Tonkotsu Ramen Recipe: Exploring the Richness of 3 Unique Japanese Variants

These tonkotsu ramen recipes will transport you to the heart of Japanese comfort food.

by Loudia Mahartika Modified Date 28 August 2025, 02:00 PM
Tonkotsu Ramen Recipe: Exploring the Richness of 3 Unique Japanese Variants

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Tonkotsu ramen is a beloved Japanese dish. It has gained international acclaim for its rich and flavorful broth, toothsome noodles, and an array of delicious toppings.

In this article, we will explore three enticing variants of tonkotsu ramen recipes that cater to different preferences – the classic, rich and Creamy Tonkotsu Ramen Broth, the plant-based delight of Vegan Tonkotsu Ramen, and the umami-packed Tonkotsu Miso Ramen. Let's check out some ideas for tonkotsu ramen recipes, compiled from numerous sources, on Thursday (28/08/2025). 


Tips On How To Make Tonkotsu Ramen

Ramen. (Photo: jcomp/Freepik)

Remember, making tonkotsu ramen is a work of love. The effort you put into creating a flavorful broth will be worth it when you savor that first spoonful of delicious homemade ramen. Making tonkotsu ramen at home can be a rewarding culinary experience. Here are some tips to help you achieve a delicious bowl of tonkotsu ramen:

  • Select the Right Bones: Use a combination of pork bones that include trotters, neck bones, and possibly chicken bones for added depth of flavor. Make sure to clean the bones before simmering to remove impurities.
  • Patience is Key: Simmer the broth for an extended period (8-10 hours) to extract maximum flavor. You will achieve the rich, creamy consistency characteristic of tonkotsu ramen.

Tonkotsu Ramen Recipe

Tonkotsu Ramen (created by MetaAI)
  • Frequent Skimming: Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface of the broth during the simmering process. This helps maintain a clear and clean broth.
  • Add Aromatics: Include aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, onions, and green onions to enrich the overall flavor profile of the broth.
  • Balancing Flavors: Modify the seasoning towards the end of the cooking process. Add soy sauce, sake, miso paste, and sesame oil gradually, tasting to achieve the desired balance of flavors.
  • Use Quality Noodles: Invest in good-quality ramen noodles.

You can find fresh or dried noodles at Asian grocery stores. Cook them just before serving to maintain their texture.

  • Temperature Matters: Serve the tonkotsu ramen piping hot. The warmth improves the flavors of the broth and ensures that the noodles and toppings are at their best.
  • Vegan or Low-Fat Options: For a lighter version, consider making vegan tonkotsu ramen using vegetable broth, shiitake mushrooms, and soy milk. This provides a creamy texture without the richness of pork.
  • Storage and Reheating: Tonkotsu broth can be pretty gelatinous when refrigerated. Don't be shocked; it's a sign of well-cooked broth. Heat it gently, and it will return to a liquid state.
  • Experiment and Enjoy: Don't hesitate to experiment with tonkotsu ramen recipes. Add your twist to the broth, try different noodle types, or play with unique toppings to make your dish.

Rich and Creamy Tonkotsu Ramen Broth Recipe

Rich and Creamy Tonkotsu Ramen Broth Recipe. (Photo: jcomp/Freepik)

 Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs pork neck bones
  • 1 lb pork trotters
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1 head garlic, halved
  • 2 inches ginger, sliced
  • 2 green onions, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup sake
  • 2 tablespoons miso paste
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Salt to taste
Ramen. (Photo: jcomp/Freepik)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the pork bones and trotters in cold water.

2. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.

3. Discard the water, clean the bones, and scrub away any impurities.

4. Return the bones to the pot with fresh water.

5. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and green onions.

6. Simmer for 8-10 hours, periodically skimming out impurities.

7. Strain the broth and return it to the pot.

8. Stir in soy sauce, sake, miso paste, and sesame oil.

9. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes.

10. Season with salt to taste.


Vegan Tonkotsu Ramen Recipe

Vegan Tonkotsu Ramen (created by MetaAI)

 Ingredients:

  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup king oyster mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup soy milk
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon miso paste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking ramen ©created by AI

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté garlic in sesame oil until fragrant.

2. Add shiitake and king oyster mushrooms, and cook until tender.

3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.

4. Stir in soy milk, miso paste, soy sauce, and grated ginger.

5. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

 


Tonkotsu Miso Ramen Recipe

Miso ramen. (c) Katarzyna Modrzejewska/Pexels.com

 Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs pork belly, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup red miso paste
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 4 packs ramen noodles
  • Green onions and nori for garnish
Ramen ©created by AI

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sear pork belly until golden brown.

2. Add miso paste and sauté for 2 minutes.

3. Pour chicken broth, mirin, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

4. Add sugar and bring to a simmer.

5. Cook ramen noodles separately according to package instructions.

6. Assemble bowls with noodles, broth, and pork slices.

7. Garnish with corn, green onions, and nori.


Conclusion

Whether you crave the traditional richness of tonkotsu, opt for a vegan alternative, or seek a fusion of flavors with miso, these three tonkotsu ramen recipes fill various tastes.

Experiment with these variations to find the perfect bowl that satisfies your culinary desires. These tonkotsu ramen recipes will transport you to the heart of Japanese comfort food.