Fried Shallot Ramen – If you’re a ramen lover and enjoy the savory crunch of fried shallots, then tantanmen is a must-try! 

This Japanese ramen dish has a spicy kick inspired by Sichuan cuisine, blending creamy broth with chewy noodles and rich toppings. 

This recipe gets even better with the addition of crispy fried shallots, adding a unique crunch and aroma. Want to try making it? Follow these simple steps!

The Flavor of Tantanmen 

Want to Try Crispy Fried Onions?

Tantanmen is a Japanese take on Chinese “dan dan noodles” but with a thicker, creamier broth. 

Known for its rich, spicy soup and tasty toppings like crumbled tofu, greens, and a soft-boiled egg, it’s a comforting bowl of flavor. 

The fried shallots aren’t just a topping—they add a crunchy, savory bite that pairs perfectly with the creamy soup and tender noodles, making each spoonful more exciting.

Ingredients for Fried Shallot Tantanmen Ramen

For the Tofu:

• 200 g smoked tofu
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 1 ½ tbsp soy sauce
• 1 ½ tsp sriracha sauce

Broth:

• 2 tbsp chili oil
• 2 shallots, peeled and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
• ½ tsp Sichuan peppercorns
• 2 tbsp tahini (sesame paste)
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sriracha powder (or similar)
• 250 ml soy milk
• 500 ml vegetable broth
• ½ tsp salt, or to taste

For Serving:

• 2 servings ramen noodles
• 2 pieces bok choy, halved
• Soft-boiled egg, halved (optional)
• Extra chili oil, to taste
• Crispy fried shallots, to top

How to Make Fried Shallot Tantanmen Ramen

1. Prepare the Tofu

• Crumble the smoked tofu by hand until it resembles ground meat.
• In a pan over medium heat, add the sesame oil.
• Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the crumbled tofu, soy sauce, and sriracha sauce. Stir to coat the tofu and cook on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until the tofu is golden. Set aside.

2. Cook the Ramen Noodles

• In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles for 1-2 minutes until just al dente, as they’ll continue to cook in the hot broth later.
• Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

3. Blanch the Bok Choy

• In the same pot, add the bok choy and cook on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender.
• Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

4. Start the Broth Base

• Wipe the pan clean, then heat it over medium-high with half of the chili oil.
• Add the chopped shallots, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the shallots are softened and aromatic.

5. Create the Creamy Broth

• Lower the heat to medium, add the tahini, peanut butter, soy sauce, and sriracha powder. Stir until combined.
• Gradually add the soy milk and vegetable broth while stirring, letting the tahini and peanut butter blend smoothly into the soup.
• Add salt to taste, then pour in the remaining chili oil for extra heat. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Assemble the Tantanmen

• Prepare two large bowls, placing a portion of noodles in each.
• Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, then top each bowl with crumbled tofu, bok choy, and a soft-boiled egg (if using).
• Finally, sprinkle with crispy fried shallots and drizzle with a bit more chili oil to taste.

Why Fried Shallots Are Perfect for Ramen

Crispy fried shallots add a delicious, savory crunch that elevates any ramen, especially with the creamy, spicy broth of tantanmen. 

Not only do they provide a pleasant texture, but their umami flavor enhances the soup’s richness, making each bite more satisfying. 

The aroma and crispiness make them an ideal topping, balancing out the soup’s creaminess while adding depth to the overall flavor.

Tips for Perfect, Crispy Fried Shallots

Want to Try Crispy Fried Onions?

Keeping fried shallots crispy can be tricky, so here are some helpful tips:

1. Fry in Hot Oil – Make sure the oil is hot before adding the shallots to prevent them from absorbing too much oil.

2. Slice Evenly – Thin, even slices ensure that the shallots cook and crisp up evenly.

3. Drain Well – Let the fried shallots drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

4. Store in an Airtight Container – Once cooled, store them in an airtight container to keep them crispy.

If you’re looking for a convenient option, try Nion-Nion’s crispy fried shallots. They’re specially prepared to stay crispy longer, making them the perfect addition to your tantanmen or any other dish you love.

Want to Try Crispy Fried Onions?

Ready to enjoy the ultimate bowl of tantanmen with the perfect crunch? Make your ramen even better with Nion-Nion’s crispy fried shallots—a convenient, flavorful topping that adds just the right touch to any meal. 

Contact our admin via WhatsApp now to learn more about our long-lasting, crispy fried shallots from Nion-Nion!

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