After a week of hectic schedules and fast-food temptations, I found myself yearning for a comforting bowl of homemade ramen. Inspired by the soothing flavors I craved, I turned to my trusty Instant Pot for a solution. What emerged was an unexpectedly delightful creation: Instant Pot Ramen with Crispy Pork. In under an hour, I crafted a dish that melds rich umami flavors with tender, crispy meat — all without spending hours in the kitchen!
Imagine this: the warmth of the broth wrapping around you as you savor each bite of perfectly cooked noodles, topped with a soft-boiled egg and that addictive, crunchy pork. This simplified, non-traditional ramen doesn’t just mimic the time-honored savory depth of the long-simmered classic; it brings it to your table with ease and flair, ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Join me on this culinary adventure that takes the traditional Japanese staples and gives them a modern twist — all while keeping it deliciously comforting. Get ready to impress your family and enjoy homemade food, free from the typical fast-food routine!
Why is Instant Pot Ramen with Crispy Pork a Must-Try?
Comforting, this ramen recipe delivers the warm embrace of homemade goodness in just under an hour. Simplicity reigns, allowing anyone—whether a seasoned chef or a home cook—to whip it up effortlessly. Flavorful broth infused with umami and spices ensures each bite is an experience. Versatile, you can easily substitute ingredients like pork or vegetables to suit your taste. Crowd-pleaser, this dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, captivating everyone at the table. Bring a taste of restaurant-quality ramen to your home with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Instant Pot Ramen with Crispy Pork Ingredients
For the Pork
• Boneless Pork Shoulder – Provides tender, juicy meat that shreds beautifully; pork loin can be used but will be less tender.
• Coconut Sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness to balance flavors; brown sugar can be a handy substitute.
For the Broth
• Broth (8 cups) – Essential for rich flavor; use chicken or vegetable broth based on your preference.
• Fish Sauce (2 tbsp) – Enhances depth of flavor; soy sauce can substitute for a vegetarian option.
• Soy Sauce/Tamari (5 tbsp) – Delivers umami goodness; tamari is great for gluten-free cooking.
• Sriracha/Sambal Oelek (1 tsp) – Adds a touch of heat; feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
• Rice Vinegar (3 tbsp) – Balances flavors with a refreshing acidity.
For the Veggies
• Shiitake Mushrooms (3 cups) – Contributes earthy flavors and textures; any mushrooms or canned varieties work well in a pinch.
• Bok Choy (4 cups) – Provides crunch and freshness; other leafy greens can be wonderful substitutes.
For the Toppings
• Eggs (6) – Traditionally soft-boiled for creaminess; tofu can replace eggs for a vegan twist.
• Green Onions and Sesame Seeds – Garnish to enhance aroma and visual appeal, elevating the dish.
How to Make Instant Pot Ramen with Crispy Pork
-
Cook the Pork:
Place cubed boneless pork shoulder in the Instant Pot along with 8 cups of broth. Set it to cook for 40 minutes on high pressure, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. -
Release Pressure:
After the cooking time, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. This step ensures the meat remains juicy and tender. Once complete, shred the pork using two forks. -
Season the Broth:
Add fish sauce, soy sauce (or tamari), sriracha, rice vinegar, and shiitake mushrooms to the pot. Sauté everything in the Instant Pot for an additional 10 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and flavorful. -
Prepare the Eggs:
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and gently add 6 eggs. Boil for 6½ minutes for soft-boiled perfection. Once done, transfer eggs to ice water to cool before peeling. -
Broil the Pork and Bok Choy:
Preheat your oven to broil. Coat the shredded pork with coconut sugar and soy sauce for the perfect caramelized flavor. Broil it alongside the bok choy until the pork is crispy and the bok choy wilts slightly. -
Assemble Your Ramen Bowl:
In bowls, ladle the broth, add cooked noodles, and top with crispy pork, bok choy, and a soft-boiled egg. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds to enhance the presentation.
Optional: Serve with toasted nori for an extra flavor kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Instant Pot Ramen with Crispy Pork
Fridge: Store leftover ramen in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the broth separate from the noodles to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Freezer: Freeze the broth and pork separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat the broth thoroughly before adding the noodles and veggies.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the broth on the stove over medium heat until simmering. Add the noodles and other ingredients for a fresh taste.
Storage Tips: For best quality, consume leftovers within a couple of days and avoid refreezing thawed ramen to maintain optimal flavor in your Instant Pot Ramen with Crispy Pork.
Instant Pot Ramen with Crispy Pork Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that will elevate your ramen experience to a whole new level!
-
Chicken Swap: Use tender chicken thighs instead of pork for a lighter, yet equally satisfying option that retains all the flavor.
-
Vegetarian Delight: Replace all meat with tofu and vegetable broth to create a warming vegetarian version that doesn’t skimp on taste.
-
Spicy Kick: Drizzle in extra chili oil or freshly chopped jalapeños for an added zing that will warm you from the inside out.
-
Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free noodles or spiralized zucchini as a creative, low-carb substitute for traditional ramen noodles.
-
Earthy Tones: Toss in some dried shiitake mushrooms along with the fresh ones for an intensified earthy flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.
-
Creamy Texture: Blend in a scoop of miso paste during the broth seasoning stage for a creamy and savory depth that melds beautifully with the other flavors.
-
Crunch Factor: Top your ramen with crisp, shredded nori or fried shallots for an extra crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky noodles.
-
Add Greens: For a nutrient boost, toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of sautéing to brighten up your dish and enhance its health benefits.
Make Ahead Options
These Instant Pot Ramen with Crispy Pork are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prep the broth and pork up to 3 days in advance, refrigerating them separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Additionally, the soft-boiled eggs benefit from marinating overnight in a mixture of soy sauce (or tamari) for enhanced flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy your ramen, simply reheat the broth and shredded pork in the Instant Pot, broil the pork and bok choy as directed, and assemble your bowls with fresh noodles, bok choy, and the marinated eggs. This thoughtful prep not only saves time but ensures your ramen tastes just as delicious and comforting on busy nights!
What to Serve with Instant Pot Ramen with Crispy Pork?
Looking to elevate your bowl of comforting ramen? Let’s create an inviting dining experience that beautifully complements your meal.
- Steamed Edamame: These fresh, tender beans provide a delightful pop of flavor and protein, making them a perfect accompaniment to the rich ramen broth.
- Crispy Tempura Vegetables: The crispy, light coating on tempura veggies contrasts wonderfully with the hearty ramen, adding texture and a touch of elegance to your meal.
- Miso Soup: A warm, umami-rich miso soup can enhance the flavors of your ramen while offering a light, soothing side that’s perfect for a cozy dinner night.
- Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono): The tangy and crunchy notes of pickles provide a refreshing palate cleanse between slurps, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Chilled Soba Noodles: For a unique twist, serve chilled soba noodles tossed with sesame dressing, adding a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the ramen’s richness.
- Toasted Nori Sheets: Offer these crispy seaweed sheets for an added crunch and a burst of umami flavor that makes each bowl of ramen even more satisfying.
- Sake or Green Tea: Pair your meal with Japanese sake for a delightful complement or warm green tea to cleanse the palate between bites.
Each of these suggestions brings its own delightful flair to the table, transforming a simple bowl of Instant Pot Ramen with Crispy Pork into a flavorful feast that warms the heart!
Expert Tips for Instant Pot Ramen
-
Marinate the Eggs: Start the night before by marinating your soft-boiled eggs in soy sauce for a richer flavor that complements the ramen beautifully.
-
Shred Evenly: Ensure the pork is well-shredded into uniform pieces. This helps achieve that perfect crispy texture when broiling.
-
Watch the Mushrooms: Keep an eye on the mushrooms while sautéing; overcooking can result in a rubbery texture.
-
Layering Flavors: For a deeper taste, consider adding ingredients like garlic or ginger to the broth while cooking.
-
Serving Warm: To maintain optimal heat, serve the ramen in pre-warmed bowls, letting everyone enjoy every sip of this comforting Instant Pot Ramen with Crispy Pork.
Instant Pot Ramen with Crispy Pork Recipe FAQs
What type of pork is best for ramen?
Boneless pork shoulder is ideal as it provides tender, juicy meat that shreds beautifully. If you’re looking for a leaner option, pork loin will work, but it may not be as tender.
How should I store leftover ramen?
Store any leftover ramen in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For optimal quality, keep the broth separate from the noodles to prevent sogginess.
Can I freeze Instant Pot Ramen with Crispy Pork?
Absolutely! Freeze the broth and shredded pork separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat the broth until simmering, then add your noodles and any veggies.
What dietary substitutions can I make in this recipe?
For a vegetarian option, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce and replace pork with tofu. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free dish, and switch out bok choy for other leafy greens like spinach or kale.
What do I do if the mushrooms are rubbery after cooking?
To avoid rubbery mushrooms, watch them closely while sautéing in the Instant Pot, ensuring they cook just until tender—this usually takes about 10 minutes. If you feel they’re too chewy, try reducing the cooking time next time or using canned mushrooms, which are softer.
Savory Instant Pot Ramen with Crispy Pork in Under an Hour
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place cubed boneless pork shoulder in the Instant Pot along with 8 cups of broth. Set it to cook for 40 minutes on high pressure.
- After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then shred the pork.
- Add fish sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and shiitake mushrooms to the pot. Sauté for an additional 10 minutes.
- Boil water in a separate pot, add 6 eggs, and boil for 6½ minutes for soft-boiled eggs.
- Preheat oven to broil, coat shredded pork with coconut sugar and soy sauce, and broil with bok choy until crispy.
- In bowls, ladle the broth, add cooked noodles, and top with crispy pork, bok choy, and a soft-boiled egg.