How to Make Japanese Tonkotsu Broth and Sauces

Japanese tonkotsu broth is a rich, creamy base that forms the backbone of traditional ramen. Known for its deep, umami flavor, this broth requires patience and attention to detail. In this article, we will guide you through crafting the perfect tonkotsu broth, along with some essential sauces to elevate your ramen experience.

Ingredients for Tonkotsu Broth

  • 4 pounds pork bones (preferably trotters and neck bones)
  • 1 pound chicken carcasses
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
  • 1 piece of ginger (about 3 inches), sliced
  • 1-2 scallions
  • Water

Steps to Make Tonkotsu Broth

  1. Prepare the Bones: Rinse the pork bones and chicken carcasses under cold water. This removes any impurities that could cloud your broth.
  2. Blanch the Bones: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the bones and boil them for about 10 minutes. This step helps in reducing impurities. Drain and rinse the bones again under cold water.
  3. Simmer the Broth: In a clean pot, combine the blanched bones, chicken carcasses, onion, garlic, and ginger. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the ingredients. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cook for Hours: Simmer the broth for at least 12 hours, ideally up to 20 hours. The longer you cook, the richer the flavor will become. Make sure to keep an eye on the water level and add more as necessary.
  5. Strain the Broth: Once the broth has reached the desired richness, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into another pot, discarding the solids. Your tonkotsu broth should be creamy and opaque.

Essential Sauces for Ramen

To complement your tonkotsu broth, a few key sauces can enhance the flavor profile of your ramen. The following sauces are easy to prepare at home.

1. Shoyu (Soy Sauce) Tare

  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup mirin
  • 1/4 cup sake
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low until the sugar dissolves. Allow it to cool and then store it in an airtight container.

2. Miso Tare

  • 1 cup white miso
  • 1/4 cup mirin
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon sake

Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. This miso tare can be adjusted based on taste preference and stored in the refrigerator.

3. Chili Oil

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons chili flakes
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil. Once warm, add the chili flakes and sesame seeds. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Strain and store in a jar.

Combining It All

To serve your ramen, cook fresh noodles according to the package instructions. In a bowl, add a few tablespoons of your chosen tare, then ladle in the hot tonkotsu broth. Top with your favorite ingredients like chashu (braised pork), soft-boiled eggs, and scallions. Drizzle a touch of chili oil for an added kick.

Enjoy the complex, savory flavors of homemade Japanese tonkotsu broth and sauces that will take your ramen experience to the next level!