19 Japanese Ramen Char Siu Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Japanese ramen char siu, also known as chashu, is a popular topping for ramen that originated in China but has become an essential part of Japanese cuisine. This succulent, flavorful pork adds a rich and savory element to any bowl of ramen. While it may seem intimidating to make at home, with the right recipe and techniques, you can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen.
Instant Pot Chashu for Ramen (Japanese Braised Pork...
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Green Onions, Fresh Ginger, Sake, Japanese
Chashu is a traditional Japanese dish that consists of tender, braised pork belly slices. It is a staple in many ramen dishes, adding a rich and savory flavor to the broth. While it may seem intimidating to make chashu at home, with the right recipe and tools, anyone can create this delicious dish. And with the help of an Instant Pot, it has never been easier.
If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, then you have probably heard of kakuni, a popular dish that features braised pork belly. This dish is made by slowly simmering the pork belly in a flavorful broth until it is melt-in-your-mouth tender. The result is a dish that is full of flavor and perfect for any occasion.
For those who are looking to recreate the authentic flavors of kakuni at home, an Instant Pot is the perfect tool. With its pressure cooking capabilities, the Instant Pot can create a dish that tastes like it has been simmering for hours in just a fraction of the time. Plus, with the added convenience of the Instant Pot, this dish can be made on even the busiest of days.
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Japanese Braised Pork Belly (Buta no Kakuni)
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Pork Belly, Leeks, Fresh Ginger, Dashi
Buta no kakuni is a classic dish that is often served at traditional Japanese celebrations and festivals. It is made by cutting the pork belly into large cubes and braising them in a flavorful broth until they are tender and juicy. The result is a dish that is not only delicious but also visually stunning.
While chashu is traditionally made with pork belly, it can also be made with other cuts of pork, such as pork shoulder or pork loin. However, for the most authentic and flavorful chashu, pork belly is the way to go. The marbling of fat in the pork belly adds a depth of flavor that cannot be replicated with other cuts of pork.
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Instant Pot Japanese Braised Pork Belly (Kakuni)
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Green Onions, Fresh Ginger, Onion
For those who are looking for a quicker and easier way to make kakuni, the Instant Pot is the perfect solution. By using the pressure cooking function, the pork belly can be tenderized in a fraction of the time it would take to braise it on the stovetop. This means that you can enjoy all the flavors of kakuni without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Pork Wonton Soup Meets Japanese Braised Pork Belly and...
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Green Onion, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil
While chashu is most commonly used in ramen dishes, it can also be incorporated into other dishes. For example, chashu can add a delicious touch to pork wonton soup. The tender, flavorful pork complements the wontons perfectly, creating a dish that is sure to impress.
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Slow Braised Japanese Chashu Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Sake, Sugar, Garlic
Although the Instant Pot makes it easy to create chashu quickly, there is something to be said about the traditional slow braising method. By cooking the pork belly low and slow, the flavors have time to develop and the meat becomes incredibly tender. So if you have the time, it is worth trying the slow braising method for an even more flavorful chashu.
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Japanese Style Chashu Braised Pork (チャーシュー)
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Spring Onion, Fresh Ginger, Garlic, White
If you're looking to impress your dinner guests, then a Japanese-style chashu braised pork dish is the way to go. The flavors of this dish are complex and delicious, with the pork melting in your mouth with every bite. Plus, the presentation of this dish is sure to wow your guests and make them think you spent hours in the kitchen.
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Smokey Japanese Chashu (Smoked Pork Belly) On A...
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Soy Sauce, Sake, Mirin, Sugar, Scallions
Adding a smoky element to chashu can take the flavors to the next level. By smoking the pork belly before braising, you can create a dish that is rich and flavorful with a hint of smokiness. And when served on a bed of rice or noodles, this dish is a satisfying and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion.
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Chinese Style Beer Braised Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Dark Beer, Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce
While chashu is a traditional Japanese dish, it can also be adapted to other cuisines. For example, by using Chinese flavors and techniques, you can create a delicious Chinese-style beer braised pork belly. The result is a tender and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.
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Braised Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Chinese Rice Wine, Soy Sauce, Dark Soy
If you're not in the mood for a noodle or rice dish, then simply serving the braised pork belly on its own is a great option. The tender and juicy meat, combined with the flavorful broth, creates a dish that is perfect for any meat lover. Plus, it is a great way to use up any leftovers from a chashu ramen or other dish.
