Instant Pot Tonkotsu Ramen Broth

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Tonkotsu ramen is a noodle dish where the broth is made from pork bones. The broth is the heart and soul of the dish. Traditionally, the broth takes hours, or up to an entire day to make. But with an Instant Pot, that time drops. This recipe makes a creamy pork broth that serves as the perfect base to your tonkotsu ramen dish. Flavor the broth however you'd like, but this recipe suggests using soy sauce, miso, and a Japanese fish bouillon (in granules) called "dashi."

Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 30 mins
Additional Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs
Servings:
4

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pork bones, with meat

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 small leeks, chopped

  • 1 onion, roughly chopped

  • 3 large cloves garlic, minced

  • 5 cups water, divided

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon dashi granules

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon shiro miso (white fermented soybean paste)

  • ¼ cup fresh spinach

  • 2 (3 ounce) packages ramen noodles, or to taste

Directions

  1. Place the pork bones into a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook at a rolling boil for 5 minutes. Drain the pork bones into a colander in the sink and rinse well until water against the bones runs clear; this is the most important step of the process.

  2. Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot) and select Saute function. Warm the olive oil in the pot. Add leeks, onion, and garlic. Saute until onion is clear and has begun to brown, 7 to 10 minutes. Turn Saute mode off.

  3. Place the cleaned pork bones into the inner pot on top of the onion mixture. Add 4 cups of water. Place the lid onto the Instant Pot, with the vent set to Sealing. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 45 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.

  4. Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, 10 to 40 minutes, or turn vent to Venting.

  5. Remove lid and carefully remove the inner pot. Strain the stock in a cheesecloth-lined colander that is placed on top of a large saucepan. Set aside. Remove any remaining meat from bones and set aside.

  6. Season strained broth with salt and pepper. Add in dashi and remaining 1 cup water. Stir in soy sauce. Bring broth to a slow boil over medium-low heat; turn heat down to a simmer. Scoop out 1/3 cup of the broth into a bowl. Add the miso into the bowl and "soften" the miso with a spoon, dissolving it into the broth. Return this paste to the saucepan. Mix paste into the broth and combine well. Add spinach to the broth. Continue simmering for 10 minutes (do not bring to a boil).

  7. Meanwhile, bring water to a boil in a pot. Add ramen noodles and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Drain and rinse and place a good handful into a serving bowl. Pour tonkotsu broth into the bowl using a ladle. Add the pulled meat from the bones atop the noodles; add the spinach.

Recipe Tips

Boiling the pork bones blanches them, removes sediment or impurities, and cleans the bones and meat.

You can use dried or fresh ramen noodles, just prepare them as directed on the packaging.

You can use kale instead of spinach if preferred.

Suggested toppings: green veggies such as kale or spinach, a soft-boiled egg half, flavored Japanese ginger, shredded pork meat from bones, sliced green onions, and a Japanese mixed chile pepper spice blend.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

436 Calories
37g Fat
11g Carbs
15g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 436
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 37g 47%
Saturated Fat 12g 61%
Cholesterol 67mg 22%
Sodium 879mg 38%
Total Carbohydrate 11g 4%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 15g 30%
Vitamin C 6mg 6%
Calcium 56mg 4%
Iron 1mg 8%
Potassium 351mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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