Description

Welcome to your new favorite comfort meal—Chicken Tantanmen Ramen! There’s nothing better than a cozy bowl of ramen to warm you up, and this dish takes it up a notch. Creamy, savory, and slightly spicy, it’s the perfect meal for ramen lovers looking for something new. Whether you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine or exploring different ramen recipes, this Chicken Tantanmen Ramen will make your taste buds sing.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Topping:

1 tablespoon neutral oil
1 pound ground chicken
2 tablespoons chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons sake

For the Broth:

¼ cup tahini
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 ½ tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon chili oil
1 tablespoon chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
1 garlic clove, grated
Pinch of sugar
1 cup vegetable or chicken stock
1 cup milk (or plant-based milk like soy or almond)

For the Ramen & Toppings:

2 (4-ounce) packages of ramen noodles
Bok choy, green onions, soft-boiled eggs, chili oil, sesame seeds (optional but recommended)

Optional Substitutions:

For a vegetarian option, substitute ground chicken with ground tofu or mushrooms.
For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free ramen noodles.
Dairy-free? Use almond or soy milk in place of regular milk for the broth.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Topping

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned (about 5-10 minutes).
Stir in the chili bean paste, soy sauce, and sake. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken absorbs the flavors and becomes golden brown.

Step 2: Create the Broth Base

In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, chili oil, chili bean paste, garlic, and sugar.
Set aside this paste while you prepare the broth.

Step 3: Heat the Broth

In a medium pot, heat the stock and milk over low heat. Slowly add in the tahini-soy paste and stir until fully dissolved. Keep the broth simmering gently.

Step 4: Cook the Ramen Noodles

Boil a separate pot of water and cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

In each bowl, place a portion of noodles. Pour over the creamy broth and top with the ground chicken mixture.
Add your favorite toppings: bok choy, green onions, soft-boiled eggs, chili oil, and sesame seeds for a pop of flavor and texture.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients: Freshly grated garlic and high-quality chili paste make a big difference.
Adjust the heat: Like it spicier? Add extra chili oil or doubanjiang for a fiery kick.
Creamier broth: To thicken the broth further, use full-fat milk or even add a spoonful of peanut butter for an extra nutty flavor.