Homemade Tonkotsu Ramen with Pork Bone Broth

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deeply traditional Japanese ramen featuring a rich, creamy broth simmered for 18 hours, served with springy noodles and tender pork shoulder. This japanese-inspired asian ready in about 840 minutes pairs split pork neck bones, cut into 1-inch cubes pork belly, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 780 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 120 min Cook: 720 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 780 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs pork neck bones, 1 lb pork belly cubes, 6 smashed garlic cloves, and 1-inch sliced ginger in a large stockpot with 10 cups water; bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, skimming impurities for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 soaked dried shiitake mushrooms (including soaking liquid), 3 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 tbsp mirin; reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 hours, skimming fat occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Strain broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding solids; return to low heat and stir in 1 tbsp sesame oil until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Cook 8 oz ramen noodles in boiling salted water for 3 minutes until al dente; drain and divide between bowls.
  5. Step 5: Top noodles with 1/4 cup strained broth, 2 pieces of pork belly, 1 soft-boiled egg, 2 cups blanched bok choy, and 1/4 cup sliced green onions; ladle remaining broth over top until fully covered.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Homemade Tonkotsu Ramen with Pork Bone Broth take to make?

Total time is about 840 minutes (120 min prep + 720 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Homemade Tonkotsu Ramen with Pork Bone Broth?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep split pork neck bones from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Homemade Tonkotsu Ramen with Pork Bone Broth?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Homemade Tonkotsu Ramen with Pork Bone Broth for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Homemade Tonkotsu Ramen with Pork Bone Broth?

Japanese asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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