Tantanmen (Japanese Dan Dan Noodles)

Ingredients

• 2 portions Ramen noodles (fresh or dried)
• 0.5 lb Ground pork
• 1 tablespoon Doubanjiang (Spicy Bean Paste)
• 3 tablespoons Chinese sesame paste (or unsweetened peanut butter)
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Rayu (Japanese chili oil)
• 3 cups Chicken stock
• 1 cup Unsweetened soy milk
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated
• 2 heads Bok choy, halved and blanched(optional)
• 2 stalks Green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. 1

   In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame paste, soy sauce, and chili oil until smooth to create the tare base.

2. 2

   Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil; sauté the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add the ground pork to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula, and stir in the doubanjiang until the meat is browned and spicy.

4. 4

   In a medium pot, bring the chicken stock to a simmer, then stir in the soy milk carefully to avoid boiling over.

5. 5

   Cook the ramen noodles in a separate pot of boiling water according to the package instructions, then drain well.

6. 6

   Divide the prepared sesame tare base into two deep serving bowls.

7. 7

   Slowly pour the hot stock and soy milk mixture into the bowls, whisking gently to incorporate the tare.

8. 8

   Add the cooked noodles to the bowls and top with the spicy pork, blanched bok choy, and sliced green onions.