Introduction

There’s something special about a bowl of ramen, and Tantanmen ramen holds a place close to my heart. It’s like the Japanese version of a cozy hug in a bowl. When you take that first bite of rich, spicy broth with creamy peanut and sesame flavors, topped with juicy ground meat and soft noodles, it’s a moment of pure bliss.

What makes this Tantanmen ramen special is its combination of bold flavors—spicy, nutty, savory—and how the noodles soak up that luscious broth. It’s a meal that’s indulgent but simple to make, making it perfect for busy weekdays or relaxing weekends.

I first discovered Tantanmen during a visit to a Japanese restaurant with friends, and I fell in love at first slurp. The smooth broth, rich with sesame and peanut, the heat from chili oil, and the satisfying crunch of fresh vegetables had me hooked. Over the years, I’ve made it my own at home, tweaking it to suit my tastes while keeping it easy enough for anyone to prepare, even if you’re new to cooking.

Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl for yourself or looking to impress your friends with something exciting and new, this Easy Tantanmen Ramen recipe will quickly become a favorite. Trust me, this is one bowl of ramen you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Why should you make this Easy Tantanmen Ramen? Let me count the ways:

Super Simple to Make: Unlike traditional ramen, which can be time-consuming, this recipe is designed to be quick and easy, yet still bursting with flavor. No need for hours of simmering stock; the broth comes together in minutes.
Customizable for All Taste Buds: Whether you like your ramen mild or extra spicy, you can adjust the level of heat with chili oil or fresh chili peppers. The creamy sesame-peanut broth also brings balance to the spice.
One Bowl, So Many Textures: From the chewy noodles to the crunchy vegetables and tender ground pork, each bite is a combination of textures that make this ramen so satisfying. The combination of rich and creamy broth with crunchy toppings creates the perfect contrast.
It’s Family-Friendly: Everyone will love this ramen—kids will appreciate the mild version, while adults can enjoy it extra spicy. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores, making it a great option for a weeknight meal.

When you take that first sip of the broth, you’ll be amazed at how well the peanut and sesame meld with the chili oil, making this ramen rich and flavorful without being overwhelming. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a go-to when you’re craving comfort food!

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: 450 calories
Protein: 22g
Carbs: 55g
Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Easy Tantanmen Ramen:

4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
2 tablespoons sesame paste (tahini)
1 tablespoon peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons chili oil (adjust to your spice preference)
2 teaspoons miso paste
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
200g ground chicken or turkey (substitute with beef or pork if preferred)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 servings ramen noodles
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon roasted peanuts, chopped
1/2 cup bean sprouts
1 boiled egg (optional)
1/4 cup chili flakes (optional)
1/4 cup bok choy or spinach

Why these ingredients work:

Sesame paste and peanut butter: These two ingredients form the creamy base of the broth, creating a rich, nutty flavor that’s the hallmark of Tantanmen.
Soy sauce and miso paste: Add saltiness and umami, making the broth deeply savory.
Chili oil: For that signature Tantanmen heat, the chili oil gives the dish the right amount of spice, without overpowering it.
Ground chicken: Adds richness to the ramen without being too greasy, but you can swap it out for beef or pork, depending on your preferences.
Ramen noodles: Soft and chewy noodles soak up the flavor of the broth, making every bite even more satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break this down step-by-step:

Cook the Ramen Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions (typically 3-4 minutes). Once cooked, drain the noodles, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking, and set aside.
Prepare the Broth:
- In a large saucepan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, soy sauce, miso paste, sesame paste, and peanut butter to the pot. Stir to combine everything, making sure the peanut butter and sesame paste melt into the broth, creating a creamy, smooth texture.
- Stir in the rice vinegar, sugar, and chili oil. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning. Add more chili oil for extra spice or a dash of soy sauce for saltiness.
- Let the broth simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you want the broth thicker, let it cook for a little longer.
Cook the Ground Meat:
- While the broth is simmering, heat sesame oil in another skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken (or turkey) and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it becomes crumbly.
- Once cooked, stir in a pinch of salt and pepper, then set it aside. This will be the meat topping for the ramen.
Assemble the Ramen Bowls:
- Divide the cooked noodles between 4 bowls.
- Pour the hot broth over the noodles, making sure to cover them completely.
- Top each bowl with a generous scoop of the cooked ground chicken.
- Garnish with green onions, cilantro, bean sprouts, roasted peanuts, and the optional boiled egg for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- For extra spice, sprinkle some chili flakes on top.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Give the ramen a gentle stir to mix the toppings into the broth, and enjoy immediately!

