Cooking Chashu yourself – the heart of every Ramen Bowl

If there's one topping that a classic ramen bowl can't be without, it's chashu – buttery-tender braised pork belly, slow-cooked in a spicy marinade. It's one of the most popular side dishes in Japan and will make your soup a real highlight. The best part: You can easily make chashu yourself at home!

Ingredients for Chashu (approx. 6 servings)

  • 1 kg pork belly (in one piece, with rind and fat)

  • 5 tbsp soy sauce

  • 5 tbsp mirin (sweet rice wine, alternatively sherry + 1 tsp sugar)

  • 5 tbsp sake (alternatively dry white wine)

  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 500 ml water

  • 1 piece of ginger (approx. 5 cm, sliced)

  • 3 garlic cloves (crushed)

  • 2 spring onions (roughly chopped)

Preparation: Step by step

1. Prepare the pork belly

Roll the pork belly into a smooth roll (rind facing out). Tie it tightly with kitchen twine to help the meat retain its shape while braising.

2. Brown

Heat some oil in a large pot. Sear the meat roll on all sides until a nice golden brown crust forms.

3. Prepare the brew

Add soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and water to the pot. Add ginger, garlic, and spring onions. Bring everything to a boil briefly.

4. Braising

Reduce the heat and simmer the meat, covered, for about 2 hours . Turn occasionally to ensure the chashu absorbs the broth evenly.

5. Cooling & Cutting

Let the meat cool in the broth to intensify its flavor. Then remove the kitchen string and cut the chashu into thin slices.

Tips for perfect Chashu

  • Let it rest overnight : Let the meat rest in the stock in the fridge – this will make it even more intense.

  • Flame for extra flavor : Before serving, briefly sear the slices with a kitchen torch or in a pan.

  • Versatile use : The broth is ideal as a seasoning base (tare) for your ramen or for marinating ramen eggs ( ajitsuke tamago ).

Conclusion: Chashu at home like in a ramen restaurant

With this simple recipe, you'll bring the ultimate ramen experience home. Tender pork belly, a spicy marinade, and the perfect umami kick complete your bowl. You can also freeze chashu slices, so you'll always have a delicious topping ready for your next ramen. Try it – your next ramen bowl is guaranteed to be unforgettable!

Don't have a ramen base at home yet? Then discover our DIY ramen kits from Ramenstar and combine them with your homemade chashu.

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