
Japanese Dan Dan Ramen (Sesame Cream Broth with Spicy Pork)
Tantanmen is the Japanese adaptation of Sichuan dan dan noodles, served as a ramen with a thick sesame-cream broth. Ground pork is stir-fried with doubanjiang and spooned over the bowl along with chili oil. The sesame base gives the soup a dense, nutty body, while the chili oil adds a slow-building heat. Standard ramen noodles are used, paired with bok choy or scallions. Preparation takes about 45 minutes, with most of the effort going into building the sesame broth and seasoning the pork topping.
Adjust Servings
Instructions
- 1
Stir-fry ground pork with doubanjiang and soy sauce until browned and crispy.
- 2
In a pot, stir-fry sesame paste and miso briefly, then add pork stock and whisk to combine.
- 3
Bring broth to a boil and adjust seasoning.
- 4
Cook ramen noodles and place in bowls; ladle broth over.
- 5
Top with cooked pork, soft-boiled egg, green onion, and chili oil.
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.
Tips
Nutrition (per serving)
More Recipes

Dipping Ramen (Japanese Thick Noodles with Concentrated Dipping Broth)
Tsukemen is a Japanese dipping ramen where thick noodles and a concentrated broth are served separately. The broth - typically tonkotsu or seafood-soy based - is reduced to roughly double the intensity of standard ramen soup. Noodles are rinsed in cold water after boiling, which firms their texture and creates a temperature contrast when dipped into the hot broth. Toppings such as chashu pork, soft-boiled egg, and nori are arranged alongside the noodles. The recipe takes about 50 minutes, with most time spent building and reducing the dipping broth.

Dan Dan Mian (Sichuan Spicy Noodles)
Dan dan mian is a Sichuan noodle dish that layers wheat noodles and browned ground pork over a thick sauce built from sesame paste, soy sauce, chili oil, and vinegar. Ground Sichuan peppercorn delivers its signature tingling numbness on the tongue, while the chili oil brings a direct, lingering heat that melds with the rich sesame base. Stir-frying the pork until well-browned develops a roasted meatiness that deepens the sauce's complexity. Blanched bok choy tucked alongside the noodles provides a clean, green crunch against the oily intensity. The peppercorn's numbing effect builds quickly, so adding it in small increments allows precise control.

Cold Ramen Salad
Hiyashi chuka is a Japanese chilled noodle dish where cold ramen noodles are topped with colorful garnishes and drizzled with a tangy soy-vinegar dressing. The sauce balances soy sauce saltiness with vinegar's sharpness and a touch of sugar, finished by sesame oil's toasty richness. Thin strips of egg crepe, ham, cucumber, and tomato are arranged on top, creating a vibrant presentation and a mix of textures in every bite. The noodles must be thoroughly cooled in ice water after boiling to achieve the firm, springy chew that stands up to the dressing.

Abura Soba (Soupless Noodles in Rich Soy Sesame Oil Sauce)
Abura soba emerged in Tokyo's student districts during the 1950s as a cheaper, faster alternative to ramen - no slow-simmered broth needed. The name translates to 'oil noodle,' and the dish lives or dies on its sauce: soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and a splash of vinegar pooled at the bottom of the bowl. Chewy ramen noodles land on top, and the eater mixes everything from below, coating each strand in the concentrated glaze. Toppings - chashu pork, a runny soft-boiled egg, nori, bonito flakes, and sliced scallion - add layers of salt, fat, and umami. The lack of broth means every flavor hits at full intensity, making this a late-night favorite across Japan's izakaya scene.

Sapporo Miso Ramen (Hokkaido-Style Rich Miso Broth Ramen with Pork)
Sapporo miso ramen was born in Hokkaido's capital as a way to warm up against brutal northern winters, and everything about the bowl reflects that purpose. The broth starts with chicken stock fortified with a generous amount of miso paste, giving it a thick, opaque body and a deep fermented savoriness. Ground pork, cabbage, and bean sprouts are stir-fried in a wok before being added to the broth, which picks up smoky wok flavor in the process. Sweet corn kernels and a pat of butter melt into the surface, adding richness that feels earned rather than excessive. The noodles are thick and curly, engineered to trap the heavy broth in every coil. Garlic and chili oil variations are common in Sapporo's ramen shops.

Hakodate Shio Ramen (Hokkaido Clear Salt-Seasoned Chicken Ramen)
Hakodate shio ramen is the oldest style of ramen in Hokkaido, originating from the port city of Hakodate in the south of the island. The broth is built from chicken and pork bones simmered at a gentle, never rolling, boil so the liquid stays clear and golden rather than turning cloudy. Seasoning comes from salt alone - no miso, no soy sauce - which places the burden of flavor entirely on the quality of the stock. Medium-wavy noodles are the standard choice, their curls catching just enough broth in each bite. Toppings are kept minimal: a slice or two of chashu pork, strips of menma bamboo shoots, and chopped scallion. The appeal of shio ramen lies in its transparency, both visual and gustatory - there is nowhere for imperfections to hide, and every sip delivers a clean, uncluttered umami.