If you are craving an explosion of bold, nutty flavors with a fiery kick, the Soupless Spicy Tan Tan Ramen (Shirunashi Tantanmen) Recipe is the perfect way to satisfy that itch. This vibrant dish brings together rich ground pork infused with miso and chili bean paste, toasted sesame and soy milk for creamy texture, and a lively mix of chili oil and spices that coat each strand of ramen noodles in a seriously addictive sauce. It’s a fantastic spin on the classic Tan Tan style, without the soup, letting every ingredient shine with intensity and character. Whether you’re a ramen veteran or a curious foodie, this recipe is a must-try that delivers comfort and excitement in every bite.

A round black bowl with a base layer of pale yellow noodles arranged loosely, topped with a generous layer of browned minced meat mixed with sauce. On one side of the bowl, two halves of a soft-boiled egg are placed, showing bright orange yolks and white edges. A small bunch of green sprouts sits on top of the meat in the center. The bowl is set on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Soupless Spicy Tan Tan Ramen lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role, adding layers of flavor, texture, or color that turn a humble bowl of noodles into a memorable meal. From the creamy ground sesame seeds to the crunch of cashews, every element harmonizes beautifully.

Japanese soy sauce (koikuchi shoyu): Adds a deep, savory umami base that balances the spice perfectly.
Chinese-style chicken bouillon powder: Boosts richness with subtle chicken flavor, enhancing the overall depth.
Chili oil (rayu): Brings the essential spiciness that gives the dish its lively kick.
Toasted sesame oil: Offers a fragrant nuttiness that elevates every bite.
Unsweetened soy milk: Adds subtle creaminess without overpowering the flavors.
Ground sesame seeds: The secret to that characteristic Tan Tan nutty texture and taste.
Cashew nuts: Crushed to provide texture contrast and a naturally buttery crunch.
Cooking oil: Essential for stir-frying aromatics and pork until perfectly tender.
Onion, ginger root, garlic: The aromatic trifecta that forms a deeply flavorful base.
Ground pork: The hearty protein that absorbs all the spices and sauces beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance overall flavor balance.
Yellow miso paste (awase): Adds umami-rich complexity and a gentle sweetness.
Chili bean sauce (toban djan): Puts in that signature Sichuan heat and savoriness.
Sake: Brightens flavors and tenderizes the pork mixture.
Sugar: Balances out the spice and miso with a touch of sweetness.
Ramen noodles: The chewy, satisfying base that soaks up all the saucy goodness.
Soft-boiled eggs, chili oil, broccoli sprouts: Perfect garnishes that add richness, spice, and freshness.

How to Make Soupless Spicy Tan Tan Ramen (Shirunashi Tantanmen) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base

Start by mixing the foundational seasoning directly in your serving bowls. Combine soy sauce, chicken bouillon powder, chili oil, toasted sesame oil, unsweetened soy milk, and ground sesame seeds. Stir these together until a smooth, rich sauce forms. Mixing the base right in the bowl ensures every noodle strand gets evenly coated later, sealing in the authentic Shirunashi Tantanmen experience.

Step 2: Crush the Cashew Nuts

For delightful texture, roughly crush your cashew nuts. Using a mortar and pestle is ideal, but a simple ziplock bag and rolling pin work just as well. These crunchy morsels add a buttery contrast to the creamy sauce and tender pork, making every bite more exciting.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat your cooking oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat, then toss in diced onion, ginger, and garlic. Stir constantly to prevent burning, cooking until their fragrant aromas fill your kitchen—about 2-3 minutes. This step releases intense flavors that form the delicious backbone of the pork sauce.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Pork

Add the ground pork to the aromatics, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until it’s nicely browned and starting to crisp up in places. This caramelization adds depth to the meat and intensifies the savory notes essential for the spicy pork topping.

Step 5: Build the Spicy Pork Sauce

Now incorporate yellow miso paste, chili bean sauce, sake, sugar, and the crushed cashews into the browned pork mixture. Stir well and cook until the sauce is heated through and every bit of pork is evenly coated. This flavorful, spicy, and nutty pork topping is the heart of the Soupless Spicy Tan Tan Ramen (Shirunashi Tantanmen) Recipe that will keep you coming back for more.

Step 6: Cook the Ramen Noodles

Boil ramen noodles following the package instructions until just tender but still springy. Drain them well—this keeps them from becoming soggy when combined with the rich sauce later.

Step 7: Assemble the Bowl

Divide the hot noodles between the prepared flavor base bowls. Spoon the seasoned spicy pork generously over the noodles, ensuring that you get a good mix of meat and sauce in every portion.

Step 8: Add Your Favorite Toppings

Enhance your bowl by topping it with soft-boiled eggs, a drizzle of extra chili oil for heat, and fresh broccoli sprouts for a peppery crunch. These garnishes bring color, texture, and additional layers of flavor, making your meal truly special.

Step 9: Mix and Enjoy!

Before diving in, give everything a thorough mix so that all the noodles are luxuriously coated with that spicy pork sauce. Now savor each bite of this sensational soupless ramen creation!

How to Serve Soupless Spicy Tan Tan Ramen (Shirunashi Tantanmen) Recipe

Garnishes

Soft-boiled eggs, chili oil, and broccoli sprouts are more than just decoration—they introduce rich creaminess, additional heat, and fresh crispness. Experiment with toasted nori, scallions, or pickled vegetables to customize it further. Garnishes are your personal signature on this already incredible dish.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Soupless Spicy Tan Tan Ramen with simple sides like steamed edamame, a crisp cucumber salad, or dumplings balances the meal, offering refreshing or textural contrasts. These sides complement the dish’s bold, spicy flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

For a striking presentation, serve the noodles and pork sauce in colorful ramen bowls, adding neatly arranged toppings to create a beautiful, inviting appearance. You can even layer ingredients in transparent glass bowls for a visually appealing effect that shows off every vibrant layer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the spicy pork topping and noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain texture and flavor. This keeps the noodles from becoming mushy and the pork sauce fresh-tasting.

Freezing

The pork mixture freezes well, but the noodles do not fare so well after thawing. For best results, freeze the pork sauce in portions and prepare fresh noodles when ready to eat for optimal texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat the pork sauce gently in a pan over low heat to avoid drying out, and boil fresh ramen noodles separately. Combine and top with fresh garnishes to preserve that delightful authentic experience of the Soupless Spicy Tan Tan Ramen (Shirunashi Tantanmen) Recipe.

FAQs

What makes Shirunashi Tantanmen different from regular Tan Tan ramen?

Shirunashi Tantanmen is a soupless or “dry” version of traditional Tan Tan ramen, focusing on a thick, spicy sauce rather than broth. This makes the flavors more concentrated and the texture of the noodles more prominent in the dish.

Can I substitute ground pork with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even finely chopped mushrooms can be used to keep it lighter or cater to dietary needs, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of chili oil and chili bean sauce, making it perfect for those who like it mild or fiery hot.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

By replacing ground pork with a plant-based protein and using vegetable bouillon instead of chicken powder, plus ensuring miso and chili bean paste are vegan-friendly, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of this dish.

What type of noodles work best for this recipe?

Fresh or packaged ramen noodles are best due to their chewiness and ability to soak up the sauce. If unavailable, other wheat-based noodles like udon can be used, but the texture will differ.

Final Thoughts

This Soupless Spicy Tan Tan Ramen (Shirunashi Tantanmen) Recipe is such a joy to make and devour, bringing out the soul of Sichuan-inspired flavors without needing a broth to shine. Its combination of nutty, spicy, and savory notes really makes it stand out from typical noodle dishes. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how delightfully satisfying and fun homemade ramen can be. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become a favorite go-to meal you want to recreate time and time again.

Soupless Spicy Tan Tan Ramen (Shirunashi Tantanmen) Recipe