Everyone loves instant ramen. It’s a quick fix for days when you just need something filling and hearty. Some would consider it a comfort food, with rich broth and tender meat that just hits all the right spots. But what if we told you that ramen can be made even more interesting than it already is?
Some people have experimented with adding pork rinds to their instant ramen — and let me tell you, the results are irresistible. Pork rinds add an interesting texture to the ramen, as well as to panko, providing a unique and welcome twist to the classic experience.
Ramen is a popular dish with a comforting mix of savory broth, tender meat, and noodles. Sipping on a bowl of piping hot instant ramen is a classic experience that can’t be replicated. If you want to add a twist to your comfort food, consider adding pork rinds.
Pork rinds add an interesting crunchy texture to the tender ingredients of ramen. And when the broth absorbs the meaty flavor of the pork rinds, you’re in for a savory and hearty dish that will satisfy your taste buds and your belly.
Aside from adding texture and flavor to your instant ramen, pork rinds also bring nutritional value to the table. Made with pork skin, pork rinds contain 154 calories, 8.87 grams of fat, 17.4 grams of protein, and 0 carbohydrates per one-ounce serving.
Pork rinds are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. Protein is an important nutrient that brings a host of benefits to your body. It’s the building block of bones, skin, muscles, and cartilage and helps the body repair, oxygenate, and digest.
Healthy fats, on the other hand, have been proven to lower the risk of heart disease, help with blood sugar, improve blood cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation. Some studies show that they also have a beneficial effect on blood pressure and can support gut health by maintaining the gut microbiome, helping with nutrient absorption, and facilitating overall immune function.
Pork rind ramen can be as simple as preparing instant ramen and topping it with crushed pork rinds. But if you’re looking to elevate the dish even further, you can customize your pork rind ramen to your liking.
Consider adding a couple more ingredients, like green onions, fried garlic, toasted seaweed, sesame seeds, and boiled eggs. Or make your dish healthier by tossing in mushrooms, spinach, or bok choy. And, for a splash of flavor, drizzle some sesame oil or mix in ginger or miso paste before digging in.
If you want to bring the heat and add a spicy kick to your pork rind ramen, a spoonful of chili paste or sriracha can do the trick. You can also add chopped chili or red pepper flakes while your ramen cooks.
While pork rind ramen is satisfying and filling enough to eat on its own, you can add some variety with side dishes.
The best pairings for hearty ramen are light and refreshing sides that can highlight the flavor of the ramen without being too overwhelming. Think salads, seaweed, and sauteed greens. For drinks, consider green tea for a full Japanese experience.
Prep Time: 1 min
Cook Time: 5 mins
