How to prepare char siu for ramen noodles?

Introduction: What is Char Siu?

Char siu is a popular Chinese dish that features roasted pork that has been marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. This dish is commonly used as a topping for ramen noodles, adding a flavorful and protein-rich element to the dish. The marinade for char siu typically includes ingredients such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five spice powder.

Making your own char siu for ramen noodles may seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and techniques, it can be a delicious and rewarding process. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide for preparing char siu for ramen noodles that is sure to impress your taste buds.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Cut of Pork

The first step in preparing char siu for ramen noodles is choosing the right cut of pork. Traditionally, char siu is made using pork belly, which is a fatty and flavorful cut of meat. However, you can also use pork shoulder or pork loin if you prefer a leaner option. Whichever cut you choose, be sure to select a piece of meat that is well-marbled with fat, as this will help keep the pork tender and moist during the roasting process.

Step 2: Preparing the Marinade

The key to flavorful char siu is a well-balanced marinade. To make the marinade, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Chinese five spice powder, minced garlic, and minced ginger in a bowl. Mix the ingredients together until they are well-combined and the honey is fully dissolved. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more soy sauce or honey as needed.

Step 3: Marinating the Pork

Once you have prepared the marinade, it’s time to marinate the pork. Place the pork in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat, making sure that it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This will give the pork time to absorb the flavors of the marinade.

Step 4: Roasting Char Siu

After the pork has marinated, it’s time to roast the char siu. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Remove the pork from the marinade and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Reserve the marinade for later. Roast the pork for 30-45 minutes, basting it with the reserved marinade every 10-15 minutes, until it is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Slicing Char Siu

Once the pork is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife to slice the pork against the grain into thin strips. The char siu should be tender and juicy, with a caramelized exterior.

Step 6: Preparing the Ramen Noodles

While the pork is roasting, prepare the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 7: Making the Broth

To make the broth for your char siu ramen, you can use a store-bought ramen broth or make your own using chicken or pork bones, aromatics, and seasonings. Simmer the broth for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 8: Assembling the Ramen Bowl

To assemble your char siu ramen bowl, start by dividing the cooked noodles between 4 bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and top with the sliced char siu, sliced green onions, and any other desired toppings, such as soft-boiled eggs, seaweed, or bamboo shoots. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Char Siu

• Be sure to marinate the pork for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
• Baste the pork with the reserved marinade during roasting to ensure that it stays moist and flavorful.
• Use a sharp knife to slice the char siu against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Adjust the seasoning of the marinade to taste, adding more soy sauce, honey, or spices as needed.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Char Siu Ramen

Making your own char siu for ramen noodles may take some time and effort, but the end result is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to impress. By following these steps and tips, you can create a flavorful and tender char siu that will elevate your ramen to the next level. Enjoy your homemade char siu ramen and savor every bite!

Recipe for Char Siu Ramen Noodles

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. pork belly, shoulder, or loin
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp. Chinese five spice powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece ginger, minced
• 4 servings ramen noodles
• 4 cups ramen broth
• Sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Chinese five spice powder, garlic, and ginger in a bowl to make the marinade.
2. Place pork in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over meat, making sure it is fully coated. Seal bag or cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
4. Remove pork from marinade and place on prepared baking sheet. Reserve marinade for later.
5. Roast pork for 30-45 minutes, basting with reserved marinade every 10-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Allow pork to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.
7. Prepare ramen noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
8. Simmer ramen broth for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld together.
9. To assemble ramen bowls, divide cooked noodles between 4 bowls. Ladle hot broth over noodles and top with sliced char siu and sliced green onions.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!