Homemade Tonkotsu Ramen with Pork Bone Broth

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

★ 3.1 (9 ratings) Prep: 120 min Cook: 720 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 780 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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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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