Chili Crisp Mazemen: A Flavorful, Savory Journey of Umami and Spice

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If you’re looking for a comforting, mouthwatering bowl of noodles that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than Chili Crisp Mazemen. This vibrant Japanese-inspired dish combines the savory richness of ground pork with the aromatic heat of chili crisp, creating a deliciously satisfying noodle experience. Perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors with a touch of heat, this dish is a perfect balance of tender noodles, crisp toppings, and a luscious egg yolk that brings everything together.

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Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or impressing guests with a unique and flavorful dish, Chili Crisp Mazemen is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. The combination of fresh udon noodles, crispy seaweed, spicy chili crisp, and tender ground pork is truly irresistible. And with the added richness from egg yolk and the umami depth from oyster sauce, each bite is an explosion of texture and flavor.

This easy-to-make, yet incredibly delicious recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep time and another 15 minutes of cooking, making it perfect for those who crave a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 cup finely chopped Chinese chives (about 1 3/4 ounces)
• 5 medium scallions
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 (10-gram) package roasted seaweed snacks (about 20 sheets)
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as vegetable oil)
• 2 tablespoons chili crisp (plus more for serving)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 18 to 24 ounces fresh or frozen udon (such as Sanukiya)
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 to 3 large egg yolks

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine 1 pound ground pork, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon mirin. Using clean hands or a spatula, mix everything together until well combined. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prep the Toppings

While the pork mixture is marinating, take the time to prepare the remaining ingredients:

• Finely chop 1 3/4 ounces of Chinese chives until you have about 2/3 cup.
• Finely chop 5 medium scallions (this should yield about 1 cup).
• Mince 2 cloves garlic for an extra punch of flavor.
• Using kitchen shears, cut the 10-gram package of roasted seaweed snacks into thin strips. This adds both texture and a unique umami flavor to the dish.

Step 3: Cook the Pork

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the udon noodles. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Add the pork mixture, along with 2 tablespoons of chili crisp and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce.

Cook, breaking up the pork into small crumbles, until the pork is no longer pink, about 4-5 minutes. The chili crisp and oyster sauce will create a rich, flavorful base for the dish. Add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the mixture appears saucy but not watery. Keep the heat on low to keep the pork warm.

Step 4: Cook the Udon

While the pork mixture is simmering, add 18 to 24 ounces of udon noodles (fresh or frozen) to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles well and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Divide the cooked udon noodles between 2-3 bowls. Drizzle 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil over the noodles, tossing them gently with chopsticks to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the rich sesame flavor.

Top each bowl with the savory pork mixture, spreading it evenly over the noodles. Then, artfully arrange the chopped chives, scallions, seaweed strips, and minced garlic on top, creating a visually appealing and fragrant presentation.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

For the final touch, carefully place 1 large egg yolk in the center of each bowl. The egg yolk adds a luscious, creamy element that enhances the overall dish, making it rich and indulgent.

To serve, break the egg yolk and gently mix it into the noodles, pork, and toppings with your chopsticks. This allows the egg yolk to bind everything together, creating a silky texture that perfectly complements the savory flavors. For an extra kick, drizzle additional chili crisp on top for a bit of added spice.

Tips for Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Meat Alternatives: If you prefer a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute the ground pork with ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Chili Crisp: If you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to reduce the amount of chili crisp used in the recipe. You can also try adding a bit of soy sauce or sesame oil to balance out the heat and add flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Udon Substitutes: If you can’t find udon noodles, feel free to use any type of noodle you prefer, such as soba or ramen. Fresh or frozen varieties will both work well.
• Seaweed: While roasted seaweed snacks are a great way to add umami flavor, you can also use nori sheets or even kelp flakes for a similar effect.

Serving Suggestions

Chili Crisp Mazemen is a wonderfully versatile dish. It can be served on its own for a hearty meal, or paired with a light salad, such as a refreshing cucumber salad with a tangy sesame dressing, to balance out the richness of the noodles. Additionally, some pickled vegetables or a side of kimchi would add an extra layer of texture and flavor to your meal.

If you’re looking for a beverage pairing, try serving the dish with a cold glass of green tea or a crisp beer to cut through the spiciness and richness of the dish.

Final Thoughts

Chili Crisp Mazemen is a wonderfully satisfying noodle dish that offers a perfect blend of heat, savory depth, and delightful textures. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend treat, this recipe delivers in both taste and ease of preparation. With its perfect balance of flavors and the luscious creaminess of the egg yolk, this dish is sure to impress anyone at the table.