushu and Hokkaido regions, featuring a light, clear pork or chicken stock seasoned with soy‑based tare. It contrasts with the rich, milky tonkotsu broth of Hakata and the miso‑based soups of Hokkaido.

cultural
Q

How is ramen traditionally served in Japan, especially with chintan broth?

A

A traditional chintan ramen bowl includes the clear broth, thin alkaline noodles, a topping of sliced chashu pork, a soft‑boiled ajitama, menma (bamboo shoots), nori, and scallions. The bowl is presented hot, and diners often add a splash of tare or oil to adjust flavor.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is ramen commonly associated with in Japanese culture?

A

Ramen is enjoyed year‑round as a quick meal, but it is especially popular during winter festivals, late‑night gatherings, and as a comfort food after celebrations like New Year’s or school exams. Many ramen shops offer special seasonal toppings for holidays.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Japanese chintan ramen broth versus the substitutes used in this recipe?

A

Authentic chintan broth uses high‑quality pork bones, chicken carcasses, kombu (kelp), and katsu‑abushi for umami. In this budget recipe, Walmart‑available pork neckbones, chicken wings, feet, and optional bacon replace kombu and katsu‑abushi, delivering a similar depth of flavor.

cultural
Q

What other Japanese dishes pair well with this budget ramen soup from the YouTube channel Jason Farmer?

A

Side dishes like gyoza (pan‑fried dumplings), takoyaki (octopus balls), or a simple cucumber sunomono salad complement the ramen nicely. A cold Japanese barley tea (mugicha) also balances the warm, savory broth.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the budget ramen broth from Jason Farmer's YouTube channel?

A

Common errors include boiling the broth too hard (causing cloudiness), adding all ingredients at once (preventing peak extraction), skipping the bone blanching step (resulting in a metallic taste), and not cooling the broth quickly (which can dull flavor).

technical
Q

Why does this ramen recipe use baking soda to alkalize regular pasta instead of making traditional ramen noodles from scratch?

A

Baking soda raises the water’s pH, mimicking the alkaline environment created by kansui in authentic ramen dough. This shortcut gives store‑bought pasta a chewier texture and yellow hue without the complexity of kneading and resting dough, making it ideal for home cooks using Walmart ingredients.

technical
Q

Can I make the chintan broth ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the broth can be prepared up to two days in advance. After straining, cool it rapidly in an ice bath, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Skim any solidified fat before reheating.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jason Farmer specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Jason Farmer focuses on practical, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials that transform everyday grocery store ingredients into restaurant‑quality dishes, with a strong emphasis on clear explanations and step‑by‑step guidance.

channel

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