Simplified Shirakawa-Style Ramen

Instructions

1. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add the chicken broth and soy sauce to create the soy sauce-based broth. Simmer for 3 minutes.
3. For extra umami, add a small amount of fish sauce to enhance the broth.
4. In a skillet, cook bacon slices until crispy. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess fat.
5. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the spinach for 30 seconds. Remove and set aside.
6. In the same pot, cook the ramen noodles according to package directions, then drain well.
7. Slice the imitation crab sticks or surimi (fish cake substitute) into thin rounds.
8. Place cooked noodles in a bowl and ladle the hot broth over them.
9. Arrange the toppings around the bowl: crispy bacon slices (as a substitute for traditional roast pork), sliced imitation crab sticks, blanched spinach, drained canned bamboo shoots, and torn nori seaweed sheets.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions.
11. Serve immediately while hot.