Miso Butter Corn Ramen Hot Pot
A comforting Japanese-inspired hot pot featuring a rich miso broth, tender pork, and fresh vegetables, all crowned with a melting pat of butter.
Miso and butter are a classic flavor pairing in Japanese cuisine, famously originating from Hokkaidos regional ramen styles. This hot pot adaptation takes those beloved, comforting flavors and turns them into an interactive communal dining experience. It is the perfect centerpiece for a chilly evening, beautifully combining deep savory notes with the natural sweetness of corn and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 2 tbsp cooking sake
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp chicken stock powder
- 1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp miso paste
- 2 cloves fresh garlic
- 1 inch fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 portions ramen noodles
- 250 g thinly sliced pork belly or shoulder
- 1/4 head cabbage
- 100 g bean sprouts
- 1 bunch enoki mushrooms
- 1/2 cup sweet corn kernels
- 2 stalks green onions
- 1 pat butter
Instructions
- 1Start the soup base
Begin by pouring water into a small saucepan, which will serve as the foundation for your flavorful soup base.
Tip: Using a small pot makes it easier to whisk in the seasonings later. - 2Add sake and mirin
Add cooking sake and mirin to the water in the saucepan. These liquid seasonings provide a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the savory elements of the soup.
Tip: Sake helps to tenderize ingredients and remove any strong odors. - 3Incorporate sesame seeds
Sprinkle roasted sesame seeds into the simmering broth. The seeds add a gentle nuttiness that complements the final flavor profile of the soup base.
Tip: Roasting the seeds beforehand unlocks their full aromatic potential. - 4Whisk in miso paste
Add a generous spoonful of miso paste to the pot. Stir thoroughly until the paste is completely dissolved and the broth takes on a rich, cloudy appearance.
Tip: Make sure to break up any clumps of miso for a smooth, even texture. - 5Add garlic and ginger
Add freshly grated garlic and ginger into the soup base. These aromatics provide a necessary pungency and warmth that cuts through the richness of the miso.
Tip: Use a microplane or fine grater to ensure the garlic and ginger dissolve easily into the broth. - 6Finish with sesame oil
Complete the soup base by adding a drizzle of toasted sesame oil. This adds a final layer of fragrant, nutty aroma that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Tip: Add the sesame oil at the very end to preserve its delicate scent. - 7Pour the savory soup base
Carefully pour the prepared miso-based soup over the arranged ingredients in the hot pot. Ensure the broth covers the meat, noodles, and vegetables evenly to allow all flavors to meld during the final heating stage.
Tip: Pour slowly to avoid splashing, as the pot is already filled with ingredients.
