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Flavorful Spicy Korean Ramen with Tender Pork Belly

spicy Korean ramen pork belly - featured image

A rich and spicy Korean ramen featuring tender, slow-cooked pork belly and a flavorful broth made with gochujang and garlic. Perfect for cozy nights and easy to prepare in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) pork belly, skin removed and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
  • 2 cups (480 ml) water
  • 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, optional)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp minced ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 200 g fresh or dried ramen noodles
  • 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved
  • 2 green onions, sliced thinly
  • 1 sheet nori, cut into strips
  • Bean sprouts (optional)
  • Sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and minced garlic. Add the pork belly slices, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  2. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork belly slices in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
  3. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Stir in gochujang and gochugaru, cooking for another minute to deepen the chili flavors.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and water. Stir in soy sauce and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
  6. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions (3-5 minutes). Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  7. Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Carefully add eggs and cook for 6-7 minutes for jammy yolks. Transfer eggs to an ice bath, then peel and halve.
  8. Divide noodles into serving bowls. Ladle hot broth over noodles, then top with seared pork belly slices, egg halves, green onions, bean sprouts, nori strips, and toasted sesame seeds.
  9. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Marinate pork belly for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Use fresh garlic and ginger for vibrant aroma. Simmer broth gently to avoid cloudy flavor. Rinse noodles under cold water after cooking to prevent mushiness. Add a splash of milk or cream to soften broth heat if desired. For gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce and rice noodles for ramen.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy ramen, Korean ramen, pork belly ramen, gochujang, noodle soup, easy ramen recipe, authentic Korean food