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1
Season the pork with salt.
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2
This step and the next are optional: Put a flameproof slow cooker insert on the stovetop over medium-high heat, then add the oil and warm until hot.
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3
(Or, use a frying pan for this step).
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4
Working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding, add the pork pieces and sear them on the first side without moving them until well browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
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5
Turn the pieces and sear on the second side until well browned, 3 to 4 minutes longer.
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6
Transfer to a plate and set aside.
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7
Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat from the insert and return the insert to medium-high heat.
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8
Add the yellow onion and sear, without stirring, until browned, about 5 minutes.
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9
Stir in the garlic, ginger, and 1 cup of the broth and deglaze the insert, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the insert bottom, then let simmer for 1 minute.
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10
If you have included the browning step, transfer the insert to the slow cooker, add the leek, mushrooms, and the remaining 7 cups of broth, and stir to combine.
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11
If you are starting here, combine the pork, yellow onion, garlic, ginger, leek, mushrooms, and broth in the slow cooker.
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12
Cover and cook on the low-heat setting for 8 hours.
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13
The pork should be very tender and the broth should be fragrant.
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14
Transfer the pork to a cutting board.
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15
Using 2 forks, break the pork into bite-size chunks, removing and discarding any large pieces of fat.
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16
Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl and discard the solids.
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17
Using a large spoon, skim off and discard any fat from the surface of the broth.
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18
Return the pork and broth to the slow cooker and season to taste with soy sauce and sesame and/or chile oil.
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19
Cover and cook on the low-heat setting for about 30 minutes to warm through.
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20
Cook the ramen noodles according to the package directions.
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21
If you want to top each bowl of ramen with an egg, put the eggs into boiling water and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes.
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22
Remove the eggs from the water, let cool until they can be handled, and peel them.
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23
Divide the noodles evenly among individual bowls.
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24
Ladle the broth and pork over the noodles, dividing them evenly, then sprinkle with the green onions.
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25
If desired, top each bowl with a halved soft-boiled egg and serve right away.
