I’ve had a ramen obsession for the past week, and San Francisco is a great place for it: there are interesting ramen joints in a variety of styles in every part of the city. But no Paleo ramen to be found, which is why I set out on a journey to make my own. Ramen (paleo ramen or not) is all about the broth. If you’re unable or unwilling to make a gorgeous, nutrient-rich broth… time to pick a different recipe! The instructions I give below make a bone broth so rich that it’s more solid than liquid after a stint in the refrigerator.
What’s exciting about bone broth, you ask? It contains valuable minerals in an easily absorbed form, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur chondroitin, glucosamine, and a variety of trace minerals. The gelatin found in bone broth is a hydrophilic colloid, meaning it attracts and holds liquids–including digestive juices–thereby supporting proper digestion. Bone broth also inhibits infections caused by cold and flu viruses, and fights inflammation (courtesy of anti-inflammatory amino acids such as arginine). That being said, bone broth is nutritious but also delicious. Paired with the tare (a flavorful mixture of coconut aminos, honey, and sake) it’s light yet hearty in an essential way that makes it the perfect thing to sip for breakfast, lunch, or a pre-workout snack. Seriously, I’ll be making another batch of this A+ broth soon whether I plan to use it in ramen or not.
- TARE
- 1/2 cup <a href=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003XB5LMU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003XB5LMU&linkCode=as2&tag=grokgrcom-20″>coconut aminos</a><img src=”http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=grokgrcom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003XB5LMU” width=”1″ height=”1″ border=”0″ alt=”” style=”border:none !important; margin:0px !important;” />
- 2 tbsp dry sake
- 2 tbsp honey
- </br>
- BROTH
- 2 pieces <a href=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LKYTRY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000LKYTRY&linkCode=as2&tag=grokgrcom-20″>kombu</a><img src=”http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=grokgrcom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000LKYTRY” width=”1″ height=”1″ border=”0″ alt=”” style=”border:none !important; margin:0px !important;” />
- 2 lbs chicken necks, backs or wings
- 2 lbs pork spareribs
- 1/2 bunch scallions, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
- 1 2-inch piece ginger, peeled and chopped
- 1/3 cup <a href=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CWI4DU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001CWI4DU&linkCode=as2&tag=grokgrcom-20″>bonito flakes</a><img src=”http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=grokgrcom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001CWI4DU” width=”1″ height=”1″ border=”0″ alt=”” style=”border:none !important; margin:0px !important;” />
- </br>
- RAMEN & GARNISHES
- 4 7-oz <a href=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YMQ4KU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004YMQ4KU&linkCode=as2&tag=grokgrcom-20″>shirataki noodle</a><img src=”http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=grokgrcom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004YMQ4KU” width=”1″ height=”1″ border=”0″ alt=”” style=”border:none !important; margin:0px !important;” /> packs (in water)
- 1/2 bunch scallions
- 4 nori sheets
- <a href=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002YGSJQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0002YGSJQ&linkCode=as2&tag=grokgrcom-20″>Shichimi togarashi</a><img src=”http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=grokgrcom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0002YGSJQ” width=”1″ height=”1″ border=”0″ alt=”” style=”border:none !important; margin:0px !important;” />
- Enoki mushrooms
- White and black sesame seeds
- 4 eggs, soft-boiled
- To make the tare, mix the coconut aminos, sake and honey in a small bowl and set aside.
- Heat the kombu in 4 quarts of water in a large pot over medium high heat. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium and boil for 10 minutes.
- Remove the kombu and discard. Add the chicken parts, spareribs, bonito flakes, carrots, garlic, ginger and scallions.
- Bring the broth back to a boil, then simmer uncovered until the meat has fallen off the bone and the vegetables are very soft (approximately 3 hours).
- Once the broth is finished cooking, let cool enough to handle and strain. Reserve the largest pieces of pork, discard the other solids.
- To assemble the ramen, warm the broth gradually over medium heat and add the noodles and mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are fully softened in the hot broth, approximately 10 minutes. Add the tare gradually, to taste.
- Crisp the shredded pork in a small skillet over medium heat, with a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi.
- Pour the noodles, mushrooms and broth into deep bowls, and arrange the pork in piles to the side.
- Garnish with more mushrooms (if desired), plus scallions, sesame seeds, egg, shichimi togarashi, and shredded nori.
- Serve hot with additional scallions and shichimi togarashi on the side for customization.
The Comments
Deborah Gullett
I don’t see any kombu in the ingredients list. When I googled it the picture wasn’t appetizing in appearance. How much is used and where do you get yours?
Rachel
Deborah GullettDeborah, kombu is dried seaweed… so it looks pretty gross. But that doesn’t prevent it from flavoring the broth in a great way! I’ve included a link to the kind I used.
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Miriam
Anything you could recommend for noodles other than shirataki? Those are definitely NOT in any food plan I am on. (yuck!) I sometimes use zoodles but I am always looking for more ideas. Thanks!
Grok Grub
MiriamMiriam, as far as I know, grain-free “noodle” options fall into three main categories: yam noodles like shirataki, kelp noodles, or anything you can make with a spiralizer. Any of the three types will work in this recipe. (I prefer shirataki over kelp noodles because of the fishy smell of the latter.)
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Courtney Richardson
hi, I want to make this for my brother and I, but I want to know if the broth is similar to the Ramen brand broth, or is it sweet like pho
Grok Grub
Courtney RichardsonNever tasted the Ramen brand of broth, so not sure!
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