Onomichi Dango Masayoshi Ramen Original – Full Guide

Introduction

Onomichi is a picturesque city located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, renowned not only for its historical landmarks but also for its incredible food scene. Among the many dishes that represent this area, Onomichi Dango Masayoshi Ramen Original stands out as a unique and flavorful variation of traditional ramen. Known for its rich broth, unique dumplings, and combination of ingredients, this dish has become a must-try for both locals and tourists alike. In this article, we will delve into the history, ingredients, preparation methods, and more, all centered around the amazing Onomichi Dango Masayoshi Ramen Original.

The Origins of Onomichi Dango Masayoshi Ramen

The Birth of Onomichi Ramen

The origin of Onomichi ramen traces back to the city of Onomichi, where it became a signature dish. Onomichi ramen is known for its soy sauce-based broth, which gives it a savory, umami-packed flavor. Unlike many other ramen types across Japan, this ramen often incorporates a thicker broth, thanks to a generous use of pork fat. The dish uses flat wheat noodles, which absorb the flavors of the broth, making each bite satisfying. Over time, Onomichi ramen became a beloved dish, and its presence spread across Japan.

Onomichi Dango Masayoshi Ramen – A Twist on Tradition

The introduction of dango—Japanese rice dumplings—into Onomichi ramen is the innovation that created Dango Masayoshi Ramen. Dango is typically served as a sweet treat on skewers, but Masayoshi, a local ramen chef, decided to add a savory version of these dumplings to ramen. The dumplings are made with a combination of glutinous rice flour and water, which gives them a chewy and soft texture. They act as a delightful contrast to the ramen’s rich broth and noodles, adding a unique element to the dish.

This innovation was so well-received that Onomichi Dango Masayoshi Ramen Original became a popular dish not just in Onomichi but throughout Japan.

The Ingredients Behind Onomichi Dango Masayoshi Ramen

Broth Components

A major feature of Onomichi Dango Masayoshi Ramen is its broth. The broth is what sets it apart from other ramen variations. It combines soy sauce, pork fat, chicken stock, and dried sardines, creating a complex and deep flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at each component:

• Soy Sauce: The primary base of the broth. Soy sauce is rich in umami, and its depth provides the foundation for the ramen’s flavor.
• Pork Fat: The addition of pork fat gives the broth a rich, velvety texture and intensifies the savory taste.
• Chicken Stock: Adds a lighter layer of flavor to balance out the richness of the pork fat, ensuring the broth isn’t too heavy.
• Dried Sardines: A common ingredient in Japanese broths, dried sardines bring a subtle seafood flavor and additional umami to the mix.

Noodles

The noodles used in Onomichi Dango Masayoshi Ramen are typically flat wheat noodles. These noodles have a chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the thick and rich broth. Their surface area allows them to absorb the broth’s flavor, making each bite more satisfying.

• Flat Wheat Noodles: These noodles are thick and flat, providing a hearty and filling base for the ramen. They are often cooked to a slightly firmer texture than the typical curly noodles found in other ramen styles, adding a nice bite to each mouthful.

Toppings

Onomichi Dango Masayoshi Ramen features a variety of toppings, each chosen to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish:

• Dango (Rice Dumplings): The standout feature of this ramen, dango adds a chewy texture and subtle sweetness to balance the rich, savory broth. They are soft, round dumplings made from glutinous rice flour, offering a delightful contrast to the other ingredients.
• Chashu (Braised Pork): Tender and flavorful, chashu is a type of braised pork that is often sliced thin and added to ramen. The pork is marinated for hours in soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions add a fresh, peppery flavor and act as a garnish to lighten the dish’s richness.
• Menma (Bamboo Shoots): Menma are pickled bamboo shoots, offering a crunchy texture and a slightly tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients in the ramen.

Additional Ingredients

Though the above ingredients form the core components of Onomichi Dango Masayoshi Ramen, some variations may include additional toppings such as:

• Boiled Eggs: Soft-boiled eggs with a runny yolk are sometimes added to enhance the dish’s richness.
• Nori (Seaweed): For a touch of oceanic flavor, nori sheets may be included as a garnish.
• Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add an extra layer of flavor and texture.

How to Prepare Onomichi Dango Masayoshi Ramen

Making Onomichi Dango Masayoshi Ramen at home is simple with the right ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the dish:

Ingredients:

• Soy Sauce – 2 cups
• Pork Fat – 1/2 cup
• Chicken Stock – 4 cups
• Dried Sardines – 3-4
• Flat Wheat Noodles – 200g
• Chashu Pork – 4 slices
• Dango Dumplings – 10-12 pieces
• Green Onions – 1 stalk, chopped
• Menma – 1/4 cup

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

1. In a large pot, heat the pork fat on medium heat until it melts and begins to bubble.
2. Add the soy sauce, chicken stock, and dried sardines to the pot. Stir the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Let the broth cook for about 45 minutes to an hour, allowing the flavors to develop fully.
4. After simmering, strain out the sardines and any solid bits, leaving only the clear broth. Set the broth aside.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Add the flat wheat noodles to the water and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are firm but tender.
3. Drain the noodles and rinse them briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.

Step 3: Cook the Dango Dumplings

1. Prepare the dango by boiling them in water for 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface and become soft and chewy.
2. Drain the dango and set them aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Ramen

1. Place the cooked noodles in a bowl.
2. Pour the hot broth over the noodles, ensuring they are submerged.
3. Add the dango dumplings, chashu pork slices, green onions, and menma as toppings.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Onomichi Dango Masayoshi Ramen!

Where to Find Onomichi Dango Masayoshi Ramen

Famous Restaurants in Onomichi

If you’re looking to try Onomichi Dango Masayoshi Ramen in its authentic setting, here are a few places in Onomichi and surrounding areas where you can enjoy this unique dish:

Finding Ingredients for Home Preparation

If you prefer to make Onomichi Dango Masayoshi Ramen at home, you can find the necessary ingredients at many Asian grocery stores. For example, flat wheat noodles and soy sauce are staples in most Asian markets. Dango dumplings might be available in frozen sections or specialty stores that carry Japanese ingredients.

The Health Benefits of Onomichi Dango Masayoshi Ramen

While ramen is often considered a comfort food, it also offers some health benefits when enjoyed in moderation:

• Protein-rich: The chashu pork and dango provide essential proteins to keep you energized.
• Contains Fiber: Menma (bamboo shoots) adds fiber, helping digestion and promoting gut health.
• Balanced Nutrients: The combination of noodles, pork fat, and stock creates a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

However, due to the richness of the broth and the pork fat, this ramen should be enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily meal.

Conclusion

Onomichi Dango Masayoshi Ramen Original offers a one-of-a-kind experience with its rich broth, chewy noodles, and unique dango dumplings. Whether you visit Onomichi to enjoy it at one of its famous ramen shops or decide to prepare it at home, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds. Its blend of savory and slightly sweet elements creates a harmonious flavor profile that stands out from traditional ramen. So, don’t miss out on this culinary gem of Japan—explore the flavors of Onomichi today!