If you're new to making Japanese dishes, then kakuni is a great place to start. This dish is relatively simple to make, and the result is a delicious, tender pork belly that can be used in a variety of dishes. Plus, with the help of an Instant Pot, it is even easier to create this traditional Japanese dish.
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Chashu (Braised Pork Belly)
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Salt, Vegetable Oil, Ginger, Green Onion
For those who are looking for a more traditional chashu dish, simply braising the pork belly in a flavorful broth is the way to go. The result is a tender and juicy pork belly that is perfect for adding to ramen dishes or serving on its own. And with the help of an Instant Pot, this dish can be made in just a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop.
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Japanese Rolled Chashu
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Vegetable Oil, Water, Soy Sauce, Sake
If you want to take your chashu presentation to the next level, then rolling the pork belly before braising is a great option. This creates a beautiful spiral of tender and flavorful pork that is sure to impress. Plus, the rolling technique helps to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the meat.
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Pressure Cooker Japanese Chashu
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Soy Sauce, Ginger, Water, Rice Wine
For those who are short on time, using a pressure cooker to make chashu is a great option. By cooking the pork belly under pressure, the flavors are intensified and the meat becomes incredibly tender. This means that you can enjoy a delicious chashu dish in a fraction of the time.
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Japanese Rolled Chashu for Ramen
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Soy Sauce, Ginger, Water, Rice Wine
For ramen lovers, adding chashu to your bowl is a must. And by using the rolled chashu technique, you can create a dish that not only tastes delicious but also looks beautiful. The tender and flavorful pork adds a depth of flavor to the ramen broth, making it a must-have ingredient.
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Japanese Pork Gyoza
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Egg, Soy Sauce, Green Onions, Pork, Wonton
If you're a fan of Japanese dumplings, then adding chashu to your pork gyoza is a game-changer. The combination of the tender, flavorful pork and the crispy gyoza wrapper is a match made in heaven. And by using an Instant Pot to make the chashu, this dish can be on your table in no time.
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Assam Braised Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Assam, Rock Sugar, Dark Soy Sauce, Sugar
While traditional Japanese chashu is made with a soy-based broth, there are other variations of this dish that are equally delicious. For example, using a tangy and spicy Assam broth to braise the pork belly creates a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to become a new favorite.
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Instant Pot Braised Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Dark Soy Sauce, Ginger, Garlic, Spring
For those who are looking to save time in the kitchen, an Instant Pot is a must-have kitchen tool. And when it comes to making chashu, the Instant Pot is a game-changer. By using the pressure cooking function, the pork belly can be tenderized in no time, making it a quick and easy dish to make on any night of the week.
The Perfect Cut of Pork
To make the perfect Japanese ramen char siu, the first step is selecting the right cut of pork. The most commonly used cut is pork belly, which is known for its rich marbling and tender texture. However, you can also use pork shoulder or other fatty cuts of pork. For the best results, choose a well-marbled piece of pork with a good balance of fat and meat. This will ensure that your char siu is tender and juicy.
Marinating the Pork
One of the key steps in making Japanese ramen char siu is the marination process. This is where the bold flavors of this dish come from. A traditional marinade for char siu includes soy sauce, sake, mirin, brown sugar, and garlic. You can also add other spices and herbs such as ginger, star anise, and sesame oil to enhance the flavor profile. For a sweet and sticky char siu, add honey or hoisin sauce to the marinade. The longer you marinate the pork, the more flavorful it will become, so allow it to marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.
Cooking Techniques
There are two main cooking techniques for Japanese ramen char siu - roasting and braising. Roasting the pork in the oven will give it a caramelized and crispy exterior, while braising it in a liquid will result in a tender and succulent texture. For a more authentic char siu, it is best to braise the pork in a combination of the marinade and water. This will infuse the pork with all the flavors of the marinade and keep it moist and tender.
Incorporating Char Siu into Ramen
Once you have made your perfectly cooked Japanese ramen char siu, it's time to add it to your ramen. Slice the pork into thin pieces and place it on top of your ramen noodles. You can also add some of the cooking liquid from the char siu to your ramen broth to give it an extra depth of flavor. If you want to get creative, you can also use the char siu to make a ramen roll or sandwich.
In conclusion, making Japanese ramen char siu at home is not as daunting as it may seem. With the right cut of pork, a flavorful marinade, and the right cooking techniques, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will elevate your homemade ramen to the next level. So why not give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with your homemade Japanese ramen char siu?