Pork Stew with Leftover Ramen Broth Powder
[Daddy Tuum’s Recipe] How to Make Pork Stew Using Leftover Ramen Seasoning Packets
Don’t throw away those leftover ramen seasoning packets! This recipe shows you how to transform them into a delicious and hearty pork stew.
Ingredients
- Pork stew meat 200g (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Potatoes 2 (peeled and cut into 2cm cubes)
- Onion 1 (cut into 2cm cubes)
- King oyster mushroom 1 (cut into 2cm pieces)
- Zucchini 1/3 (cut into 2cm cubes)
- Carrot 1/3 (cut into 2cm cubes)
- Green onion 1 (chopped)
- Green chili pepper 1 (chopped, adjust to spice preference)
- Dried shiitake mushrooms 4 (soaked in lukewarm water for at least 30 minutes)
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Ramen seasoning packets 2 (standard ramen soup powder)
- Black pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, place the 4 dried shiitake mushrooms in a bowl and soak them in lukewarm water for at least 30 minutes until fully rehydrated. Once softened, remove the tough stems and slice the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Don’t discard the soaking water; it will be used as part of the broth for added flavor.
Step 2
Heat about 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a deep pan or wok. Add the 200g of pork stew meat and sprinkle a little black pepper over it to help eliminate any gamey odors.
Step 3
Sauté the pork over medium heat until it’s nicely browned and releases a savory aroma. Browning the meat thoroughly is key to developing a deeper flavor for the stew, ensuring the juices are locked in.
Step 4
Once the pork is browned, add the rehydrated shiitake mushrooms and sauté for another minute. Then, pour in the shiitake soaking water (about 2 cups or 400ml) and an additional 2 cups (400ml) of fresh water, bringing the total liquid to approximately 800ml.
Step 5
Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the 2 ramen seasoning packets (both the powder and any dried vegetable bits). Stir well to dissolve the seasoning. The unique umami from the ramen seasoning will add a rich depth to your stew.
Step 6
Now, prepare your vegetables. Peel and cut the potatoes into 2cm cubes. Dice the onion, zucchini, and carrot into similar 2cm cubes. Slice the king oyster mushroom into 2cm pieces. Finally, chop the green onion and green chili pepper.
Step 7
Add the harder vegetables, namely the cubed potatoes, carrots, and zucchini, to the boiling broth. These vegetables require more cooking time, so it’s best to add them first to ensure they cook through evenly.
Step 8
After about 5-7 minutes, when the potatoes and carrots have started to soften, add the remaining vegetables: the diced onion and sliced king oyster mushrooms. Continue to simmer until all the vegetables are tender.
Step 9
Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to enhance the stew’s savory flavor and aroma. Adding minced garlic towards the end of cooking preserves its fragrant notes.
Step 10
Simmer for about 5 more minutes, or until all the vegetables are perfectly tender. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if needed; you can add a bit more ramen seasoning or a splash of soy sauce or salt to your preference. Stir in the chopped green onion and green chili pepper, and let it simmer for another minute. Your delicious pork stew is now ready to serve!
