Instant Pot Pork Ramen with Jammy Eggs and Broth

Name: Instant Pot Ramen (Pork Ramen)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 85 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds pork shoulder/butt; 2 tablespoons cooking oil; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups water; 1 teaspoon dashi powder; 1/4 cup sake; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce; 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar (unseasoned); 1/2 cup brown sugar; 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce; 4 packages ramen noodles; 4-8 slices braised pork belly ((optional but recommended)); 6 ramen eggs ((optional but recommended)); 1 cup sliced green onions; Crispy garlic and/or shallots (for garnish (optional)); Sesame seeds (for garnish (optional))

This instant pot pork ramen is rich, cozy, and packed with tender pork shoulder, savory broth, ramen noodles, jammy eggs, and crispy caramelized pork pieces. It’s a homemade ramen bowl that tastes like it simmered all day, but the Instant Pot makes it much easier. If you love ramen recipes, you’ll also want to try this Shoyu Ramen

**If you want to include the Ramen Eggs and Pork Belly, I highly recommend making them in advance.

pork, egg and noodles in a bowl with broth

What is Instant Pot Pork Ramen?

Instant pot pork ramen is a homemade ramen recipe made by pressure cooking pork shoulder in a flavorful broth, then serving it with ramen noodles, toppings, and crispy caramelized pork. The Instant Pot helps create tender pork and rich broth in less time than traditional ramen.

If you want an ultra quick and easy ramen recipe without using the Instant Pot, this spicy chicken ramen, tan tan ramen, shoyu ramen or shio ramen is awesome!

Jump to:

What is Instant Pot Pork Ramen?
Why This Recipe Works
Why This Instant Pot Pork Ramen is Better Than Store-Bought
What is My Take on Caramelized Pork Ramen?
Ingredients
Key Ingredients
Step By Step Instructions
The Slow Cooker Option
How to Get the Best Crispy Pork
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ramen Topping Ideas
What to Serve With Instant Pot Pork Ramen
Expert Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Storage + Reheating + Make Ahead + Meal Prep
Instant Pot Ramen Recipe Closing
More Instant Pot Favorites
Recipe
💬 Comments

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Why This Recipe Works

The Instant Pot makes the pork tender fast.
Broiling the pork with brown sugar and dark soy sauce creates crispy caramelized edges.
Dashi, sake, soy sauce, fish sauce, and chili garlic sauce build deep umami flavor.
Optional ramen eggs and pork belly make it feel restaurant-worthy.

Why This Instant Pot Pork Ramen is Better Than Store-Bought

Packaged ramen can be quick, but this homemade version has real broth, tender pork shoulder, fresh toppings, and crispy caramelized pork. It’s still comforting and easy, but with much better texture and flavor.

What is My Take on Caramelized Pork Ramen?

The caramelized pork is what makes this recipe special. It adds sweet, salty, crispy bites that contrast perfectly with the rich broth and soft noodles. For another Japanese pork recipe with deep savory flavor, try this Japanese Braised Pork Belly Kakuni.

Ingredients

Don't be intimidated by all the ingredients, it's not one bit difficult to make this.

I use the prepackaged ramen noodles you buy in the store (discard the seasoning packet - or save it for something else).

Dashi powder is a Japanese soup stock that is typically made from dried kelp, bonito flakes, and/or anchovies. It has a wonderful umami flavor and adds depth to the soup. You can buy premade Dashi powder , or learn how to make dashi.

Dark soy sauce is used to season the pork when caramelizing it under the broiler. Dark soy sauce is typically aged with a touch of molasses and cornstarch. It is thicker and less salty than regular soy sauce. Check out these dark soy sauce substitutes.

Fish sauce is a sauce made from anchovies fermented in salt. While the smell can sometimes be strong, the flavor is out of this world delicious. When added to marinades and sauces, it does not have a fishy flavor as you would expect. It just adds a wonderful savory flavor.

You will definitely want to make these Ramen Eggs. They are simple to make (they need to marinate overnight) and are just perfection in this ramen. While optional, I HIGHLY recommend them!

This Braised Pork Belly (Kakuni) is also optional, but I absolutely love it in this recipe. It does take some time to make, but can easily be done in advance. You could also use these braised pork shanks in the ramen!

Ingredients for Caramelized Pork:

Ingredients for Ramen Broth:

2 pounds pork shoulder/butt
2 tablespoons cooking oil
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 teaspoon dashi powder
¼ cup sake
1 tablespoon fish sauce
½ cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
¼ cup rice wine vinegar unseasoned
½ cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons dark soy sauce
4 packages ramen noodles
4-8 slices braised pork belly (optional but recommended)
6 ramen eggs (optional but recommended)
1 cup sliced green onions
Crispy garlic and/or shallots for garnish (optional)
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

👉 Scroll down to the recipe card for a printable version of ingredients and instructions.

Key Ingredients

Pork Shoulder/Butt - This cut becomes tender and shreddable in the Instant Pot.
Dashi Powder - Adds savory depth and classic ramen-style umami.
Sake, Soy Sauce + Fish Sauce - These build a rich, salty, savory broth.
Brown Sugar + Dark Soy Sauce - Used to caramelize the pork under the broiler.

Step By Step Instructions

Like I said earlier, there are a few steps, but it's all totally worth it. And I really hope you took the time to make the Braised Pork Belly and Ramen Eggs in advance!

pork shoulder browned in the instant pot

Step 1: Add the cooking oil to the Instant Pot and brown the pork on all sides right in the Instant Pot, about 6 minutes per side. Searing it on the outside helps to keep the juices in.

