I Cooked Tonkotsu Miso Ramen

I Cooked Tonkotsu Miso Ramen is a hard Japanese recipe that serves 4. 910 calories per serving. Recipe by Nick DiGiovanni on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 45 min | Cook: 24 hrs 51 min | Total: 29 hrs 6 min

Cost: $81.40 total, $20.35 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 kg Pork Bones (mix of pork hocks and marrow bones, some meat attached)
  • 1 kg Chicken Bones (carcass and backs)
  • 0.5 kg Duck Wings (fresh or frozen)
  • 0.5 kg Chicken Wings (fresh or frozen)
  • 30 g Dried Shiitake Mushrooms (rehydrated in broth)
  • 100 g Enoki Mushrooms (trim base, steam for topping)
  • 200 g White Mushrooms (sliced, added to broth)
  • 100 g Fresh Ginger (peeled, sliced into knobs)
  • 1 large Yellow Onion (quartered)
  • 10 cloves Garlic (peeled, crushed)
  • 2 tablespoons Salt (kosher or sea salt)
  • 1 cup Soy Sauce (high‑end Japanese soy sauce)
  • 1 cup Mirin (sweet rice wine)
  • 0.33 cup Fish Sauce (Thai or Vietnamese style)
  • 0.5 cup White Sugar (granulated)
  • 1.5 kg Pork Belly (skin on, rolled tightly and tied)
  • 3 stalks Green Onions (chopped for garnish and broth)
  • 6 g Baking Soda (alkaline for noodles)
  • 400 g Bread Flour (high protein, for chewy noodles)
  • 4 g Vital Wheat Gluten (boosts elasticity)
  • 500 ml Water (room temperature for dough)
  • 3 sheets Kombu (for dashi base)
  • 30 g Niboshi (dried baby sardines, soaked overnight)
  • 1 cup Bonito Flakes (katsuobushi)
  • 2 tablespoons Shiro Miso (white miso for tartar)
  • 6 large Eggs (soft‑boiled and marinated)
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (for egg boiling water)
  • 0.25 cup Dark Soy Sauce (adds color to egg marinade)
  • 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar (optional for dark soy balance)
  • 0.5 cup Sake (Japanese rice wine for tartar)
  • 2 pieces Nori Sheets (cut into strips for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Start the Broth Base

    Place pork bones, chicken bones, duck wings, and chicken wings in a large stockpot and cover with cold water.

    Time: PT30M

  2. Bring to a Rolling Boil and Skim

    Heat over high heat until a rolling boil forms, then reduce to a gentle boil and skim off the foam and impurities that rise to the surface.

    Time: PT15M

  3. Add Aromatics and Simmer Overnight

    Add white mushrooms, dried shiitake, ginger knobs, quartered onion, garlic cloves, and a generous pinch of salt. Reduce heat and let the broth simmer gently for 12 hours, adding water as needed to keep the bones covered.

    Time: PT12H

  4. Prepare the Chashu Pork Belly

    Roll the pork belly tightly, tie with butcher's twine every 2 cm, then place in a vacuum bag.

    Time: PT15M

  5. Sous Vide the Pork Belly

    Add garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, mirin, fish sauce, and sugar to the bag, massage into the meat, seal, and cook in a water bath at 175°F for 12‑15 hours.

    Time: PT12H

    Temperature: 175°F

  6. Soft‑Boil the Eggs

    Bring a pot of water to a boil, add 1‑2 Tbsp rice vinegar, gently lower six eggs, and cook for exactly 6 minutes 9 seconds.

    Time: PT6M9S

    Temperature: 212°F

  7. Ice‑Shock and Peel Eggs

    Transfer the eggs immediately to an ice bath for 5 minutes, then peel under running water.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Marinate the Eggs

    Combine 3/4 cup mirin, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup dark soy sauce (or soy + brown sugar) in a bowl. Submerge peeled eggs, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

    Time: PT2H

  9. Make Dashi for Tartar Base

    In a saucepan, combine 4 cups water, 3 sheets kombu, and heat to about 170°F (do not boil). Add soaked niboshi, 1 cup bonito flakes, and a handful of dried shiitake; let steep for 10 minutes, then turn off heat and strain.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 170°F

  10. Prepare Tartar Sauce

    To the strained dashi, add 1 cup soy sauce, 1 cup mirin, 1/2 cup sake, 2 Tbsp rice vinegar, 6 crushed garlic cloves, 1 inch ginger, 2 Tbsp black peppercorns, and 2 Tbsp shiro miso. Whisk until dissolved, then let sit for 30 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

  11. Make Alkaline Noodle Dough

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together 400 g bread flour, 4 g vital wheat gluten, and 6 g baking soda. Add 1 cup water, mix until crumbly, then add the remaining 1 cup water until a stiff dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap and rest 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

  12. Roll and Cut Noodles

    Divide rested dough into two portions. Using a rolling pin, roll each portion thin (≈2 mm), dust with bread flour, fold, and roll again. Cut into thin strands with a pasta cutter or sharp knife. Toss noodles with a light spray of flour to prevent sticking.

    Time: PT45M

  13. Cook the Noodles

    Bring a large pot of unsalted water to a rolling boil, add a pinch of salt, then add the fresh noodles. Stir gently and cook for 1 minute 30 seconds.

    Time: PT1M30S

    Temperature: 212°F

  14. Finalize Broth and Combine Tartar

    Strain the 24‑hour broth through a fine mesh into a clean pot. Stir in 2 cups of the prepared tartar sauce and a splash of pork‑belly cooking liquid for extra richness. Keep hot.

