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Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated by Nagasaki. It's a city that hums with history, where cultures mingle and the food tells stories. I remeber the time, my family took a trip there and we got to sample several local delicacies. The absolute standout dish, without a shadow of a doubt, was Champon. The memory of that first bowl— the way the broth warmed me from the inside out, the freshness of the seafood, and the satisfying slurp of the noodles—has stuck with me ever since. This recipe? It's my attempt to capture that essence, that Nagasaki magic, in a bowl.
Nagasaki Champon isn't just another noodle soup. It's a hearty, soul-satisfying dish that originated in the city's Chinatown. What sets it apart is its unique cooking method: the noodles, vegetables, and seafood are all stir-fried together before being simmered in a flavorful pork and chicken-based broth. This technique infuses every ingredient with a delightful smoky char and creates a harmonious blend of flavors. A lot of people think that making asian soup is going to be daunting, but I want to show you that it is not
This recipe aims to honor the spirit of the original Champon while making it accessible to home cooks. I've simplified some of the steps without compromising on the authentic flavors. The key is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to take your time with the broth. It's a labor of love, sure, but trust me, the first spoonful will make it all worthwhile. My wifes friend told me that they had tried to make this before, but gave up. Stick with it!
Required Equipments
Large Pot
Wok or Large Skillet
Cutting Board
Sharp Knife
Serving Bowls
Chopsticks
Nagasaki Nostalgia Bowl: A Taste of Japan's Coastal Charm: Frequently Asked Questions
Nagasaki Nostalgia Bowl: A Taste of Japan's Coastal Charm
Journey to Japan with the Nagasaki Nostalgia Bowl! This Champon-inspired noodle soup is brimming with fresh seafood, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that will transport your taste buds.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:2 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
**Prepare the Broth:** In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, pork broth, ginger slices, and garlic cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become. Remove the ginger and garlic before proceeding.
**Prepare the Seafood and Vegetables:** While the broth simmers, prepare the seafood and vegetables. Slice the squid into rings, devein the shrimp, and cut the pork into thin slices. Julienne the carrots, slice the cabbage, and cut the kamaboko into thin pieces.
**Cook the Noodles:** Cook the Champon noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Make sure they are still slightly chewy to give the dish some character.
**Stir-Fry the Ingredients:** In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork slices and stir-fry until lightly browned. Add the shrimp and squid and cook until they turn pink and opaque. Next, add the carrots, cabbage, and kamaboko. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
**Combine Everything:** Pour the simmering broth into the wok with the stir-fried ingredients. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
**Assemble the Bowl:** Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the broth and seafood-vegetable mixture over the noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.
**Serve Immediately:** Serve the Nagasaki Nostalgia Bowl hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of Japan's coastal charm. Consider pairing it with a side of gyoza or a small salad for a complete meal.
📝 Notes
For a richer broth, use homemade chicken and pork broth.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bean sprouts, mushrooms, or snow peas.
If you can't find Champon noodles, use ramen or udon noodles instead.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference.