Cookingupthebeets

When it comes to ramen, the tantanmen seems to be the less popular cousin to the tonkotsu ramen. Although these two ramen dishes are very different from each other, they are both equally tasty!

Unlike tonkotsu ramen, I found the tantanmen to be less rich and fatty. This allows the flavor profile for the tantanmen to show through: spicier and nuttier. Using ground meat as the main protein makes the tantanmen a MUCH easier dish to make at home. Let’s give this dish a try and see your thoughts!

INGREDIENTS:

Servings: 2

Sesame Paste

• 2 tbsp tahini (sesame paste) or peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soysauce
• 1 tbsp chili oil
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 tap sugar

Broth

• 2.5 cups chicken stock
• 2.5 cups oatmilk

Protein (The original tantanmen calls for ground port but you can house beef and even impossible meat!)

• 1 pack of ground meat
• 1.5 tsp of minced ginger
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1.5 tsp soysauce
• 1/2 tap rice vinegar
• a pinch of granulated sugar or brown sugar

Toppings

• Ramen noodles
• 1 cup spinach, blanched
• 2 ajitama (marinaded soft-boiled eggs), optional
• Green onions, chopped for garnish, optional

DIRECTIONS

1. In a bowl, combine everything under “Protein” except for minced garlic. Let sit for about 30 min to marinade.
2. In the meantime, combine all of the ingredients under “Sesame Paste” in a separate bowl until well mixed. Split the paste into 2 bowls that you will be eating out of.
3. Blanch your spinach by adding fresh spinach to boiling water for ~30 seconds. Remove spinach from hot water into and ice bath to cool.
4. Make your broth by combining oatmilk and chicken stock in a pot. Set heat at medium-medium high. When the brother reaches simmering, reduce heat to maintain at simmering state. This prevent milk from splitting/curdling.
5. Cook your noodles according to package.
6. Time to cook the meat! Add oil to a pan, cook the meat at medium-high heat until fully cooked. Then, add minced garlic and continue to cook until aromatic.
7. Get ready to assemble! Add the broth to each bowl with sesame paste. Then, add ramen noodles topped with ground meat, spinach, ajitama, and green onions. Enjoy!