Miso Chicken Katsu Ramen (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Flavor Base

01 - 2 slices thick bacon, diced
02 - 6 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated
03 - 2 medium shallots, chopped small
04 - 1 inch chunk of fresh ginger, sliced thin
05 - ¾ teaspoon crushed red pepper

→ Soup & Spices

06 - 8 cups chicken broth, low sodium if possible
07 - ¾ cup coconut milk or your favorite milk substitute
08 - ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium suggested)
09 - ¼ cup miso paste (white variety)
10 - 3 tablespoons spicy chili paste, like Gochujang
11 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil, toasted

→ Noodles and Extras

12 - 4 portions of ramen noodles
13 - 4 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped

→ Crispy Chicken Coating

14 - 4 thin chicken fillets (or 2 breasts, sliced horizontally)
15 - 1 cup Panko crumbs
16 - 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
17 - A pinch of kosher salt, or as needed

→ Add-Ons

18 - Soft-boiled or hard-boiled eggs
19 - Nori (seaweed) sheets, toasted
20 - Sesame seeds for garnish
21 - Sliced green onions
22 - A drizzle of chili oil

# Instructions:

01 - In a big Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until crispy. Throw in the garlic, ginger, shallots, and pepper flakes. Stir until it all caramelizes, which should take about 3 minutes.
02 - Pour the broth, milk, and soy sauce into the pot. Mix in the miso paste and chili paste thoroughly. Bring the heat down to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes.
03 - In a shallow bowl, combine the sesame seeds with the Panko crumbs. Sprinkle in some salt and mix. Press the chicken into the crumb mixture, using your hands to firmly stick the crumbs on.
04 - Warm some oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each piece of chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until it’s golden and crispy. Put the chicken on a cutting board, season with a pinch of salt, and slice into thin pieces.
05 - Toss the noodles, spinach, and sesame oil into the broth. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so the noodles can soften up.
06 - Divide the noodles evenly in bowls and pour hot broth on top. Add the crispy chicken slices. Sprinkle on eggs, green onions, sesame seeds, and chili oil if you like. Serve while it’s steaming hot!

# Notes:

01 - This deliciously spicy ramen with a mix of tender chicken katsu and rich broth makes an ideal weeknight comfort food that’s easy and full of flavor!