    Time: PT10M

  15. Assemble the Ramen Bowls

    Divide cooked noodles into four bowls. Ladle hot broth over noodles, top with sliced chashu pork belly, a marinated egg (halved), steamed enoki mushrooms, chopped green onions, and nori strips. Optional: torch the pork surface for a caramelized finish.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
910
Protein
32 g
Carbohydrates
78 g
Fat
45 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains soy, Contains egg, Contains fish (fish sauce, bonito), Contains pork

Allergens: Wheat, Soy, Egg, Fish

Last updated: July 3, 2026

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I Cooked Tonkotsu Miso Ramen

Recipe by Nick DiGiovanni

A labor‑of‑love Japanese tonkotsu ramen featuring a 24‑hour pork‑chicken‑duck broth, sous‑vide chashu pork belly, marinated soft‑boiled eggs, alkaline homemade noodles, and classic toppings like enoki mushrooms, green onions, nori and a miso‑infused tartar sauce.

HardJapaneseServes 4

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

Source Video
4h 20m
Prep
25h 12m
Cook
3h 33m
Cleanup
33h 5m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$81.40
Total cost
$20.35
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Step 3: Simmer broth overnight for deep flavor.
  • Step 5: Sous vide pork belly for ultimate tenderness.
  • Step 6: Precise timing for soft‑boiled eggs.
  • Step 11: Proper alkaline dough rest.
  • Step 12: Rolling and cutting the noodles without over‑drying.
  • Step 14: Straining broth and incorporating tartar for umami depth.

Safety Warnings

  • Broth will be boiling hot; handle with oven mitts.
  • Sous vide temperature of 175°F must be monitored to avoid under‑cooking.
  • Use a sharp knife carefully when slicing pork belly and eggs.
  • Raw pork and chicken must be kept refrigerated until cooked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Tonkotsu ramen originated in the Kyushu region of Japan, especially Fukuoka, where pork bone broth was developed to create a rich, creamy soup that became a staple of Hakata‑style ramen. It represents the Japanese tradition of extracting deep flavor from humble ingredients through long, patient simmering.

cultural
Q

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

A

In Kyushu, the broth is typically milky and heavily seasoned with soy or miso, while in Tokyo a lighter pork‑bone stock may be blended with chicken. Some regions add garlic oil (mayu) or sesame oil for extra depth, and toppings like kikurage mushrooms or pickled ginger vary by locale.

cultural
Q

How is Tonkotsu Ramen traditionally served in Fukuoka, Japan?

A

Traditional Hakata‑style Tonkotsu ramen is served in a shallow bowl with thin, straight noodles, topped with chashu pork, soft‑boiled marinated egg, kikurage mushrooms, green onions, and a drizzle of black garlic oil. The broth is poured hot and often finished with a small amount of sesame seeds.

cultural
Q

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

A

Ramen, including Tonkotsu, is a popular comfort food for everyday meals, but it is also enjoyed during late‑night gatherings, university festivals, and as a hearty dish after cold winter days. It is not tied to a specific holiday but is a staple of casual dining.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Tonkotsu Ramen broth versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic Tonkotsu broth uses pork bones (especially femur and trotters), chicken carcasses, and sometimes duck wings for depth. Substitutes can include beef bones for extra richness, but the key is long simmering. For seasoning, Japanese soy sauce and mirin are traditional; fish sauce can be added for umami but is optional.

cultural
Q

What other Japanese dishes pair well with Tonkotsu Ramen?

A

Tonkotsu ramen pairs nicely with gyoza (pan‑fried dumplings), takoyaki (octopus balls), or a simple cucumber sunomono salad. A light miso soup or a side of pickled daikon can balance the richness of the broth.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include boiling the broth too vigorously, which emulsifies fat and makes it cloudy; not skimming the scum early; under‑seasoning the broth; and over‑cooking the noodles, which become mushy. Also, failing to rest the pork belly after sous vide can result in uneven slices.

technical
Q

Why does this Tonkotsu Ramen recipe use a sous vide method for the pork belly instead of traditional braising?

A

Sous vide provides precise temperature control, ensuring the pork belly stays uniformly tender and juicy without over‑cooking the fat. Traditional braising can dry out the meat or leave uneven texture, while sous vide yields a melt‑in‑your‑mouth chashu that slices cleanly.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, the broth can be prepared up to three days in advance. Cool it quickly, transfer to airtight containers, and refrigerate. For longer storage, freeze in portion‑sized bags for up to two months. Reheat gently to avoid boiling away the delicate fat layer.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Nick DiGiovanni specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Nick DiGiovanni specializes in ambitious, high‑skill cooking projects, often blending scientific techniques with classic recipes. Nick focuses on detailed, step‑by‑step tutorials that challenge home cooks to attempt restaurant‑level dishes.

channel
Q

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

A

Nick DiGiovanni combines rigorous culinary science (like precise sous vide temperatures) with a storytelling style, whereas many Japanese cooking channels emphasize tradition and simplicity. Nick often experiments with equipment like immersion circulators and provides extensive ingredient sourcing tips.

channel
Q

What other Japanese recipes is the YouTube channel Nick DiGiovanni known for?

A

Nick DiGiovanni is known for his detailed sushi roll tutorials, ramen variations, Japanese curry, and a popular miso‑glazed black cod. His videos often feature deep dives into umami‑rich sauces and authentic Japanese techniques.

channel

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