Mazesoba (Japanese Sesame Oil Tossed Ramen)

Steps

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1. 1
   Prepare the aromatics: cut garlic chives into small pieces; separate white and green parts of green onions (whites for aromatic oil, greens for topping); mince garlic and divide in half; grate about half a teaspoon of fresh ginger.
   ▶ ≈1:34
2. 2
   Prepare bonito powder: microwave 4g of dried bonito flakes for about 1 minute, then crumble by hand into a powder.
   ▶ ≈4:13
3. 3
   Make the pork sauce: in a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp Chinese chili bean paste, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tbsp mirin, a few shakes of black pepper, and mix well. Add chili oil if you prefer extra heat.
   ▶ ≈4:42
4. 4
   Toast the aromatics: heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok over medium-high heat, add the white parts of green onions, garlic, and ginger; cook for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly colored.
   ▶ ≈5:12
5. 5
   Cook the ground pork: add 200g ground pork and break it into small pieces, cooking for about 3 minutes until the pork is no longer pink.
   ▶ ≈5:32
6. 6
   Add the sauce: pour in the prepared pork sauce and stir well for about 2 minutes until the fat from the pork creates a glossy, chili-oil-rich sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
   ▶ ≈5:45
7. 7
   Cook the noodles: bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the noodles, and cook according to package instructions. Drain well.
   ▶ ≈6:00
8. 8
   Season the noodles: put the cooked noodles in a mixing bowl, add 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 0.5 tbsp chili oil, 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated; add reserved cooking water a few tablespoons at a time if needed to help mix.
   ▶ ≈6:20
9. 9
   Plate the dish: divide the seasoned noodles between serving bowls, top with the pork mixture, egg yolk, green onion greens, garlic chives, and seaweed. Arrange toppings with contrasting colors for visual appeal.
   ▶ ≈6:57
10. 10
    Serve and enjoy: mix all the toppings together with the noodles. Halfway through, optionally add about 0.5 tbsp vinegar to brighten the flavors.
    ▶ ≈7:30