How to Serve

Here’s how you can serve your Easy Tantanmen Ramen:

With extra vegetables: Add a handful of bok choy or spinach for some green freshness, or sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth of flavor.
Side dishes: Pair with crispy tempura vegetables or a light Asian cucumber salad to balance the richness of the ramen.
Garnishes: Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra chili oil for an added kick.
With a drink: A cold glass of iced green tea or a light Japanese lager works wonderfully with this dish.

Additional Tips

Don’t skip the chili oil: If you love spice, the chili oil is what makes Tantanmen truly shine. You can adjust it based on how spicy you want the broth, but don’t be afraid to add more if you want a nice kick!
Use fresh ramen noodles: If you can find fresh ramen noodles, they make a world of difference in terms of texture. The chewy noodles hold up beautifully against the rich broth.
Adjust the richness: If you like a thicker broth, let it simmer for longer to reduce it. If you prefer a lighter broth, you can add a bit more chicken broth or water.
Leftovers: Tantanmen ramen keeps well in the fridge for a day or two. However, ramen noodles may become soft when stored. If reheating, add a bit of broth to loosen them up.
Vegan/Vegetarian: To make this dish vegetarian, swap the ground meat with sautéed mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.

Recipe Variations

Here are some ideas for making this recipe your own:

Vegetarian Tantanmen: Swap the ground chicken for sautéed mushrooms or use tofu for a lighter version of the dish. The creamy peanut and sesame broth still makes it super satisfying.
Spicy Garlic Tantanmen: Add minced garlic to the chili oil to give the broth an extra depth of flavor. You could even throw in some chili paste for an added kick.
More Veggies: Try adding more vegetables like carrots, corn, or broccoli to the broth for a healthier, hearty bowl of ramen.
Extra Toppings: For a heartier bowl, top your ramen with braised pork belly or soft-boiled eggs. You could even add crispy fried onions for extra crunch.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: If you have leftovers, store the broth and toppings separately. Place the broth in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The noodles can be stored in a separate container.
Freezing: The broth freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the broth over low heat. Add a bit more chicken broth or water if it’s too thick. Reheat the noodles in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before combining them with the broth.
Noodles: If freezing noodles, cook them slightly underdone to prevent them from becoming mushy once reheated.

Special Equipment

You won’t need any special equipment for this recipe, but here are a couple of things that will make your life easier:

Large pot: For cooking the noodles and heating the broth.
Skillet: For browning the ground chicken or turkey.
Fine mesh strainer: If you’re using store-bought ramen noodles that come with a seasoning packet, you might want to rinse them off to remove any excess starch.
Soup bowls: Deep bowls work best for ramen, as they allow you to hold all the broth and toppings.

FAQ Section

Can I use store-bought ramen noodles?
Yes! If you don’t have fresh ramen noodles, store-bought dry ramen noodles will work just fine. Just be sure to discard the seasoning packet if using dry noodles.
How can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the broth in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cook the noodles fresh before serving.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Bok choy, spinach, mushrooms, or even shredded carrots work beautifully in this ramen. Just sauté or blanch them before adding them to your bowl.
How can I make this less spicy?
Simply reduce the chili oil to your desired spice level. You can also add a little more peanut butter to balance out the heat.

Conclusion

I hope this Easy Tantanmen Ramen recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine! It’s one of those dishes that’s just so comforting and versatile—whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a weekend treat. I’d love to see how your ramen turns out, so be sure to tag me on Instagram if you give it a try! And don’t forget to leave a comment below letting me know how you made it your own or any fun variations you tried. I can’t wait to hear from you and share in your ramen-making adventure!

EASY Tantanmen Ramen