When most people think of ramen, they picture a steaming bowl of noodles swimming in rich broth. But in the world of Japanese cuisine, there’s a cooler, bolder cousin to traditional ramen that’s been quietly stealing the spotlight – tsukemen.
Tsukemen, which translates to “dipping noodles,” flips the ramen experience on its head. Instead of serving the noodles in broth, they’re presented cold or room temperature, with a separate bowl of intensely flavored, concentrated dipping sauce on the side. The idea is simple yet brilliant: dip, slurp, repeat. This gives the eater full control over how much broth they enjoy with each bite, making it a more interactive, tactile experience.
The beauty of tsukemen lies in its contrasts. The noodles are thick, chewy, and often chilled, offering a satisfying bite that pairs perfectly with the hot, savory dipping broth. That broth isn’t just soup – it’s a punchy, umami-rich reduction that clings to every strand of noodle. It might be pork-based, fish-based, or even vegan, depending on where you go, but it’s always bold.
Tsukemen is especially popular in the hotter months, when a steaming bowl of ramen might feel too heavy. But for many fans, it’s more than just seasonal – it’s a whole new ramen experience. It also shows off Japan’s culinary creativity, turning a familiar comfort food into something fresh and exciting.
In Tokyo, tsukemen has built a cult following. Lines wrap around blocks for shops specializing in the dish, and each has its own signature take – from yuzu-scented broths to spicy sesame blends. Even outside Japan, tsukemen is making waves, popping up in trendy ramen bars and foodie spots around the world.
For noodle lovers looking to explore beyond the usual bowl, tsukemen offers a refreshing alternative that’s just as comforting – but with a twist. It’s not just ramen without the soup. It’s ramen reimagined.
Ingredients
- 200 g ramen noodles
- Chashu pork
- pieces eggs soft-boiled
- Green onions
- Seaweed
- soy sauce
- fish sauce
- chicken broth
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the broth by simmering chicken bones, ginger, and garlic in water for at least 1 hour.
- 2. Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- 3. In a separate pot, heat the chicken broth and season with soy sauce and fish sauce.
- 4. Divide the noodles into individual serving bowls and top with chashu pork, soft-boiled eggs, green onions, and seaweed.
- 5. Pour the hot broth over the noodles and serve immediately.
Just made this for dinner and I’m blown away! So good! 5 stars!
Yum! Can’t go wrong with ramen. But where do I find chashu pork?
Tasty! But maybe add more ingredients next time? I like it packed with stuff!
I dunno, I think it’s good as is. Sometimes simple is better, don’t you think? Too many ingredients can ruin the flavor.
Yeah, I agree! More toppings make everything better. Chashu and eggs are great, but maybe some mushrooms or corn would be awesome too!
This recipe is amazing! I loved the flavors. The chashu pork was delicious.
I totally agree! The chashu is a game changer. Can’t wait to make this again!
Tsukemen is the best! Totally recommend it to all noodle lovers.
I switched out chashu for beef and it was still amazing. Highly recommend trying it!
Did you really need that much chicken broth? Seems wasteful. 🤔
I disagree, the broth adds a lot of flavor! It’s not wasteful if you’re making it right. 😋
I dunno, seems a bit much to me. Can’t you make it with less? Just saying.
Tasted great but my noodles got mushy. Any tips on avoiding that next time?
Seaweed? I thought that was for sushi only?? Weird combo lol. Didn’t like it.
Seems complicated. Can’t I just use instant noodles? Somebody pls help me!
Not bad, but I think I prefer my noodles with a thicker broth. It was a bit watery for my taste.
This was really easy to make! I added some extra spices, but it still turned out great. Yum!
Looks tasty! But what’s the deal with the eggs? Can I use just regular hard-boiled eggs instead of soft-boiled?
Regular hard-boiled eggs won’t give you that creamy texture you want in the dish! Soft-boiled makes it extra special. Trust me!
I dunno, hard-boiled might be too dry? But if that’s what you got, give it a go. Who knows, maybe it’ll still taste okay. 😅
Isn’t this just ramen? I don’t get what’s so special about it.
So good! The chashu pork was super tender! Will definitely make again.
I think I might’ve put in too much soy sauce, it was way salty. Be careful folks!
I followed the instructions but it turned out bland. Maybe I need to use more soy sauce?
Noodles were sticky. Maybe I cooked them too long? Not sure.
I made it but ended up using instant noodles and it actually turned out okay! Still tasty!
Instant noodles? That’s creative! Glad it turned out tasty for you!😊
Just okay. I mean, who needs all those ingredients? Noodles are noodles, right? 😒
Did you know Tsukemen means “dipping noodles” in Japanese? Gotta love it! 👍
Yum! My family loved it, especially the soft-boiled eggs! 🥚
5 stars for the broth! I wish I knew how to make chashu like that tho.
Not my favorite. I prefer my ramen served in a bowl, not separated. It’s like the noodles and soup are fighting.
I totally get you! I love having everything mixed up in my ramen too. Tsukemen just feels wrong to me.
But that’s how it’s meant to be! The dipping style is what makes it special, no? Just dip it!
Delicious! Made it for dinner, everyone was happy 🙂
Tsukemen is great! But I think the recipe need more details. What kinda chicken bones? 3 stars for the taste tho!
