Soul-Simmered Tonkotsu Ramen

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

A deeply flavorful Japanese ramen broth made from 18-hour simmered pork bones, served with hand-pulled noodles and melt-in-your-mouth chashu. This japanese-inspired soups ready in about 300 minutes pairs pork bones, water, ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 720 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: 180 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 720 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs pork bones in a large pot, cover with 12 cups cold water, and bring to a gentle simmer over low heat—skim impurities for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 oz peeled ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves, then simmer uncovered for 18 hours, skimming occasionally to keep broth clear.
  3. Step 3: Strain broth into a clean pot, discarding solids. Return to low heat and add 3 tbsp soy sauce, stirring until dissolved.
  4. Step 4: Simmer 12 oz pork belly in the broth for 30 minutes until tender, then slice thinly. Meanwhile, cook 8 oz ramen noodles in boiling water for 3 minutes, then rinse under cold water.
  5. Step 5: Divide noodles into bowls, top with 1/2 cup broth, 2 slices pork belly, 2 soft-boiled eggs, and 1/4 cup chopped green onions. Serve immediately while broth is hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Soul-Simmered Tonkotsu Ramen take to make?

Total time is about 300 minutes (120 min prep + 180 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 Soul-Simmered Tonkotsu Ramen?

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 Soul-Simmered Tonkotsu Ramen?

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 Soul-Simmered Tonkotsu Ramen 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 Soul-Simmered Tonkotsu Ramen?

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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