BLACK GARLIC Recipe RAMEN with PORK BELLY

BLACK GARLIC RAMEN with PORK BELLY

Black Garlic Recipe

DID YOU KNOW: The word Japanese word “ramen” was taken from the Mandarin Chinese word lāmiàn, meaning ‘pulled noodles’.

WHY is BLACK GARLIC RAMEN such A POPULAR DISH?

Black garlic ramen is a beloved dish in many parts of the world, particularly in Japan. The dish traditionally consists of ramen noodles in a savory broth or sauce made from pork (or sometimes chicken).

The added black garlic cloves or black garlic puree gives the broth a distinctive sweet & earthy flavour. The combination of the rich, hearty broth/sauce and the satisfyingly chewy noodles makes it a comforting, healthy and satisfying meal.

Black Garlic Ramen Recipe

RAMEN with PORK BELLY a WINNING COMBO

Crispy pork belly and black garlic ramen noodles are a match made in heaven due to their complementary textures and flavours. The crispy, fatty texture of the pork belly provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the chewy texture of the ramen noodles. The richness of the pork belly also complements the savory and umami flavours of the black garlic ramen broth, creating a harmonious balance of flavours.

Furthermore, the caramelized nature of black garlic adds a unique sweetness and depth to the ramen noodles that pairs perfectly with the salty and savory notes of the pork belly. The combination of the crispy, savory pork belly and the complex, umami-rich black garlic ramen creates a flavour explosion that is sure to leave you feeling warm, comfortable and satisfied.

IS BLACK GARLIC RAMEN HEALTHY?

Yes, for a number of reasons

  1. Ramen noodles are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel the body.
  2. Black garlic is known for its high antioxidant content, which helps to protect the body against cellular damage caused by free radicals.
  3. The broth of the black garlic ramen often includes nutrient-rich ingredients like vegetables, mushrooms, and seaweed, providing a range of vitamins and minerals.
  4. Pork belly can be a good source of protein and healthy fats when consumed in moderation.

Overall, black garlic ramen can be a well-balanced and nutritious meal when prepared with wholesome ingredients.

BLACK GARLIC RAMEN, stir-fry style…

Black Garlic Bulbs 1

BLACK GARLIC RAMEN with PORK BELLY

Black Garlic Ramen, tasty noodles with crispy pork belly! (Stir-Fry style, so the pork belly stays crispy 😉
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Course: dinner, noodle
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Keyword: black garlic ramen, IS BLACK GARLIC RAMEN HEALTHY, Is pork loin or belly better for ramen?, ramen with pork belly
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • 1 roasting pan
  • 1 wok
  • 1 large saucepan
  • 1 knife
  • 4 serving bowls

Ingredients

  • 400 gms ramen noodles ready in minutes, wet noodles
  • 6 pork spare ribs
  • 1/2 teaspn five spice powder
  • 4 cloves black garlic finely sliced (on wet chopping board)
  • 1 bunch spring onions finely slice
  • 250 gms bean sprouts
  • 2 teaspn sesame seeds

Sauce

  • 2 tbspn dark soy sauce
  • 2 tbspn oyster sauce
  • 2 tbspn hoi sin sauce
  • 1 tbspn mirin

Instructions

  • place pork spare ribs in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 mins. Remove from water and cool.
  • combine all ingredents for the sauce.
  • place the pork in a large flat roasting pan, and sprinkle with 5 spice powder. Coat both sides of ribs with half the sauce.
  • roast in moderate oven 180C for 20 mins. Turn and baste ribs and cook further 20-30 mins until tender and crispy. Cut into 2 cm sections.
  • rinse ramen noodles in cold water and drain.
  • gently saute spring onions (white parts only) in wok for 1 min.
  • add ramen noodles with remaining sauce and heat through.
  • stir through finely sliced black garlic, bean sprouts, spring onions tops.
  • divide into serving bowls top with pork ribs and garnish with sesame seeds

Notes

For those of us who can remember the dinner parties of the 1980’s you will remember cooking Pork Spare Ribs, fast forward to the 2020’s and these spare ribs are now called Pork Belly and cooked whole and not cut into ribs.  I have used ribs in Black Garlic Ramen with Pork Belly as they are easier to cut and serve.
Black Garlic ramen noodles can be cooked in the same way as a stir fry as in this recipe.  But if you prefer a broth, deglaze the roasting pan with water then add to the noodles in the wok.
Do you want more vegetables, then I suggest mushrooms and snow peas.  However sometimes I like to keep the recipe simple and not confuse the dish with too many flavours and textures. 
 
Black Garlic Ramen with crispy pork belly (stir-fry style)

WHAT are RAMEN NOODLES MADE OUT OF?

Ramen noodles are typically made from wheat flour, salt, water, and kanzuri, which is a type of alkaline mineral water. The alkalinity of kanzuri gives the noodles their characteristic texture, colour, and flavour. Some types of ramen noodles may also contain additional ingredients such as eggs, vegetable juices, or konjac flour.

The dough is kneaded, rolled out, and then cut into thin, long strips before being cooked in boiling water. Ramen noodles can be served in a variety of dishes, such as soups or stir-fries, and are a popular staple in Japanese cuisine.

RAMEN RECIPE NOODLES – just noodle soup, right?

There are several advantages of using traditional ramen noodles

  1. Texture: Wet ramen noodles have a chewy, springy texture that is difficult to replicate with dry noodles. They are also more tender and have a richer flavour.
  2. Health benefits: Wet ramen noodles are made from wheat flour and water, which are simple and natural ingredients. They do not contain the additives, preservatives, and flavourings that are often found in instant ramen noodles.
  3. Cooking time: Wet ramen noodles only take a few minutes to cook, whereas dry ramen noodles can take longer to cook and may not always retain their shape or texture.
  4. Overall taste: Wet ramen noodles have a superior taste as they are fresh and have a more authentic flavour. They also quickly absorb the flavors of the broth or sauce.

Overall, wet ramen noodles offer a more authentic and satisfying ramen experience with a superior texture, flavour, and health benefits.

Black Garlic peeled cloves and puree

Try Black Garlic | Learn More About Black Garlic

Conclusion

Black garlic ramen is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be easily prepared at home. The complex flavors of the black garlic and savory broth complement the chewy ramen noodles and crispy pork belly, creating a satisfying and comforting meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal on a chilly evening, black garlic ramen is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

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