Umami-Infused Ramen Recipe with Chicken Meatballs

In this deeply savory ramen recipe, we'll create a rich and flavorful broth with an umami -bomb twist by using konbu and dried shiitakes. Paired with fresh ramen noodles from H & L Market in North Charleston, this dish is elevated to perfection. But the umami experience doesn't stop there; we'll also show you how to craft succulent chicken meatballs from the chicken used in the broth.

Ramen Broth Ingredients:

1. 1 piece of konbu (dried kelp)

2. 6 cups of water

3. 4-5 dried shiitake mushrooms

4. 1 whole chicken

5. Pork neck bones

6. 2 green onions

7. 1 onion

8. 1 carrot

9. 2 tablespoons of miso

10. 2 tablespoons of soy sauce

11. Salt, to taste

12. 2 tablespoons of mirin

13. Fresh ramen noodles from H & L Market in North Charleston

1. In a large pot, combine the konbu and water. Allow it to soak for 30 minutes.

2. Add the dried shiitake mushrooms and turn on the heat. Simmer gently, but do not let it boil. Remove the konbu when the water begins to heat up.

3. Meanwhile, roast the whole chicken and pork neck bones in the oven until they turn golden brown.

4. Add the roasted chicken, pork bones, onion, carrot, and green onions to the pot with the konbu and shiitakes.

5. Simmer the mixture for 4-5 hours, occasionally skimming off any impurities.

6. Once your broth is well developed and flavorful, strain it, and return it to the pot.

7. Stir in miso, soy sauce, salt, and mirin. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

   Chicken Meatball Recipe:

   1. Once the chicken has cooled, pick the meat from the bones and discard the bones and skin.

   2. In a blender, combine the chicken meat, one egg, a handful of panko breadcrumbs, a splash of soy sauce, and some chopped green onions.

   3. Pulse briefly until the mixture comes together. Do not overmix.

   4. Roll the chicken mixture into balls and place them on a greased sheet tray.

   5. Bake in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes.

   6. While your meatballs are cooking, bring the strained ramen broth back to a simmer.

   7. Add the chicken meatballs and fresh ramen noodles from H & L Market.

   8. Cook until the noodles are al dente, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

   9. Ladle the ramen into bowls, ensuring each bowl has a mix of noodles, broth, and a generous helping of chicken meatballs.

   10. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and any other desired toppings.

Pro Tip: Reduce any leftover ramen broth until it can fit into a ziplock freezer bag. Let it cool before freezing. Properly stored, it will last for a few months.

This umami-infused ramen recipe with chicken meatballs is a perfect fusion of flavors, making it an ideal dish for any time of the year. Charleston Chef Service offers top-notch culinary experiences that you won't want to miss – we've got the best recipes to satisfy your cravings!

Chef Jake White with charleston’s best private chef service - Charleston chef service delivers a piping hot umami-bomb ramen soup recipe inspired by his wife & the unusually cold weather we’re having. Enjoy this delish broth that can be enjoyed in any season.

Award Winning Smoked Pork Chili

Award Winning Smoked Pork Chili

This Chili recipe is so easy & delicious you’ll never make another chili recipe again. The secret is not getting too crazy with this one. When I think of Chili, I go back to my childhood eating grilled hot dogs and chili loaded with cheese & sour cream on those brisk football sundays. I wanted to create a recipe that revamped the classic Chili I remember eating growing up. Award-Winning Chili recipe coming at ya! 

Smoked Pork: I’m going to save my lecture on the art of smoked barbeque for a rainy day, but if you plan on taking on this portion of the recipe from scratch, here are a few pointers: (don’t be afraid to outsource the smoked pork unless you’re extra like me.) 

• Low & Slow is the way to go

• For a pork butt, I try to maintain my smoker between 200°f-225°f

• Let your pork butt rest OUT of the fridge for a few hours before you plan on smoking. You don’t want to put a cold piece of meat on your smoker. (it’ll help with a more even cook)

• Don’t go crazy with your dry rub! Salt, pepper, and paprika is the way to go! 

• Lather your meat in a mixture of yellow mustard and hot sauce before applying your dry rub. The wet rub acts as a tenderizer and gives your spice blend something to stick to

• When your temperature probe penetrates the meat and feels like a bag of butter, you’ve officially smoked a butt!

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 lbs smoked pork butt

• 1 Tbsp chili powder

• 4 Tbsp Cumin

• 3 Tbsp Brown Sugar

• 2 Tbsp garlic powder

• 3 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 3 cups beef broth

• ½ can tomato paste

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 2 can kidney beans

• 1 can tomato sauce

• 3 bulbs garlic, minced

Directions:

1. In a large pot, heat your oil. 

2. When oil begins to sizzle, add your onions and stir until translucent.

3. Add chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, garlic, and tomato paste. Stir to combine. 

4. Once fragrant, add your beef broth, diced tomato, beans,  and tomato sauce. 

5. Bring everything to a simmer

6. Once simmering, add your shredded smoked pork and stir to combine. 

7. Leave on low heat for several hours or until desired flavor and consistency has been reached. 

Pro Tip: Start this recipe 1-3 days before you plan on actually eating it. The longer you let the Chili simmer, the more the flavors will meld and develop. 

You can adjust the “intensity” of the chili by adding some water or simmering until the chili has reduced to desired flavor.