This ramen is cozy, rich, and a little spicy. The pork cooks until soft, then gets crisp and sticky with honey. The broth turns creamy with coconut milk, and the ramen noodles soak up all that flavor. Based on the provided recipe source.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is the kind of dinner that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. I love how the crockpot does most of the work. The pork gets soft and rich while the broth picks up all the flavor from the miso, chili paste, ginger, and mushrooms.
Then the best part happens: the pork gets crisp with honey. That sweet, sticky edge with the creamy spicy broth is so good.
- It feels like takeout, but warmer and fresher.
- The broth is creamy, spicy, salty, and cozy.
- The pork is soft inside and crisp outside.
- The toppings make every bowl fun.
- It is great for a cold night or a slow weekend meal.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 to 3 pounds pork butt
- 6 to 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup tamari
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 2 to 4 tablespoons gochujang chili paste
- 1 tablespoon Chinese 5 spice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
- 2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms
- 2 to 3 teaspoons honey
- 1 cup canned coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 4 squares ramen noodles
- Soft-boiled eggs, for serving
- Toasted nori sheets, for serving
- Candied jalapeños, for serving
- Sliced green onions, for serving
- Chili oil, for serving
Servings and Time
- Servings: 8
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 6 hours
- Total time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Add the onions and pork
Place 2 to 3 medium thinly sliced onions in the bottom of a black oval crockpot. Add 2 to 3 pounds pork butt on top.
Step 2: Add the broth and flavor
Pour in 6 to 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Add 1/4 cup tamari, 2 tablespoons white miso paste, 2 to 4 tablespoons gochujang chili paste, 1 tablespoon Chinese 5 spice, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger, and 2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms.
Step 3: Slow cook
Cover the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 6 hours, until the pork is very tender and easy to pull apart.
Step 4: Crisp the pork
Remove the cooked pork and place it on a baking sheet. Break it into large chunks. Drizzle 2 to 3 teaspoons honey over the pork. Broil for 5 to 8 minutes, until the edges look crisp and caramelized.
Step 5: Make the broth creamy
Turn the crockpot to high. Stir 1 cup canned coconut milk and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil into the hot broth with the softened thinly sliced onions and sliced cremini mushrooms.
Step 6: Add the ramen noodles
Add 4 squares ramen noodles to the creamy broth. Cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, until the noodles are soft.
Step 7: Build the bowls
Ladle the creamy broth, ramen noodles, softened thinly sliced onions, and sliced cremini mushrooms into round bowls. Top each bowl with crispy honey-glazed pork, soft-boiled eggs, toasted nori sheets, candied jalapeños, sliced green onions, and chili oil. Serve right away.
Why This Recipe Works Quick Science
- The crockpot cooks the pork low and slow, so the meat turns tender.
- Onions sit at the bottom, so they soften and add sweet flavor to the broth.
- Miso adds deep, salty flavor.
- Gochujang adds heat, sweetness, and body.
- Coconut milk calms the spice and makes the broth creamy.
- Honey helps the pork brown and crisp under the broiler.
- Toasted sesame oil goes in near the end so the flavor stays bold.
Macros Information
Estimated per serving:
- Calories: about 319
- Protein: about 24g
- Carbs: about 28g
- Fat: about 14g
- Fiber: about 2g
- Sugar: about 5g
- Sodium: about 900mg
Macros can change based on the pork, ramen noodles, broth, and toppings you use.
Common Mistakes
- Do not put the crockpot on a stovetop.
- Do not skip the onion layer. It helps flavor the broth.
- Do not overcook the ramen noodles. They only need about 5 minutes.
- Do not walk away while broiling the pork. It can burn fast.
- Do not add coconut milk too early. Add it near the end so it stays creamy.
- Do not skip the toppings. They make the bowl taste finished.
What to Serve With
- Cucumber salad
- Steamed edamame
- Kimchi
- Roasted broccoli
- Sesame green beans
- Dumplings
- Pickled carrots
- Extra nori sheets
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken instead of pork?
A: Yes. Use chicken thighs or chicken breasts. Cook for 5 to 6 hours, not too much longer.
Q: Can I make it less spicy?
A: Yes. Use 2 tablespoons gochujang instead of 4 tablespoons.
Q: Can I use soy sauce instead of tamari?
A: Yes. Low-sodium soy sauce works well.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Make the broth and pork ahead, but add the ramen noodles right before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store broth and pork in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep noodles separate if you can.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: You can freeze the broth and pork. Do not freeze the noodles because they can turn mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Crispy Pork Ramen is rich, cozy, and full of flavor. The slow-cooked pork, creamy broth, soft noodles, and crisp toppings make it feel special without being hard. It is a warm bowl that tastes like comfort.