Spicy Jjambbong Ramen
Ramen Reinvented! Simple & Flavorful Pork Jjambbong Ramen
This is my personal go-to recipe for jjambbong ramen when I’m craving something beyond the usual instant noodles! Enjoy a hearty and satisfying bowl with a depth of flavor.
Main Ingredients- 1 packet Instant Ramen
- Approx. 100g Pork (your preferred cut)
- 1/2 Onion
- 1/2 Scallion (Green Onion)
- 1 Red Chili Pepper (optional, adjust spiciness)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thinly slice the 1/2 scallion. Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over low heat and slowly sauté the sliced scallions until fragrant. Cooking the scallions until their aroma is released is key to building flavor.
Step 2
Once the scallion oil is fragrant, add the 100g of pork. Increase the heat to medium-high and stir-fry the pork until it’s browned on the outside. This step helps to render the fat and prevent a gamey taste.
Step 3
When the pork is mostly cooked, add the 1/2 sliced onion. Continue to stir-fry until the onion becomes translucent and starts to sweeten.
Step 4
As the onions soften, add the 1 diagonally sliced red chili pepper. Stir-fry everything together. The chili pepper adds a pleasant spiciness that enhances the jjambbong flavor. Feel free to omit or adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Step 5
When the stir-fried ingredients are nearly done, push them to one side of the pan. Pour 1 Tbsp of soy sauce into the empty space and let it sizzle for a few seconds, then mix it with the other ingredients. This caramelizes the soy sauce, adding a deeper umami flavor.
Step 6
After sautéing the soy sauce, add 1 Tbsp of mirin. Mirin helps to tenderize the meat and melds the flavors together beautifully, while also reducing any pork odor.
Step 7
Next, add 1 Tbsp of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). Stir-fry everything together for about a minute, ensuring the chili flakes are well incorporated and don’t burn. This step blooms the chili powder, releasing its vibrant color and flavor.
Step 8
Once the seasonings are well incorporated, add the appropriate amount of water (refer to your ramen package instructions) to the pot. Add the included vegetable flakes and soup base from the ramen packet. Stir to combine.
Step 9
Bring the broth to a rolling boil, then add the ramen noodles. Gently separate the noodles to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 10
Cook the noodles according to your preference. I like to add a bit more sliced scallion at this stage for extra freshness. (e.g., follow the cooking time recommended on the ramen package).
Step 11
Finally, sprinkle a pinch of black pepper on top. Your delicious jjambbong ramen is ready to enjoy! Serve immediately while hot. You can also add an egg or seafood for an even richer meal.
