Introduction
This vibrant and delicious ramen dish combines rich flavors and textures, making it a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender ground pork, creamy coconut milk, and aromatic herbs and spices, this recipe elevates instant ramen noodles into a hearty and satisfying dish. Perfect for a cozy night in or an impressive dinner for guests, this bowl of ramen is sure to please everyone at the table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 packages (3.5 ounces each) instant ramen noodles, flavor packets discarded
– 1½ tablespoons canola oil
– 2 medium shallots, diced
– 3 tablespoons red curry paste
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
– 1 can (13.5 ounces) full-fat coconut milk
– 4 cups chicken stock
For the Pork:
– 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
– 1 pound ground pork
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 Fresno chili, seeded and minced
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
– 4 soft-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
– ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Ramen Noodles
In a large pot of boiling water, cook the ramen noodles until just tender, about 2-3 minutes. Rinse under cold water and drain; set aside.
Sauté Shallots
Heat canola oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced shallots and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 3 minutes.
Add Aromatics
Stir in red curry paste, tomato paste, minced garlic, and grated ginger until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Make the Broth
Add coconut milk and chicken stock. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer until flavors have blended, about 8-10 minutes.
Cook the Pork
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat toasted sesame oil. Add ground pork, minced garlic, and minced Fresno chili. Cook until pork has browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the pork as it cooks.
Season the Pork
Stir in fish sauce; season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked noodles and broth into serving bowls. Top with the cooked pork mixture, soft-boiled egg halves, fresh cilantro leaves, sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
Soft-Boiled Eggs
To achieve perfectly soft-boiled eggs, simmer them in boiling water for about 6-7 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath for cooling before peeling.
Adjusting Spice Level
For a milder dish, reduce the Fresno chili or omit it entirely. For extra heat, you can add more chili or serve with chili oil on the side.
Storage
Leftover broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving. Noodles are best prepared fresh. If making ahead, store broth and noodles separately to maintain texture.
Garnish Variations
Feel free to add other garnishes, such as bean sprouts or lime wedges, for added flavor and freshness.
Vegan Alternative
For a vegan version, substitute ground pork with crumbled tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Cook techniques
Cooking Ramen Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the ramen noodles, and cook until just tender (2-3 minutes). Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain.
Sautéing Aromatics
Heat canola oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add diced shallots and cook until tender (approximately 3 minutes). This builds a flavorful base for the broth.
Building Broth Flavor
Stir in red curry paste, tomato paste, minced garlic, and grated ginger, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant. This enhances the broth with deep flavors.
Simmering the Broth
Add coconut milk and chicken stock to the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend thoroughly.
Cooking Ground Pork
In a skillet, heat toasted sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add ground pork, minced garlic, and Fresno chili, cooking until browned (3-5 minutes). Break up the pork as it cooks for even browning.
Seasoning the Pork
Stir in fish sauce and season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. This adds complexity to the flavor of the pork.
Plating the Dish
Divide the cooked ramen noodles and broth between bowls, then top with cooked pork mixture, soft-boiled egg halves, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds for an attractive presentation.
FAQ
Can I use different noodles instead of ramen?
Yes, you can substitute other types of noodles, but cooking times may vary.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute ground pork with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
How do I make perfect soft-boiled eggs?
Boil eggs for 6-7 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking; peel before serving.
Is there a way to adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of Fresno chili or use a milder chili variety if you prefer less heat.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Conclusion
This flavorful ramen bowl showcases the rich combination of red curry and coconut milk, perfectly complemented by the savory ground pork and soft-boiled eggs. The fresh herbs and spices elevate the dish, making it a delightful meal that’s comforting yet filled with vibrant tastes. Enjoy this dish as a warm and satisfying option for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
Spicy Asian Tacos
Utilize the ground pork mixed with Fresno chili and fish sauce as a filling for soft corn tortillas, garnished with cilantro and green onions.
Coconut Curry Soup
Skip the ramen and serve the broth with other proteins like chicken or shrimp, and add a variety of vegetables such as bok choy, bell peppers, and snap peas for a hearty soup.
Stir-fried Noodles
Instead of boiling the ramen, stir-fry it with the ground pork, shallots, and a splash of soy sauce for a quick noodle dish.
Curry Meatballs
Combine the ground pork with red curry paste and breadcrumbs to form meatballs. Bake or pan-fry them, serving with a side of coconut milk sauce for dipping.
Vegetarian Variation
Replace ground pork with crumbled tofu or tempeh, and add a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini, making it a delicious meatless option.
