Imagine a dish that combines fall-off-the-bone tender pork, silky ramen noodles, and caramelized curry-roasted squash in one incredible bowl of pure culinary magic! This Crockpot Crispy Caramelized Pork Ramen Noodle Soup isn't just a meal – it's a flavor adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience. With minimal prep time and a slow cooker doing most of the work, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 packs ramen noodles
- 1 acorn squash, halved and seeded
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the pork shoulder by trimming excess fat and seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Place the pork shoulder in the crockpot.
- Pour chicken broth over the pork shoulder, ensuring the meat is mostly submerged. Cover and set the crockpot to low heat, cooking for 6 hours until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
- Approximately 1 hour before the pork is done, preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Cut the acorn squash in half, remove seeds, and brush the interior with olive oil.
- Sprinkle curry powder, salt, and pepper over the squash halves. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until edges are caramelized and squash is tender.
- Once pork is cooked, remove from crockpot and shred using two forks. Strain and reserve the cooking liquid.
- Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions, using the reserved cooking liquid for added flavor.
- Slice roasted acorn squash into cubes. Divide noodles into serving bowls, top with shredded pork and squash cubes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot. Optional: drizzle with additional broth if desired.
Tips
- Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder for maximum tenderness and flavor
- Don't rush the slow cooking process – low and slow is the key to melt-in-your-mouth pork
- For extra depth, toast your curry powder briefly in a dry pan before seasoning the squash
- Use fresh green onions as a garnish to add a bright, crisp contrast to the rich dish
- If possible, use high-quality chicken broth or even make your own for enhanced flavor
- Let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes after shredding to absorb more of the cooking liquid
- For a spicier version, add a dash of sriracha or chili oil before serving
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
