15 Minute Authentic RAMEN at Home! Easy TANTANMEN!

Summary

In this video, the host demonstrates how to make authentic Japanese tantanmen ramen at home in just 15 minutes. He walks through simple steps, starting with preparing ingredients like bok choy, garlic, ginger, and ground pork. The recipe includes options for substitutions, ensuring ease of access. The host emphasizes shortcuts for the broth, such as using soy milk and chicken powder, while adding tips to enhance flavor and presentation. The video concludes with plating and a taste test, highlighting how easy it is to create restaurant-quality ramen at home.

Takeaways

• 🍜 You can make authentic Japanese tantanmen ramen in just 15 minutes, skipping the hassle of driving to a restaurant.
• 🧄 Ingredients include bok choy, mung bean sprouts, green onion, garlic, and ginger. Bok choy and mung bean sprouts are optional but add authenticity.
• 🔪 Finely chop garlic and ginger to avoid chunky bits in the dish, which could be unpleasant for diners.
• 🥬 Bok choy can be cut in half or quarters to make the ramen look more appetizing and boost the dish's health benefits.
• 🐖 Ground pork is recommended for the spicy pork topping, though other meats can be used. The sauce includes chili bean paste, oyster sauce, and mirin (or substitutes like soju).
• 🔥 Stir-fry the pork over high heat with the sauce to infuse smoky flavors, enhancing the ramen's taste.
• 🥜 Use peanut butter or tahini as a substitute for Japanese roasted sesame paste in the soup base. Creamy peanut butter is preferred, but chunky works too.
• 🥣 For the broth, mix water, unsweetened soy milk, and chicken powder. Soy milk gives the broth a creamy texture.
• 🍜 Fresh, frozen, or even instant noodles can be used. The key is to cook them properly and spread them wide in the bowl for better presentation.
• 🌶️ Customize the spiciness with extra chili oil and top the ramen with soft-boiled eggs, sesame seeds, peanuts, and more for a complete dish.

Q & A

What is the main dish being taught in the video?

The main dish is Japanese Tantanmen, a type of ramen.

How long does it take to prepare the ramen according to the video?

It takes about 15 minutes to make the ramen.

What ingredients are optional in the recipe?

Bok choy and mung bean sprouts are optional ingredients.

What should you do if you don’t have Japanese sesame paste?

You can substitute it with tahini or peanut butter.

What type of ground meat is recommended for the spicy pork topping?

Ground pork is recommended, although other meats can be used.

What ingredients are suggested to make the sauce for the spicy pork topping?

The sauce includes sugar, Chinese chili bean paste, oyster sauce, sake or mirin, and chili oil.

What advice does the video provide for stir-frying the pork?

Make sure to break down the pork while cooking, and cook it on high heat after adding the sauce for a smoky umami flavor.

How do you prepare the soup base for the Tantanmen?

The soup base is made with 1 cup of water, 2 cups of unsweetened soy milk, and 1 tablespoon of chicken powder, warmed on low heat.

What is a key tip for avoiding a mess when heating soy milk for the broth?

Use low heat and avoid covering the pot, as soy milk tends to spit over easily.

What toppings are recommended to finish the Tantanmen?

Recommended toppings include mung bean sprouts, bok choy, spicy pork, green onions, sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, and a soft-boiled egg.

What is the final suggestion if you want to make the dish spicier?

You can add extra chili oil to increase the spice level and enhance the flavor.