Introduction
Hakata ramen recipe is one of the most iconic Japanese noodle dishes. It comes from Fukuoka, Japan, and is famous for its creamy tonkotsu broth and thin noodles. Unlike other ramen styles, Hakata ramen focuses on deep pork flavor, fast-cooking noodles, and rich toppings like chashu pork, eggs, and green onions.
If you want to know how to make Hakata ramen at home, this guide covers everything. From preparing the broth to assembling the final bowl, you will learn the authentic process and variations.
If you want to try more variations, check out this simple Crispy Chicken Wings Recipe.
What is Hakata Ramen?
Hakata ramen is a tonkotsu-based noodle soup. The word “Hakata” refers to a district in Fukuoka, where this ramen style became popular.
Key features of Hakata ramen:
- Broth: Creamy, made by boiling pork bones for hours.
- Noodles: Thin, straight, and firm, designed to soak broth quickly.
- Toppings: Pork slices, green onions, mushrooms, boiled eggs, sesame seeds.
- Serving Style: Usually served hot and customizable with garlic, chili oil, or pickled ginger.
Difference between Hakata ramen vs. tonkotsu ramen:
- Tonkotsu means pork bone broth.
- Hakata ramen is a specific style of tonkotsu ramen with thin noodles.
Ingredients for Hakata Ramen Recipe
For Tonkotsu Broth
- 2 kg pork bones (marrow-rich)
- 1 large onion
- 2 leeks
- 1 garlic bulb
- 1-inch ginger
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt to taste
For Noodles
- Hakata-style thin noodles (or any straight ramen noodles)
For Toppings
- Chashu pork belly slices
- Soft-boiled eggs (ajitsuke tamago)
- Chopped green onions
- Kikurage mushrooms (wood ear mushrooms)
- Nori seaweed sheets
- Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Hakata Ramen Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
- Rinse pork bones and remove impurities.
- Boil in a large pot for 8–12 hours. The broth should turn white and creamy.
- Skim foam occasionally.
- Add onion, garlic, ginger, and leeks during the final 2 hours.
- Season with soy sauce and salt.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Boil thin ramen noodles for 1–2 minutes only.
- Drain and keep ready.
Step 3: Prepare the Toppings
- Cook chashu pork belly until tender and slice thinly.
- Make soft-boiled eggs with slightly runny yolk.
- Chop green onions and prepare mushrooms.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
- Place noodles in a bowl.
- Pour hot tonkotsu broth over them.
- Add toppings: pork slices, egg halves, green onions, mushrooms, sesame seeds, and nori.
- Serve immediately.
Easy Hakata Ramen Recipe Tonkotsu Style
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blanch pork bones and chicken wings in boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse.
- Add bones, ginger, garlic, and onion to a stock pot. Cover with water and simmer 3 hours until broth turns creamy white.
- Strain broth and return liquid to pot. Add soy sauce, miso, sake, and sesame oil. Adjust to taste.
- Cook ramen noodles separately as per package instructions.
- Divide noodles into bowls. Pour hot broth over noodles.
- Top with chashu pork, green onions, nori, and a soft boiled egg. Serve immediately.
Notes
Variations of Hakata Ramen
Hakata ramen has evolved into different variations to suit tastes:
- Spicy Hakata ramen: With chili oil or paste for heat.
- Black garlic oil ramen: Topped with kuro mayu (black garlic oil).
- Instant Hakata ramen noodles: Japanese instant ramen inspired by this style.
- Restaurant variations: Chains like Hakata Ikkousha serve signature styles worldwide.
Hakata Ramen vs. Other Ramen Styles
- Hakata vs. Sapporo noodles
- Hakata uses thin noodles.
- Sapporo style prefers thick, curly noodles.
- Hakata vs. Tokyo ramen
- Tokyo ramen often has soy-based broth.
- Hakata ramen is strictly tonkotsu-based.
- Ramen broth types
- Tonkotsu (pork bones)
- Shoyu (soy sauce)
- Miso (fermented soybean)
- Shio (salt-based)
Nutrition Guide per Serving (Approximate)
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 28 g
- Fats: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 2 g
Tips for Making the Best Hakata Ramen at Home
- Simmer bones for at least 8 hours to get rich creamy broth.
- Use Hakata-style thin noodles for authentic texture.
- Always serve ramen immediately after adding broth.
- Add garlic chips, chili oil, or pickled ginger for extra flavor.
- Keep toppings simple to let broth shine.
Conclusion
The Hakata ramen recipe is one of Japan’s best comfort foods. With its creamy tonkotsu broth, thin noodles, and flavorful toppings, it brings restaurant-quality ramen to your home. Once you master the broth, you can customize toppings and flavors to your liking.
For further variations and ideas, check this detailed guide on Hakata Ramen.
