The Best Restaurant-Style Ramen At Home

The Best Restaurant-Style Ramen At Home is a medium Japanese recipe that serves 4. 800 calories per serving. Recipe by Nick's Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 40 min | Cook: 14 hrs 27 min | Total: 16 hrs 37 min

Cost: $71.76 total, $17.94 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 lb Pork Bones (including pig's foot) (bones with marrow, pig's foot adds gelatin)
  • 1 large Onion (quartered, skin left on)
  • 6 cloves Garlic (halved)
  • 4 inch Ginger (cut in half lengthwise)
  • 4 stalks Green Onions (whole, for broth)
  • 200 g White Mushrooms (sliced)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for sautéing aromatics)
  • 2 lb Pork Belly (skin removed, rolled tightly)
  • 1 roll Butcher's Twine (for tying pork belly)
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (for chashu marinade and egg marinade)
  • 1/4 cup Mirin (sweet rice wine)
  • 3 tbsp Sake (for chashu and egg marinades)
  • 1 tbsp Sugar (for chashu marinade)
  • 4 large Eggs (soft‑boiled and marinated)
  • 1 tbsp Kombu (dried kelp) (for egg marinade, adds umami)
  • 500 g All‑Purpose Flour (for ramen noodles)
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda (alkaline component for noodles)
  • 1 tsp Salt (for noodle dough)
  • 250 ml Alkaline Water (Kansui) (or substitute with baking soda solution)
  • 2 tbsp Miso Paste (optional, added after broth is cooled)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and Clean Bones

    Place pork bones (including the pig's foot) in a colander and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Par‑boil Bones

    Transfer the cleaned bones to the large stockpot, cover with cold water, bring to a rapid boil, and boil for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Boiling

  3. Rinse Bones Again

    Drain the pot, discard the water, and give the bones a quick rinse under cold water.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Prep Aromatics

    Quarter the onion (skin on), halve the garlic cloves, cut the ginger piece in half lengthwise, and leave green onions whole.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Sauté Aromatics

    Add 2 tbsp vegetable oil to the pot, then add all aromatics. Stir for 1‑2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let them char.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Combine Bones and Mushrooms

    Return the cleaned bones to the pot, add the sliced white mushrooms, and cover everything with fresh water.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Simmer Broth for 12 Hours

    Bring the pot to a strong simmer (small bubbles breaking the surface) and let it cook, uncovered, for 12 hours. Keep the lid slightly ajar, skim any scum that rises, and add water to keep bones covered.

    Time: PT12H

    Temperature: Simmer

  8. Prepare Pork Belly (Chashu)

    Lay the pork belly skin‑side down, carefully slide a sharp knife between skin and meat, and remove the skin. Roll the belly tightly into a log and tie firmly with butcher's twine at 2‑inch intervals.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Sear Pork Belly

    Heat a cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high. Place the rolled pork belly fat side down and sear until the surface is deep golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes total.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  10. Make Chashu Marinade

    In a saucepan combine 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin, 2 tbsp sliced ginger, 2 crushed garlic cloves, 2 stalks sliced green onion, 1 tbsp sugar, and 2 tbsp sake. Bring to a simmer.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  11. Simmer Chashu

    Add the seared pork belly to the simmering marinade, cover with a lid slightly ajar, and cook for 2 hours until the meat is tender and the fat has rendered.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: Low simmer

  12. Cool and Refrigerate Chashu

    Turn off the heat, let the pork cool to room temperature, then transfer to a container, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

    Time: PT30M

  13. Soft‑Boil Eggs

    Bring a pot of water to a boil, gently lower 4 eggs, and cook for 6 minutes 30 seconds.

    Time: PT6M30S

    Temperature: Boiling

  14. Ice‑Bath and Peel Eggs

    Transfer the boiled eggs to an ice‑water bath for 2 minutes, then peel carefully. Set peeled eggs aside.

    Time: PT2M

  15. Marinate Eggs

    In a bowl combine 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp sake, 1 tbsp sliced ginger, 1 tbsp crushed garlic, and 1 tbsp kombu. Add the peeled eggs, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

    Time: PT5M

  16. Make Ramen Noodle Dough

    In a mixing bowl combine 500 g flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt. Gradually add 250 ml alkaline water while mixing with chopsticks until a shaggy dough forms.

    Time: PT10M

  17. Knead and Rest Dough

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

    Time: PT40M

  18. Roll and Cut Noodles

    Divide the rested dough into 4 portions. Using a pasta maker, roll each portion to setting 6 (thin). Dust sheets lightly with flour, then switch to the noodle cutter attachment and cut into 2‑mm wide strands.

    Time: PT15M

  19. Cook Fresh Noodles

    Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the fresh noodles and stir gently. As soon as the noodles float to the surface (about 1 minute), drain and set aside.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Boiling

  20. Strain and Finish Broth

    When the 12‑hour broth is done, turn off heat, strain through a fine mesh strainer, discarding solids. Return clear broth to the pot, add optional miso (2 tbsp) off the heat, and stir until dissolved. Keep broth warm over low heat.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Low

  21. Caramelize Chashu

    Remove the twine from the chilled chashu, slice into ¼‑inch thick pieces. Place slices on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack. Using a kitchen torch (or broiler), caramelize each side until a deep golden crust forms.

