Kyoto-Style Miso Ramen with Braised Pork Belly

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

A deeply savory broth simmered for hours with pork bones and miso, topped with tender braised pork belly and fresh garnishes for an authentic Japanese ramen experience. This japanese-inspired soups ready in about 190 minutes pairs pork bones, dried shiitake mushrooms, white miso paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 165 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place pork bones and dried shiitake mushrooms in a large pot with 6 cups water; bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, skimming foam for 10 minutes, then cover and simmer for 2 hours until broth is rich and flavorful.
  2. Step 2: Strain broth into a clean pot, discarding solids. Add pork belly, soy sauce, and mirin; simmer uncovered for 45 minutes until pork is fork-tender. Remove pork, slice thinly, and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat sesame oil in a small pan over medium heat; add wakame and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Meanwhile, cook ramen noodles in a pot of boiling salted water for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and divide into bowls.
  4. Step 4: Ladle hot broth over noodles, top with sliced pork belly and wakame, and garnish with thinly sliced scallions. Serve immediately while broth is bubbling.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Kyoto-Style Miso Ramen with Braised Pork Belly take to make?

Total time is about 190 minutes (25 min prep + 165 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 Kyoto-Style Miso Ramen with Braised Pork Belly?

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 pork bones from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kyoto-Style Miso Ramen with Braised Pork Belly?

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 Kyoto-Style Miso Ramen with Braised Pork Belly 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 Kyoto-Style Miso Ramen with Braised Pork Belly?

Japanese soups 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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