3 stars? Seriously? I think it’s a 5 all the way! Just take any bones, they all work. Don’t be so picky!
I totally agree! More details would help. Maybe just mention what type of chicken bones, like wings or carcasses would make it easier for beginners. But still, who can say no to Tsukemen? Yum!
Perfect recipe for a cozy night in! My first time making Tsukemen and I’m impressed.
I tried making this but ended up with a mess in my kitchen. Kinda sad.
The instructions were a bit hard to follow. Should’ve included prep time!
The broth took forever to make, and I don’t think it was worth the time. Disappointing.
Lol, I’m too lazy to make my own broth. Just used store-bought.
Tsukemen is my fave! But this recipe seems too complicated for me. I stick to instant ramen.
I totally get you! Instant ramen is super quick and easy. Maybe one day you’ll try this recipe when you feel adventurous! 🍜
This recipe is amazing! The broth is so rich, I can’t get enough.
Rich broth? Really? I found my broth turned out too salty… Maybe I messed up? 🤔
I totally agree! This broth is life-changing! 🌟
Super tasty! But I used beef instead of pork because I’m not a fan of pork. Still worked!
Yummm, great comfort food! The soft-boiled eggs were the best part! I could eat this every day.
Broth is awesome! But what is up with the green onions? They are just for decoration?
I don’t know, I followed the instructions perfectly but it didn’t taste like the ones from the restaurant.
Quick and easy! My whole family loved it, especially the soft-boiled eggs! 🙂
This recipe is amazing! The chashu pork is so tender. Definitely making this again!
Honestly didn’t have all the ingredients, so I winged it. Not the same but still okay.
This is the best! Even my picky kids ate it all.
Not a fan of seaweed, can I leave it out? Seems weird to me.
You can totally leave out the seaweed! It won’t ruin the dish. Just add a bit more chashu or green onions instead for extra flavor!
I tried making this but my broth didn’t come out right… It was way too salty. Maybe I put in too much soy sauce?
It was a bit too salty for my taste, maybe I added too much soy sauce. I’ll try it again but with less seasoning.
Can’t believe I’ve never tried making this at home! Definitely a keeper. 😍
Tsukemen is da bomb! Love how the noodles are separate from the broth. Makes it feel fancy but really it’s easy to make!
How come no one talks about how messy it can get? Broth everywhere! 😂
Where’s the garlic in the ingredients list? How can you make it without garlic? 🤔
5 stars! My kids loved it, will definitely make it again.
That’s awesome! My kids are picky eaters, so maybe I’ll try this recipe. How did you get the eggs so perfect?
Yumm! Next time I’m adding mushrooms and some chili oil for more kick!
I tried making this but the broth didn’t taste right. Maybe I added too much fish sauce. Not sure I’ll do it again.
Don’t give up! Sometimes it’s just a matter of adjusting the seasonings. Maybe try less fish sauce next time and add a bit more soy sauce! You’ll get it right!
Wow, this tsukemen recipe is amazing! The broth is rich and flavorful. My family loved it!
Uh, is it really necessary to add the fish sauce? I don’t like seafood. Can I just skip that part?
Is it normal for the noodles to get soggy? Mine didn’t turn out too great.
I tried this and it came out terrible. I think I overcooked the noodles.
Looks good but I don’t get why you need to boil chicken bones for an hour. Seems like a lot of work for noodles!
Delicious noodles! Yum! 😋
I totally agree! Best noodles ever! Can’t wait to make it again. 😍
This was so good! The broth was rich and flavorful. I added some chili oil for a kick!
lol I’m not a cook, but this seems too complex. Can’t I just buy instant ramen?
Absolutely loved this recipe! The chashu pork was so tender and the broth was flavorful. Can’t wait to make it again!
I don’t know, seems complicated for noodles. Isn’t making your own broth too much work?
Glad to hear you loved it! The chashu really does make a difference. What will you try next?
This recipe is way too complicated for me. I just want a simple ramen, not all this extra stuff! 😩
I didn’t have fish sauce, so I used oyster sauce instead. Still turned out pretty good!
Oyster sauce is a good substitute! Glad it worked out for you. Tsukemen is so versatile! 😋
I don’t know man, the chicken broth takes too long to make. Just use store-bought! Way easier.
Why are there eggs in this recipe? I don’t think that’s traditional Tsukemen. Just sayin’.
I thought it would be easier. Way too many steps for me. Might just stick to instant ramen.
Too complicated for me! I don’t even know what chashu pork is. I’ll just stick to my microwave meals!
I get that, some recipes do have a lot of steps! But trust me, it’s really worth it! Once you try it, you might not want instant ramen again!
This recipe for tsukemen is fantastic! The broth was rich and flavorful, just like in my favorite ramen shop. Will definitely make again!
Totally agree! I made it last weekend and my family loved it! Can’t wait to try it again! 🍜
I’ve never made ramen before, thought I’d mess it up but it actually came out good. Thx!
Tsukemen rocks! I just slurped all the noodles up!!
Tsukemen is the best! I can’t get enough of those noodles. So good!
This recipe looks amazing! Can’t wait to try it out for dinner. 🍜