Japanese Curry Dipping Noodles (Tsukemen)

A fusion-style Japanese tsukemen featuring thick ramen noodles dipped in a rich, savory, and slightly spicy curry sauce loaded with minced pork.

Ingredients

• 200 g Japanese ramen noodles
• 100 g minced pork
• 2 blocks Japanese curry cubes
• 250 ml milk
• 1 small bowl water
• 2 spoons minced garlic
• 1 spoon miso paste
• 2 spoons soy sauce
• 2 rings sesame oil
• 1 pinch chili powder
• to taste shredded seaweed
• 1 soft-boiled egg
• to taste green onions

Instructions

1. 1Add chili powder and minced garlic

   

   Add chili powder and two spoons of minced garlic into the pan with the sesame oil, and stir-fry until fragrant.

   Tip: Stir continuously so the garlic browns evenly without burning.
2. 2Stir-fry the aromatics

   

   Continue to stir-fry the chili powder and minced garlic in the pan until fragrant.

   Tip: Keep the heat moderate to release the aroma without scorching the garlic.
3. 3Add minced pork

   

   Add 100 grams of minced pork into the pan with the aromatic mixture.

   Tip: Ensure the pan is hot enough when adding the meat to get a good sear.
4. 4Stir-fry the minced pork

   

   Stir-fry the minced pork until the color changes and it is thoroughly cooked.

   Tip: Break up any large clumps of meat with a spatula for even cooking.
5. 5Add miso paste

   

   Add one spoon of miso paste to the cooked minced meat and stir well.

   Tip: Mix the miso thoroughly into the meat to distribute the savory flavor.
6. 6Pour in the milk

   

   Pour 250 milliliters of milk directly into the pan over the cooked minced pork mixture.

   Tip: Pour the milk in a steady stream to blend smoothly with the seasoned meat.
7. 7Stir the milk and meat

   

   Use a wooden spatula to stir the milk and minced meat together until well combined and evenly colored.

   Tip: Stir gently to prevent splashing while ensuring the liquid incorporates with the meat.
8. 8Add curry cubes

   

   Add two blocks of Japanese curry cubes into the bubbling milk and meat mixture in the pan.

   Tip: Make sure the liquid is hot enough so the curry cubes begin to melt down easily.
9. 9Pour in water

   

   Pour a small bowl of water into the bubbling curry mixture to adjust the consistency of the sauce.

   Tip: Add water gradually while stirring to keep the sauce smooth and well-blended.
10. 10Season with soy sauce

    

    Add two spoons of soy sauce into the simmering curry sauce for enhanced seasoning and depth of flavor.

    Tip: Stir immediately after pouring the soy sauce to distribute the color and taste evenly.
11. 11Simmer and thicken the curry sauce

    

    Add two blocks of curry cubes along with a small bowl of water and two spoons of soy sauce to the pan. Stir evenly and cook continuously over medium heat until the sauce thickens into a rich, cohesive consistency ready for dipping.

    Tip: Stir frequently after adding the curry cubes to prevent them from sticking to the bottom and burning.
12. 12Boil the Japanese ramen noodles

    

    Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add your Japanese ramen noodles. Cook them until they reach your desired tenderness, stirring occasionally with chopsticks to separate the strands.

    Tip: Do not overcook the noodles, as they will continue to soften slightly when combined with the toppings.
13. 13Transfer the cooked noodles to a bowl

    

    Once the ramen noodles are done boiling, drain them thoroughly and place the cooked noodles neatly into a clean serving bowl.

    Tip: Toss the noodles gently with a tiny bit of sesame oil if desired to prevent them from sticking together before garnishing.
14. 14Add shredded seaweed

    

    Take a portion of shredded seaweed and carefully add it right on top of the bed of cooked ramen noodles in the serving bowl.

    Tip: Add the seaweed just before serving so it retains its texture and does not get soggy too quickly.
15. 15Top with a soft-boiled egg

    

    Carefully place a soft-boiled egg, halved or whole, on top of the noodles alongside the seaweed garnish.

    Tip: Slice the soft-boiled egg right down the middle with a sharp knife or thread to showcase the creamy, runny yolk.
16. 16Add sliced green onions

    

    Place sliced green onions into the prepared bowl of rich curry sauce to finish the dish before serving.

    Tip: Add the green onions right before eating to maintain a fresh crunch and vibrant color.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions