3 Levels of Ramen!?
3 Levels of Ramen!?! is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 2. 650 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking With Lynja on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $11.44 total, $5.72 per serving
Ingredients
- 250 g Pork Belly (Thinly sliced; trim excess fat if desired)
- 200 g Ramen Noodles (Fresh or dried; break into manageable pieces if using fresh)
- 2 large Eggs (Soft‑boiled; peel before serving)
- 4 cup Chicken or Pork Broth (Store‑bought or homemade; low‑sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (Regular or low‑sodium)
- 1 tbsp Mirin (Adds subtle sweetness)
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil (To finish the broth)
- 2 stalks Green Onions (Thinly sliced for garnish)
- 1 piece Nori Sheets (Torn into strips (optional))
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds (Toasted, for garnish (optional))
Instructions
Heat the Broth
Pour the chicken or pork broth into a large pot, add soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Season and Sear Pork Belly
Season the sliced pork belly with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a hot skillet, sear the pork belly skin‑side down for about 2‑3 minutes until crisp, then flip and cook another 2 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: high heat
Soft‑Boil the Eggs
Bring a saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Gently lower the eggs into the water and boil for 6 minutes. Transfer immediately to an ice‑water bowl for 2 minutes, then peel.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: boiling
Cook the Ramen Noodles
Add the ramen noodles to the simmering broth and cook according to package instructions, usually 2‑3 minutes, until just tender.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: boiling
Assemble the Bowls
Divide the noodles and broth into two serving bowls. Top each with seared pork belly, a halved soft‑boiled egg, sliced green onions, nori strips, and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 650
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 70g
- Fat
- 25g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains gluten, Contains soy
Allergens: Eggs, Soy, Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pork Belly: Bacon, Pork shoulder
- Instead of Ramen Noodles: Udon noodles, Spaghetti
- Instead of Eggs: Quail eggs
- Instead of Chicken or Pork Broth: Miso broth, Vegetable broth
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari
- Instead of Mirin: Sake + 1 tsp sugar
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil (use sparingly)
- Instead of Green Onions: Scallions
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Saucepan
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Kitchen Timer
- Ladle
- Tongs
- Ice Water Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Timing the soft‑boiled eggs (6 minutes) to achieve a runny yolk.
- Crisping the pork belly without burning the fat.
- Cooking the noodles just until al dente to avoid mushiness.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Reserve a spoonful of rendered pork fat and stir it into the broth for extra richness.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar at the end for a subtle brightness.
- For an authentic touch, garnish with a small piece of shoyu‑marinated bamboo shoots.
Troubleshooting
Noodles become mushy.
Cook noodles for the minimum time indicated on the package and rinse briefly under cold water before adding to the broth.
Egg yolk is too firm.
Reduce boiling time to 5‑6 minutes and ensure immediate ice‑water shock.
Pork belly is tough.
Slice thinly and sear quickly over high heat; alternatively, simmer the pork belly in broth for 10 minutes before searing.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store broth, cooked pork belly, and peeled soft‑boiled eggs separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Broth freezes well for up to 2 months; pork belly can be frozen raw for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Do not leave cooked ramen at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the broth a day ahead and refrigerate; it develops deeper flavor.
- Soft‑boil the eggs and keep them in their shells in the fridge; peel just before serving.
- Slice and marinate pork belly in advance; store in a sealed bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of ramen in Japanese cuisine?
Ramen originated in early 20th‑century Japan, influenced by Chinese wheat noodles. Over time it evolved into a national comfort food with regional styles like Tonkotsu, Shoyu, and Miso, each reflecting local ingredients and tastes.
What are the traditional regional variations of ramen in Japan?
Key regional variations include Hakata’s rich pork‑bone (tonkotsu) broth, Sapporo’s miso‑based soup with butter and corn, and Tokyo’s soy‑sauce (shoyu) broth with slightly curly noodles. Each region adds unique toppings and broth bases.
How is ramen traditionally served in Japan?
Ramen is served in a deep bowl with hot broth, noodles, and toppings arranged artfully—typically sliced chashu pork, a soft‑boiled egg, green onions, nori, and bamboo shoots. Diners mix the toppings before eating to combine flavors.
What occasions or celebrations is ramen traditionally associated with in Japanese culture?
Ramen is a popular everyday meal but also appears at festivals, late‑night gatherings, and as a comforting dish after celebrations. It’s especially common during winter for its warming qualities.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with this Level One Ramen?
Side dishes such as gyoza (pan‑fried dumplings), takoyaki (octopus balls), or a simple cucumber sunomono salad complement the ramen’s richness and provide textural contrast.
What makes Level One Ramen special or unique in Japanese ramen cuisine?
Level One Ramen focuses on simplicity—using just pork belly, a soft‑boiled egg, and classic broth—to highlight the core flavors of ramen without overwhelming toppings, making it an ideal starter for beginners.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Level One Ramen at home?
Common errors include overcooking the noodles, under‑ or over‑cooking the soft‑boiled egg, and searing pork belly at too high a heat which can burn the fat. Follow the timing cues and keep the broth at a gentle simmer.
Why does this Level One Ramen recipe use a soft‑boiled egg instead of a hard‑boiled egg?
A soft‑boiled egg provides a runny yolk that enriches the broth when broken, adding silkiness and depth of flavor that a fully set yolk cannot achieve.
Can I make Level One Ramen ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the broth and sear the pork belly a day ahead; store each in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Soft‑boiled eggs can be kept in their shells, peeled just before serving. Reheat broth and assemble when ready.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking With Lynja specialize in?
Cooking With Lynja focuses on approachable, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that blend comfort food with occasional international flavors, emphasizing clear visuals and practical tips for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking With Lynja's approach to Japanese cooking differ from other Japanese cooking channels?
Cooking With Lynja simplifies classic Japanese dishes, stripping them down to essential techniques and ingredients while still honoring authentic flavors, whereas many other channels may delve into more complex, traditional preparations.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
