Pork Belly Ramen

This homemade Pork Belly Ramen is quick and easy to make, right on the stovetop. It’s served with rich comforting broth, crispy slices of pork, and tasty vegetables. The perfect restaurant quality meal that can be made at home.

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What is Pork Belly

It’s a cut of meat from the belly of a pig. It is a fatty and flavorful cut that is used in various ways, particularly in Asian cuisine. It is often used to make bacon, but can also be cooked in other ways such as braising, roasting, grilling, or frying.

It is a popular ingredient in many cultures around the world due to its rich flavor and versatility in cooking. I find it at Costco and have also seen it at Trader Joe’s and Aldi. Your local butcher is also a great option.

What Does it Taste Like?

Pork belly has a rich, meaty flavor that is enhanced by the fat content in the meat. It is known for its tender, juicy texture and can be quite flavorful when cooked properly.

When cooked crispy, it has a slightly sweet and savory taste with a crunchy texture. When braised, it can have a more tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture with a slightly sweet, savory, and tangy taste.

Ramen Background

Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup dish prepared with noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth, flavored with soy sauce or miso, and topped with various ingredients such as sliced pork, green onions, nori (dried seaweed), and soft-boiled eggs. Many say ramen originated in China.

What Type of Noodles to Use

Grab a pack labeled ramen. They’re made with wheat flour, water, and an alkaline solution called kansui, which gives the noodles their chewy texture and yellow color. It can be curly, straight, wavy, thick, or thin.

How to Make Pork Belly Ramen

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Heat a Dutch oven or the pan/pot you plan to use to sear the pork belly on medium-high heat.
2. Add the olive oil and pork belly. Sear.
3. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
4. Adjust the heat to medium. Add garlic, ginger, carrots, and mushrooms to the pot. Saute.
5. Deglaze the pot and add broth.
6. Add in soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir to combine all of the ingredients.
7. Add noodles to the pot to cook and soften.
8. Serve the ramen with the cooked pork belly and boiled eggs.

How to Cook the Egg

Most ramen in restaurants is served with a soft-boiled egg. I’ve also seen it served with a medium boiled, which actually my preference. I cook my eggs in the air fryer. You can air fry at 250 degrees for 13 minutes for soft-boiled and 14-15 minutes for medium-boiled.

Every air fryer will cook at varying speeds so you may need to test it out.

What Type of Pot to Use

I’m a huge fan of making this a one-pot recipe. I use this 7-quart Dutch oven. It’s large enough to cook the ramen in and it can withhold higher heat for searing the pork belly. If you want to make this using one pot, grab one that’s large enough and retains heat well.

Substitutions and Toppings Ideas

• Chicken: Popular protein substitute or addition
• Sesame Seeds: Adds texture and flavor
• Black Garlic: Fermented and provides a unique flavor and aroma that is distinct from fresh garlic.
• Nori: Dried seaweed that is often used as a topping in ramen to add a slightly salty flavor and a chewy texture.
• Scallions: Thinly sliced green onions that add a fresh and slightly spicy flavor.
• Menma: Marinated bamboo shoots that add a slightly sweet and earthy flavor.
• Corn: Sweet corn kernels are often added to add sweetness and texture.
• Bean Sprouts: Fresh and crunchy bean sprouts are often used as a topping in ramen to add a crisp texture and a fresh flavor.
• Broccoli: Nice crunch and additional veggies
• Cabbage: Nice crunch and additional veggies

How to Store Leftovers

Separate the noodles and broth into two different containers to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy. If you know you are planning for leftovers don’t combine the two when you first prepare the dish. You can store the dish tightly covered in the fridge for 3-4 days.

How to Reheat

I find the best way is on the stovetop until warm. You can use the microwave if you wish.

Pair With These Recipes

Shrimp Egg Rolls
Ground Beef Pasta with Alfredo
Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
Air Fryer Wontons
Ground Beef Pasta with Alfredo

More Soup Recipes

Shrimp Noodle Soup
Slow Cooker Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Creamy Chicken Florentine Soup

You may also like my Instant Pot Chicken Ramen recipe.

More Pork Belly Recipes

Pork Belly Tacos
Traeger Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends