Spicy Crispy Pork Instant Pot Ramen: Authentic Flavors, Effortless Comfort

Spicy Crispy Pork Instant Pot Ramen is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagine a rich, savory homemade broth, infused with deep flavors, cradling tender, caramelized pork that’s been crisped to perfection, all topped with an array of your favorite garnishes. This comforting dish is everything you need for a cozy night in, transforming your kitchen into a little slice of Japan. Get ready to ditch the instant packets and dive into the world of truly authentic, incredibly satisfying ramen.

The Revelation: From Packet to Perfection

For many years, like so many others, I used to think of ramen as those inexpensive packets you could grab at the grocery store for a quick, albeit basic, meal. Oh, how incredibly wrong I was! My perception of ramen was completely transformed during a trip to Japan. There, I discovered the true essence of ramen – a complex, deeply flavorful, and soul-warming dish that is nothing short of culinary art.

Each bowl I savored in Japan was a symphony of tastes and textures: rich broths simmered for hours, perfectly chewy noodles, and tender, flavorful toppings. It was an awakening, and ever since, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that authentic ramen experience at home.

And let me tell you, this particular Spicy Crispy Pork Instant Pot Ramen recipe is an absolute game-changer. Even for someone who isn’t typically a “soup person” (like myself!), this ramen stands out. It’s shockingly easy to make thanks to the Instant Pot, yet it delivers a depth of flavor and a level of comfort that tastes like it came straight from a bustling ramen shop in Tokyo.

The Instant Pot Ramen Advantage

Traditionally, a truly phenomenal ramen broth can take hours, if not an entire day, to simmer and develop its signature depth. This is where the Instant Pot shines! It transforms a time-consuming process into a simple, hands-off operation, allowing you to achieve a rich, restaurant-quality broth in a fraction of the time. The pressure cooking method tenderizes the pork to perfection while infusing the broth with incredible flavor, making homemade ramen accessible to even the busiest home cooks.

But it’s not just about speed. The Instant Pot helps meld the flavors of all the aromatic ingredients—soy sauce, rice vinegar, sake, fish sauce, sambal oelek, lime, Chinese five-spice, sesame oil, and dried shiitake mushrooms—into a harmonious and deeply satisfying base that forms the heart of this dish. This convenience means you can enjoy an authentic ramen experience without spending all day in the kitchen.

Essential Tools for Your Ramen Journey

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your cooking experience, especially when it comes to a dish as layered as ramen. Here are the must-haves for this recipe:

• Instant Pot Ultra: This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the star of the show. The Instant Pot Ultra is my go-to model because it’s incredibly versatile, user-friendly, and perfect for creating complex dishes like this ramen with minimal effort. It handles the pressure cooking of the broth and pork, then effortlessly transitions to simmering the noodles.
• Large Cast Iron Skillet: Essential for achieving that irresistible crispy texture on your shredded pork. A cast iron skillet distributes heat evenly and retains it well, ensuring the pork gets beautifully caramelized and crunchy.
• Clongs (Kitchen Tongs): These are incredibly handy for easily removing the tender pork from the Instant Pot and for tossing it in the skillet as it crisps. Their unique design prevents scratching non-stick surfaces and offers excellent grip.
• Ramen Bowls: While you can eat ramen out of any bowl, there’s something special about serving it in proper ramen bowls. I picked up my favorite set in Osaka, but you can find beautiful, sturdy ramen bowls online to enhance your dining experience. The deep sides and wide rim are perfect for holding all that delicious broth, noodles, and toppings.

Crafting Your Spicy Crispy Pork Ramen: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Rich Broth

This is where the magic begins, and surprisingly, it’s the simplest part! Combine all your broth ingredients – the pork shoulder or butt, chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sake, fish sauce, sambal oelek, lime juice, Chinese five-spice, black pepper, sesame oil, chopped dried shiitake mushrooms, brown sugar, and dark soy sauce – directly into the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and set it to Manual Pressure on High for 90 minutes. This extended cooking time under pressure ensures the pork becomes incredibly tender and the broth develops a deep, complex flavor profile that’s truly exceptional. Once cooked, perform a quick release of the pressure.

2. Perfect the Crispy Pork

After the Instant Pot has worked its magic, carefully remove the tender pork. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Now for the crucial step that adds incredible texture: heating a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with a touch of sesame oil. Once hot, add the shredded pork, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle with additional brown sugar and soy sauce, which will caramelize beautifully. Cook without stirring for about 2 minutes to allow a crust to form, then stir and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the pork is wonderfully crispy and golden brown. This contrast of tender and crispy pork is what makes this ramen so irresistible!

3. Cook the Noodles to Perfection

While your pork is crisping up, turn your attention back to the Instant Pot. Cover it and set it to the “Warm” function. This will keep your flavorful broth at the ideal temperature. Add your ramen noodles (discarding the seasoning packets that come with them) directly into the hot broth. Allow them to cook through for about 5 minutes, or according to package directions, until they are perfectly tender but still retain a slight bite. Stir in about half of your freshly crisped pork into the broth and noodles. Reserve the other half for topping – this ensures you get that fantastic crispy texture in every bite!

4. Assemble and Serve

The final step is to assemble your magnificent ramen bowls. Ladle generous portions of the hot broth and noodles into large, deep bowls. Now comes the fun part: topping your ramen! I highly recommend a perfectly soft-boiled egg, seasoned simply with a pinch of salt and pepper. Other fantastic additions include shredded carrots for a touch of sweetness and crunch, thin slices of jalapeño for an extra kick of heat, fresh cilantro for herbaceous brightness, sliced green onions for a mild oniony flavor, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for nutty depth. Don’t forget a drizzle of homemade chili garlic oil if you love an extra layer of spicy, aromatic goodness!

Pro Tips for Ramen Perfection

To ensure your Spicy Crispy Pork Instant Pot Ramen is nothing short of amazing, keep these tips in mind:

• Crispy Pork is Key: Don’t rush the crisping process for the pork. The contrasting textures of the chewy noodles, rich broth, and crunchy pork are what make this ramen truly special. Get that pork nice and golden brown!
• Adjust the Spice to Your Liking: The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of sambal oelek, which provides a good kick. If you prefer a milder ramen, start with half the amount (1/2 tablespoon) when cooking the broth. You can always add more to taste once the pork is removed and you’re seasoning the broth before serving.
• Mastering the Soft-Boiled Egg: A perfectly runny yolk is a ramen essential. Here’s a simple method:
  1. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
  2. Gently lower your eggs into the boiling water and boil for exactly 6 1/2 minutes.
  3. Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water) and let them sit for 2 minutes to stop the cooking process.
  4. Gently crack the eggs all over and carefully peel the shell under running water for easier removal.
  5. Cut them in half and season with salt and pepper.
• Noodle Choice Matters: While basic ramen noodles work, look for fresh or dried Japanese ramen noodles at Asian markets for an even better texture. Udon or even thin spaghetti can be used in a pinch, but true ramen noodles are ideal.
• Don’t Skimp on Toppings: Toppings are crucial for both flavor and visual appeal. Experiment with other additions like corn, bamboo shoots (menma), nori (seaweed sheets), or a drizzle of black garlic oil.
• Make-Ahead Broth: The broth can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the Instant Pot on “Sauté” mode before adding noodles and pork.

More Comforting Soup Recipes

If you’re a fan of warm, hearty bowls, here are a few more delicious soup recipes to explore:

• Thai Shrimp Noodle Soup: A fragrant and zesty noodle soup that’s quick and full of flavor.
• Red and Green Enchilada Soup: A vibrant and hearty soup inspired by classic enchilada flavors.
• Curry Tomato Tortellini Soup: A unique blend of Italian comfort and Indian spices.
• Hatch Green Chile Gumbo: A spicy and soulful stew with a Southwestern twist.
• Rotisserie Chicken Ramen from Lucky Peach: For another take on easy ramen, using a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Instant Pot Chinese Dumpling Soup: Another comforting and easy Asian-inspired soup made effortlessly in the Instant Pot.

Pair this amazing ramen with a refreshing Japanese highball for a complete and authentic dining experience that’s surprisingly simple to prepare!

Spicy Pork Instant Pot Ramen

Simply the best homemade ramen, made easy in your Instant Pot.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr 50 mins

Total Time: 2 hrs

4.6 from 16 votes

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Equipment

• Instant Pot Ultra
• Cast Iron Skillet
• Dreamfarm Clongs 12-Inch

Ingredients

Soup

• 2 lbs pork shoulder roast or butt
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth plus more if needed
• 1/2 cup + 3 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup sake
• 2 Tbsp fish sauce
• 1 Tbsp sambal oelek chili paste
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 Tbsp Chinese five spice
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup dried shitake mushrooms chopped
• 1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp dark soy sauce
• 4 packs Ramen noodles seasoning packets discarded

For Serving

• 4 soft boiled eggs
• Shredded carrots
• Sliced jalapeno
• Freshly chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onion
• Sesame seeds
• Homemade Chili Garlic Oil (optional)

Instructions

• Add pork to the insert of the Instant Pot. Pour in chicken broth, 1/2 cup soy sauce, rice vinegar, sake, and fish sauce. Stir in sambal oelek, lime juice, Chinese five spice, black pepper, sesame oil, chopped dried mushrooms, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, and dark soy sauce. Seal the Instant Pot lid. Set to Manual Pressure and cook on High for 90 minutes. Perform a quick release of pressure when finished.
• Carefully remove the cooked pork from the Instant Pot insert. Cover the Instant Pot and set it to the “Warm” function to keep the broth hot.
• Place the pork on a cutting board and lightly shred it using two forks.
• Place a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tsp sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, add the shredded pork and spread it out in an even layer. Sprinkle the pork with the remaining brown sugar (1/4 cup) and 3 Tbsp soy sauce. Cook without stirring for 2 minutes to allow a crust to form. Stir and continue to cook the pork until it starts to crisp and caramelize, about 5 minutes total. Remove from heat.
• Add the ramen noodles (discarding seasoning packets) to the hot broth in the Instant Pot and allow to cook through, about 5 minutes or according to package directions. Stir in half of the crispy shredded pork.
• Serve the ramen soup immediately in individual bowls. Top each serving with the remaining crispy pork, a soft-boiled egg (cut in half), shredded carrots, jalapeño slices, freshly chopped cilantro, sliced green onion, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Category: Soup and Stews