Step 2: Add the chicken broth, water, sake and dashi powder. Use the pressure cooker setting (high) to cook for 45 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then use quick release to release any remaining pressure.

Step 3: Remove the pork from the broth and break into pieces on a lined baking sheet.

Be sure to line your baking sheet. I did not and the baking sheet had to be thrown away.

Step 4: Sprinkle the brown sugar and dark soy sauce on the pork pieces, mix well and broil until pork is caramelized (5-10 minutes), being careful not to let the sugar burn.

Step 5: Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, chili garlic paste, and rice wine vinegar to the broth. Set the Instant Pot to the saute setting and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 6: While the broth simmers, cook the dried ramen noodles in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain.

Step 7: Place the noodles in bowl and cover with broth.

Step 8: Add braised pork belly, caramelized pork pieces, green onions, 1-2 ramen eggs (halved) and garnishes, if desired.

bowl of pork ramen with chopsticks and fresh herbs

The Slow Cooker Option

Now I know not everyone has made the leap to the Instant Pot yet, so I've also included instructions in the recipe card for using a slow cooker. The steps are somewhat similar, but the slow cooker takes so much looonger. But it works.

Step 1: Sear the pork for 6 minutes per side in a cast iron skillet (a nonstick skillet will work too if that's all you have).

Step 2: Place pork in slow cooker with chicken broth, water, sake and dashi powder. Cook on high heat for 4 hours. Remove pork from slow cooker and break into pieces on a baking sheet.

Step 3: Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, chili garlic paste, and rice wine vinegar to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Sprinkle the brown sugar and dark soy sauce on the pork pieces, mix well and broil until pork is caramelized (5-10 minutes), being careful not to let the sugar burn.

Step 5: Cook the dried ramen noodles in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain.

Step 6: Place the noodles in bowl and cover with broth. Add braised pork belly, caramelized pork pieces, green onions, 1-2 ramen eggs (halved) and garnishes, if desired.

pork ramen in a bowl with a soft boiled egg, green onions, noodles and a spoon

How to Get the Best Crispy Pork

Brown the pork before pressure cooking.
Break the cooked pork into pieces before broiling.
Spread pork in a single layer.
Watch closely so the brown sugar caramelizes but does not burn.
Broil just until the edges are crispy and sticky.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the browning step.
Burning the caramelized pork under the broiler.
Overcooking the ramen noodles.
Adding noodles directly to stored broth.
Forgetting to simmer the broth after seasoning.

Ramen Topping Ideas

Sprinkle with sesame seeds;
Try this spicy numbing Chili Oil - I use this stuff on everything!
Drizzle fresh lime juice on top when serving;
Top with fried garlic, shallot or onions;
Sliced jalapenos or other spicy pepper;
Sriracha is always a good option;
Cooked edamame, shredded carrots, bean sprouts and/or fresh cilantro are all great ideas to add some veggies.

What to Serve With Instant Pot Pork Ramen

Serve this cozy ramen with:

Start with these Pork Belly Buns or this Chicken Yakitori;
Check out these 15 Japanese Salads from Just One Cookbook;
Serve with Miso Grilled Corn;
If you like rice with your meal, try this Chinese Fried Rice or this Kimchi Fried Rice - both incredible options!
Finish the meal off with this Japanese Cheesecake (Souffle Cheesecake).

Expert Tips

Make the Braised Pork Belly and Ramen Eggs in advance.
For an extra rich broth, remove the fat from the pork after it has cooked and place it back in the Instant Pot with the pork cooking liquid. Pressure cook for another 20 minutes and use the quick release to release the pressure.
Line the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper before broiling the pork. The sugar will burn to the pan if you don't line it and your pan will likely be ruined.
For leftovers, store the noodles and broth separately as the noodles will soak up the broth.
To make ahead, cook the pork, shred it and store it in a container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the broth separately in a container. When ready to serve, broil the pork with the sugar and soy sauce and cook the noodles. Combine remaining ingredients in the bowls and serve.

You'll probably also want to try this Coconut Curry Ramen or this cheesy Turkey ramen! They're both made in the Instant Pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pork ramen in the Instant Pot?

Yes. The Instant Pot tenderizes pork shoulder quickly and creates a flavorful broth for homemade pork ramen.

What cut of pork is best for ramen?

Pork shoulder or pork butt works well because it becomes tender and flavorful when pressure cooked.

Can I make this ramen in the slow cooker?

Yes. Slow cooker instructions are included and work well for tender pork.

How do I keep ramen noodles from getting soggy?

Cook noodles separately and add them to each bowl right before serving.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Make the broth and pork ahead, then cook fresh noodles when ready to serve.

Storage + Reheating + Make Ahead + Meal Prep

Storage - Store broth, pork, toppings, and noodles separately in airtight containers.
Reheating - Warm broth and pork gently on the stove or in the microwave. Cook or refresh noodles separately.
Make Ahead - The pork and broth can be made ahead and assembled later.
Meal Prep - Portion broth and pork separately, then add fresh noodles and toppings when serving.

Instant Pot Ramen Recipe Closing

This instant pot pork ramen is rich, savory, cozy, and loaded with crispy caramelized pork. It’s the kind of homemade ramen recipe that feels special but is still approachable enough for a weekend dinner.