    Time: PT5M

  22. Assemble Ramen Bowls

    Divide cooked noodles among 4 bowls. Ladle hot broth over noodles. Top each bowl with a halved marinated egg, a few slices of caramelized chashu, and any additional toppings (e.g., sliced green onion, nori). Serve immediately.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
800
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
70 g
Fat
35 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains soy, Gluten

Allergens: Wheat (flour), Soy (soy sauce), Egg

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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The Best Restaurant-Style Ramen At Home

Recipe by Nick's Kitchen

A step‑by‑step guide to authentic Japanese tonkatsu ramen featuring a 12‑hour pork bone broth, tender chashu pork belly, soft‑boiled marinated eggs, and freshly rolled alkaline ramen noodles. Includes detailed prep, cooking, and plating instructions for a restaurant‑quality bowl at home.

MediumJapaneseServes 4

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

Source Video
2h 25m
Prep
14h 29m
Cook
2h 2m
Cleanup
18h 56m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$71.76
Total cost
$17.94
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cleaning the pork bones thoroughly to avoid a cloudy broth
  • Simmering the broth for a full 12 hours to extract collagen
  • Tightly rolling and tying the pork belly for even slicing
  • Resting the alkaline noodle dough before rolling
  • Rolling noodles to the correct thinness (setting 6) and cutting uniformly
  • Caramelizing chashu slices with a torch for flavor and visual appeal

Safety Warnings

  • Handle boiling water and hot broth with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a kitchen torch in a well‑ventilated area; keep flammable materials away.
  • Cook pork to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) for safety.
  • Wash hands and all surfaces after handling raw pork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Tonkatsu Ramen in Japanese cuisine?

A

Tonkatsu ramen, also known as tonkotsu ramen, originated in the Fukuoka region of Japan in the early 20th century. It was created by simmering pork bones for many hours to extract collagen, resulting in a rich, milky broth that has become a hallmark of Kyushu-style ramen.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Tonkatsu Ramen in Japan?

A

In Hakata (Fukuoka) the broth is typically very white and creamy with thin straight noodles, while in Kurume the broth may be slightly richer and the noodles are often slightly thicker. Some regions add garlic oil or sesame oil for extra depth.

cultural
Q

How is Tonkatsu Ramen traditionally served in Japan?

A

It is served in a deep bowl with the hot pork bone broth, thin straight noodles, a slice of chashu pork, a soft‑boiled marinated egg, sliced green onions, and often a drizzle of garlic oil or sesame oil. Optional toppings include nori, bamboo shoots, and bean sprouts.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Tonkatsu Ramen traditionally associated with in Japanese culture?

A

While ramen is an everyday comfort food, tonkotsu ramen is especially popular during colder months and is often enjoyed at late‑night ramen shops after social gatherings or work events.

cultural
Q

What makes Tonkatsu Ramen special or unique in Japanese cuisine?

A

The defining feature is the long‑simmered pork bone broth that turns opaque and creamy without any dairy. This depth of flavor, combined with the chewy alkaline noodles, creates a distinctive mouthfeel that sets it apart from other ramen styles.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Tonkatsu Ramen at home?

A

Common errors include not cleaning the bones thoroughly, which leads to a cloudy broth; simmering the broth too vigorously, which emulsifies fat and makes it greasy; and over‑cooking the fresh noodles, which destroys their chewy texture.

technical
Q

Why does this Tonkatsu Ramen recipe use a 12‑hour simmer instead of a shorter cooking time?

A

A 12‑hour simmer breaks down collagen and marrow from the pork bones, converting them into gelatin that gives the broth its signature milky appearance and rich mouthfeel. Shorter times won’t extract enough gelatin, resulting in a thinner broth.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, the broth can be prepared up to two days in advance. Cool it quickly, skim any solidified fat, then refrigerate in airtight containers. Reheat gently over low heat before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Tonkatsu Ramen broth is done?

A

The broth should be opaque, creamy‑white, and slightly thickened, with a glossy surface. When you stir it, it should coat the back of a spoon lightly without being oily.

technical
Q

How do I know when the fresh ramen noodles are cooked perfectly?

A

Fresh ramen noodles are done when they float to the surface of boiling water, usually within 1 minute. They should be tender yet still have a firm bite (al dente).

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Nick's Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Nick's Kitchen specializes in detailed, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that focus on authentic Asian dishes, especially Japanese ramen, with an emphasis on technique and flavor development.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Nick's Kitchen's approach to Japanese cooking differ from other Japanese cooking channels?

A

Nick's Kitchen emphasizes long‑time, traditional processes such as 12‑hour bone broths and homemade noodles, while also providing practical shortcuts and clear safety warnings. The channel blends thorough technique explanations with a home‑cook friendly style, unlike many channels that rely on pre‑made components.

channel

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