Soups & Stews

Kitakata Ramen

Kitakata Ramen
Experience the soul of Fukushima with this authentic Kitakata Ramen, famous for its distinctively thick, flat, and wavy high-hydration noodles. The clear broth combines a light pork base with delicate dashi, creating a deeply savory shoyu experience that is both comforting and sophisticated.

Prep

40m

Cook

180m

Serves

4


1 Ingredients

Qty Ingredient
1 lb 450 g Pork belly (for Chashu)
2 lbs 900 g Pork soup bones
1 lb 450 g Chicken carcasses
0.5 cup 30 g Dried Niboshi (sardines)
1 piece 10 g Kombu (dried kelp)
0.75 cup 180 ml Soy sauce
0.25 cup 60 ml Mirin
4 portions 600 g Thick wavy ramen noodles
0.5 cup 100 g Menma (fermented bamboo shoots)
2 stalks 20 g Green onions, sliced
4 slices 40 g Narutomaki (fish cake)

2 Method

1

Step 1. Prepare the broth base by blanching the pork bones and chicken carcasses in boiling water for 10 minutes; drain and rinse thoroughly to ensure a clear soup.

2

Step 2. Place the cleaned bones back in a large pot with 3 liters of fresh water, ginger, and garlic. Simmer gently on low heat for 3 hours, skimming any foam that rises to the surface.

3

Step 3. In the final 30 minutes of broth cooking, add the niboshi and kombu to infuse the dashi flavor, then strain the entire broth through a fine-mesh sieve.

4

Step 4. Create the 'Tare' (seasoning) by simmering the soy sauce, mirin, and a small portion of the pork cooking liquid in a small saucepan until slightly reduced.

5

Step 5. Prepare the chashu by braising the pork belly in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and sugar until tender, then slice into thin rounds.

6

Step 6. Cook the thick, wavy noodles in a separate pot of boiling water according to package directions, typically 3-4 minutes for a chewy texture.

7

Step 7. To assemble, place 3 tablespoons of tare into each bowl, followed by 1.5 cups of the hot broth. Add the cooked noodles and stir gently.

8

Step 8. Top each bowl with chashu slices, menma, a slice of narutomaki, and a generous handful of chopped green onions.

💡 Chef's Tips

  • ·

    For authentic Kitakata texture, 'massage' your noodles by hand before boiling to enhance the wavy shape.

  • ·

    Never let the broth reach a rolling boil; a gentle simmer is the secret to a clear, clean-tasting soup.

  • ·

    Soak the niboshi (dried sardines) in the water overnight before starting the broth for a deeper umami profile.

  • ·

    Use high-hydration noodles if available, as they are the hallmark of this regional style.

? FAQ

What makes Kitakata ramen different from other types?
The main difference is the noodles, which are thick, flat, curly, and have a much higher water content than standard ramen noodles.
Can I use store-bought broth?
You can, but you will lose the specific clarity and depth of the pork-and-dashi blend that defines Kitakata ramen.
Is Kitakata ramen salty?
It is a shoyu (soy sauce) based ramen, so it has a savory saltiness, but the dashi and pork fat provide a balanced, sweet finish.
What can I substitute for Niboshi?
If you cannot find dried sardines, you can increase the amount of kombu or add a small amount of bonito flakes (katsuobushi) at the end.

Comments (0)

Be the first to leave a comment.

Sign in to leave a comment.