The Savory
Ingredients
- 4 lb pork bones (femur or neck bones)
- 1 lb pork belly (for chashu)
- 4 servings fresh ramen noodles
- 4 large eggs
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 thumb ginger, sliced
- 2 green onions, white parts only
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tbsp sake
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 4 sheets nori (dried seaweed)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- White pepper and salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare the pork bones
Place pork bones in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Drain, rinse the bones thoroughly, and scrub the pot clean. This removes impurities for a clear, clean broth.
Make the broth
Return bones to the pot and cover with fresh water. Add garlic, ginger, and green onions. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a vigorous simmer. Cook for 3 hours, adding water as needed to keep bones submerged. The broth should be milky white and rich.
Prepare the chashu
While the broth simmers, roll the pork belly tightly and tie with kitchen twine. In a separate pot, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and 1 cup water. Add the pork belly roll, bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 hour. Let cool in the liquid, then slice into rounds.
Make soft-boiled eggs
Bring water to a gentle boil. Carefully lower the eggs in and cook for exactly 6 minutes 30 seconds. Transfer to an ice bath. Peel and marinate in the cooled chashu liquid for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the noodles
Cook the ramen noodles according to package directions, usually 1-2 minutes. Drain well and divide among 4 deep bowls.
Assemble the bowls
Ladle the hot tonkotsu broth over the noodles. Top with slices of chashu, a halved soft-boiled egg, a sheet of nori, and sliced green onions. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with white pepper. Serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- The key to milky white tonkotsu broth is a vigorous, rolling boil — don't let it simmer gently.
- Blanch the bones thoroughly to remove any blood and impurities for a clean flavor.
- Prep the chashu and eggs a day ahead for easier assembly and deeper flavor.
- Customize your bowl with extras like corn, butter, sesame seeds, or chili oil.