Creamy, nutty, and packed with rich umami, Tan Tan Ramen is the Japanese spin on Sichuan Dan Dan noodles—a bowl of comfort that brings spice and soul together. Its sesame-miso broth envelopes every noodle with a luxurious coat, while a vibrant mix of ground pork, soft-boiled egg, scallions, and chili oil adds irresistible flavor and texture.

Whether you’re chasing warmth on a chilly night or simply craving something bold and hearty, Tan Tan Ramen delivers that satisfying slurp. What makes it extra special is the depth it achieves from simple pantry staples—it’s gourmet without the fuss. This is ramen you can truly make your own, and yes, it’s totally worth the homemade broth.

What Kind of Noodles Work Best in Tan Tan Ramen?

Traditional ramen noodles are the obvious pick—their firm, chewy texture holds up well in the rich broth. But you can also use udon for extra thickness or even rice noodles for a gluten-free twist. The key is to choose noodles that won’t get mushy and can absorb that toasty sesame flavor with every bite.

Ingredients for the Tan Tan Ramen

Ground Pork
This savory protein base is seasoned and sautéed to perfection, adding a meaty bite to balance the richness of the broth.

Sesame Paste (or Tahini)
Essential for the nutty, creamy flavor that defines the soup base. It’s what gives the broth that iconic tan color and velvety mouthfeel.

Chicken or Vegetable Stock
Forms the body of the broth, creating a balanced, slurpable base that carries all the other flavors.

Soy Sauce + Miso Paste
Together, these build layers of umami, saltiness, and depth.

Chili Oil or Paste
Adds heat and a punch of complexity. Adjust to taste depending on how spicy you want it.

Garlic and Ginger
Aromatic essentials that kickstart the flavor profile and make the broth come alive.

Ramen Noodles
The star vehicle for all that broth. Opt for fresh or high-quality instant.

Toppings: Soft-Boiled Egg, Scallions, Nori, Toasted Sesame Seeds
Classic garnishes that elevate both the look and texture. The egg offers creaminess, scallions bring freshness, and sesame seeds add crunch.

How To Make the Tan Tan Ramen

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant—about 1 minute. This step creates the base aroma that defines the broth.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Pork

Add ground pork to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it into small bits. Season with a splash of soy sauce and set aside once fully cooked. This adds savory depth and texture.

Step 3: Build the Broth

In the same pot, stir in sesame paste (or tahini), miso paste, and a bit more soy sauce. Slowly pour in your chicken or vegetable stock while whisking to combine everything into a smooth, creamy broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Adjust the Spice Level

Add chili oil or paste to taste. Start with a small amount and increase gradually to match your spice preference. Let the broth simmer for another 5 minutes so all flavors meld together.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

While the broth simmers, boil your ramen noodles according to the package directions. Drain and rinse briefly to stop the cooking.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the cooked noodles between bowls. Ladle the hot broth over them. Top with the cooked pork, soft-boiled eggs, chopped scallions, nori strips, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve your Tan Tan Ramen piping hot. Add an extra drizzle of chili oil or sesame oil on top for more punch. Slurp away!

Best Way to Serve and Store Tan Tan Ramen

Tan Tan Ramen is best served immediately while the broth is steaming and the noodles are at peak tenderness. Prepare individual bowls with all toppings ready to go so your guests can enjoy it fresh and hot. If you’re planning a ramen night, keep the broth and toppings warm in separate containers and cook noodles to order to avoid sogginess.

For storing leftovers, keep the broth, noodles, and toppings in separate containers in the fridge. The broth will stay good for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove and cook a fresh batch of noodles for the best texture. Avoid freezing, as the sesame paste can separate and alter the broth’s texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Tan Tan Ramen?

It can range from mildly warm to fiery depending on how much chili oil or paste you add. You control the heat, so start mild and taste as you go.

Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap ground pork for crumbled tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable stock. Ensure your miso paste and noodles are vegan-friendly too.

What type of sesame paste works best?

Asian-style sesame paste gives the most authentic flavor, but tahini works well as a substitute. Just note tahini is slightly more bitter.

How do I get perfect soft-boiled eggs?

Boil eggs for 6–7 minutes, then transfer immediately to an ice bath. This keeps the yolk creamy and rich.

Can I use store-bought broth?

Yes—opt for low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth so you can better control the seasoning.

What’s the difference between Tan Tan and Dan Dan noodles?

Tan Tan is the Japanese adaptation of Dan Dan noodles. It has a soupier, richer broth, while Dan Dan tends to be spicier and less soupy.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you love this comforting Tan Tan Ramen, you’ll definitely want to try these other bold and cozy dinner favorites:

• Tender Beef Bao Buns for a handheld burst of umami.
• Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini when you’re craving indulgent pasta with bold flavors.
• Teriyaki Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Veggies for a sweet-savory plate that satisfies.
• Garlic Butter Beef Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce with comfort-food vibes in every twirl.
• Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip if you’re in the mood for bold and snackable.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add peanut butter or keep it classic? Did you go bold with chili oil?

I love seeing how you personalize your ramen bowls. Questions are always welcome—let’s make dinner better, together.

Tan Tan Ramen

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Tan Tan Ramen is a bold, creamy Japanese noodle soup inspired by the flavors of Sichuan Dan Dan noodles. With a rich sesame-miso broth, spicy chili oil, and savory ground pork, this cozy bowl is finished with soft-boiled eggs, scallions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Comfort food at its finest.

Instructions

Heat sesame oil in a pot. Add garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant (1 minute).
Add ground pork and cook until browned. Season with soy sauce and set aside.
In the same pot, stir in sesame paste, miso, and additional soy sauce.
Gradually add stock, whisking until smooth. Simmer gently.
Add chili oil or paste. Let the broth simmer for 5 minutes.
Cook ramen noodles according to package. Drain and rinse briefly.
Assemble bowls: place noodles in bowls, pour over broth, and top with pork, egg, scallions, nori, and sesame seeds.
Serve immediately with optional extra chili oil or sesame oil drizzle.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner