Afternoon Ramen Food

RACLETTE RAMEN

Steps:

• For the tonkotsu stock: Place the onions, garlic and ginger in a large, heavy-bottomed stockpot. Turn the heat to high and begin to sear until the edges are nice and charred, 4 to 5 minutes. Toss in the pigs' feet, chicken feet and char siu ends and fill with water. Bring to a rolling boil, then cover. Let boil for 6 hours, checking the water level periodically and adding more if needed. (Having a rolling boil is important, as it will emulsify the fats and gelatin, resulting in a creamier broth.)
• Strain the stock. Whisk in the cream cheese, mushroom salt, soy sauce, sesame oil and white pepper.
• For the char siu: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• On a cutting board, place the pork belly skin-side down and rub the garlic, ginger and sugar evenly on the surface. Roll the pork belly into a spiral shape, then truss the belly like you would porchetta.
• In a braising pan, pour the soy sauce, mirin and 4 cups water. Add the pork belly, then cover and bake for 2 hours. Flip the belly, then re-cover and continue to bake for another 2 hours. Transfer the char siu to a baking sheet and let cool completely in the fridge. (Char siu needs to be chilled to slice; otherwise it will fall apart.) Slice.
• To serve: Boil the ramen noodles for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Place the noodles in bowls and garnish with green onions, char siu, corn, pickled radish, kimchi, soft-boiled egg (be creative; the sky is the limit). Ladle in the broth and top each with a slice of raclette cheese. If you have a kitchen torch, broil the cheese until nice and toasty.