Crockpot Caramelized Pork Ramen Noodle Soup with Curry Roasted Acorn Squash
The Ramen noodles soak up a lot of the broth if not eaten immediately when the noodles are done cooking. You can prepare this ahead of time, just make sure to add the noodles right before you are ready to eat.
The Ramen noodles soak up a lot of the broth if not eaten immediately when the noodles are done cooking. You can prepare this ahead of time, just make sure to add the noodles right before you are ready to eat.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- pepper (to taste)
- 2-3 pounds pork shoulder roast (or butt)
- 1/4 cup + 2-4 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional)
- 2 tablespoons thai red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
- the juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon chinese five spice
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon curry powder (i use spicy curry)
- 1 tablespoon white miso paste
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth (plus more of needed)
- 1/4-1/2 cup + 2-4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauc
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek (chili paste or to taste)
- 2 cups wild mushrooms (left whole - or button mushrooms,
- 4 packs ramen noodles (seasoning packets discarded)
- 4 soft boiled or fried eggs (for serving)
- chopped carrots (sliced jalapenos cilantro + green onions, for serving)
- 1 medium acorn squash (seeded + diced)
- Carbohydrate 9.03539087915934 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 7.09830027314712 g
- Fiber 0.556924272726407 g
- Protein 0.544323959198899 g
- Saturated Fat 1.03861824838874 g
- Serving Size 1 1 4 bowls of soup with extra pork (20g)
- Sodium 133.741552932876 mg
- Sugar 8.47846660643294 g
- Trans Fat 0.359661560957411 g
- Calories 98 calories
Step-by-step
- Add the pork to the bowl of a crockpot.
- Pour the chicken broth, 1/4-1/2 cup soy sauce (depending on your taste), 1/4 cup rice vinegar and fish sauce over the pork.
- Add the thai red curry paste, ginger, sambal oelek, juice of 1 lime, Chinese five spice powder, black pepper and 1 tablespoon brown sugar.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours (I recommend going low and slow).
- About 40 minutes before you are ready to eat, roast the squash. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a small bowl mix together the melted coconut oil, curry powder, miso, brown sugar and a good pinch of pepper.
- Add the cubed squash to a greased baking sheet and pour the curry mixture over the squash. Toss well.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, tossing a couple of times during cooking. You want the squash to be lightly browned and crisp.
- Meanwhile, remove the pork from the crockpot and add the mushrooms.
- Cover the crockpot and crank the heat up to high.
- Lightly shred the pork with two forks or your hands.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sesame oil. Once hot, add enough pork to cover just the surface of your skillet, do not over crowd the skillet.
- Sprinkle a little brown sugar over the pork, add 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, toss.
- Allow the pork to caramelize, about 2 minutes. Stir and allow the pork to continue to caramelize, about 3-5 minutes total.
- Remove the pork from the skillet, repeat with the remaining pork. Keep the pork warm.
- Add the Ramen noodles to the crockpot and allow them to cook 5 minutes.
- Once the noodles are cooked, stir in only half of the pork.
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Top with extra caramelized pork, curry roasted acorn squash and an egg.
- Season the egg with salt and pepper.
- Add the carrots, jalapeños, green onions and cilantro if desired.
A Busy Mom's Guide to Comfort Food: Crockpot Caramelized Pork Ramen
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school drop-offs, endless meetings, grocery shopping, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, finding time for a home-cooked meal feels like a luxury. But let's be honest, we all crave those warm, comforting meals that remind us of simpler times, of family gatherings, and of the simple joy of sitting down to a delicious dinner. This Crockpot Caramelized Pork Ramen Noodle Soup with Curry Roasted Acorn Squash is my go-to recipe for those nights when I need something both satisfying and easy.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours while I attend to other responsibilities. This is more than just a meal; it's a testament to efficiency and deliciousness. You can easily prep the ingredients in the morning, pop everything into the crockpot, and return home to a fragrant and ready-to-eat meal. The entire process takes minimal effort, yet the outcome is truly extraordinary. This recipe is not just about feeding the family; it’s about reclaiming precious time and savoring a truly delicious and comforting meal without the stress.
The caramelized pork is the star of the show. The slow cooking in the crockpot renders the pork incredibly tender, almost falling apart, and the quick sear in the skillet adds a delightful caramelized crust that elevates the dish to a whole new level. The curry roasted acorn squash provides a beautiful contrast in texture and flavor, adding a touch of sweetness and warmth to the savory broth. And the ramen noodles? Perfectly cooked and soaked in all the deliciousness, they're the perfect vehicle for transporting all those wonderful flavors to your mouth. The best part is that you can customize the recipe to your preference. Love spice? Add more sambal oelek! Prefer a milder flavor? Adjust the amount of curry paste. Don't have acorn squash? Substitute another winter squash or even some sweet potatoes.
This recipe is a testament to the power of planning and a little bit of kitchen magic. It’s a reminder that even the busiest of moms can find time to create something delicious and nourishing for themselves and their families, creating a comforting haven in the midst of a chaotic schedule. The aroma that fills the house as the pork simmers is a promise of a delicious dinner, a quiet moment of respite, and a reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, there's always time for a little bit of culinary creativity and heartfelt connection.
Beyond the practicality and deliciousness, this dish offers a sense of accomplishment. It's a delicious reward for navigating the daily grind. Knowing that I've created a healthy and flavorful meal from scratch, without sacrificing precious time or energy, is deeply satisfying. It’s a moment of self-care woven into the fabric of my busy day. It's a comforting hug in a bowl, a delicious reminder that even amidst chaos, there’s always room for a little bit of culinary joy and the warmth of a family meal.
This recipe isn't just a meal; it's a story of mindful cooking, efficient planning, and the joy of creating something delicious and nurturing. It’s an ode to simplicity, a celebration of flavor, and a reminder that even the most hectic schedules can accommodate a little bit of self-care and culinary creativity. So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your day, remember this recipe. It's a comforting reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, there’s always time for a little bit of culinary magic and the simple joy of a delicious, home-cooked meal.
More than just a recipe, this is a moment of peace in a busy life. Enjoy!
