Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles Recipe

Ramen is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s beloved around the world. Traditionally associated with Japanese cuisine, ramen consists of a hearty broth, flavorful meat, and tender noodles, with additional toppings like soft-boiled eggs, vegetables, and seasonings.

The Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe takes the traditional concept of ramen and gives it a cozy, easy twist by using a slow cooker. The slow cooker allows the beef to become incredibly tender while infusing the broth with rich flavors, creating a deeply satisfying and savory dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or preparing for a cozy weekend feast, this slow-cooked version of beef ramen will surely become a favorite.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s go through the process of making Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles.

Prepare the Beef

1. Trim and Cut the Beef: If you’re using a cut like chuck roast, brisket, or short ribs, trim off any excess fat. Cut the beef into large chunks that can easily fit into your slow cooker.
2. Sear the Beef (Optional): For added depth of flavor, sear the beef pieces in a hot skillet with a little bit of oil. This step is optional, but it adds a caramelized flavor to the meat. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes, then remove and set aside.

Prepare the Broth

1. Combine Broth Ingredients: In the slow cooker, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. If you’re using additional flavor enhancers like fish sauce, miso paste, or chili paste, add those in at this point as well.
2. Add the Beef: Add the seared beef pieces to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the broth. If you skipped the searing step, simply place the raw beef into the slow cooker.
3. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds. The longer you cook the beef, the more flavor it will impart to the broth.

Prepare the Noodles

1. Cook the Noodles Separately: Ramen noodles should not be cooked in the slow cooker for the entire duration, as they can become mushy. Instead, cook the noodles separately according to the package instructions. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and set aside.
2. Add the Noodles to the Slow Cooker: About 30 minutes before serving, add the cooked noodles to the slow cooker. This will allow them to absorb some of the broth and flavors without becoming overcooked.

Shred the Beef

Once the beef is tender, remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the broth and stir to combine. You can also remove the bones if you’re using bone-in cuts like short ribs.

Final Adjustments

Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the broth needs more salt, add a bit more soy sauce or salt. For added depth of flavor, you can also add a splash of fish sauce or a teaspoon of miso paste.

Serving Your Slow Cooker Beef Ramen

When it’s time to serve, ladle the ramen into bowls, making sure to distribute the shredded beef evenly. Top with your desired garnishes, such as soft-boiled eggs, green onions, mushrooms, bok choy, sesame seeds, or chili oil.

Variations and Customizations

While this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe is delicious on its own, you can customize it in several ways to suit your preferences:

• Spicy Beef Ramen: Add more sriracha or chili paste to the broth for a spicy kick. You can also add sliced fresh chilies as a garnish.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian ramen.
• Beef and Pork Combination: Add some ground pork or pork belly for a richer, more decadent ramen.
• Broth Variations: Experiment with adding coconut milk for a creamy twist, or use miso broth for a different flavor profile.

Tips for Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the beef ramen broth and noodles separately. The broth can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. The noodles should be stored separately to prevent them from becoming soggy.

To reheat, simply heat the broth on the stove and cook fresh noodles as needed.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles offer a deeply satisfying meal that combines tender beef, rich broth, and chewy ramen noodles. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a hearty bowl of ramen without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this slow cooker version of beef ramen will provide a delicious, comforting meal for your family and friends. With a variety of customization options and variations, you can make this dish your own.

Yield: 4

Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles Recipe

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The Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe takes the traditional concept of ramen and gives it a cozy, easy twist by using a slow cooker. The slow cooker allows the beef to become incredibly tender while infusing the broth with rich flavors, creating a deeply satisfying and savory dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a comforting weeknight meal or preparing for a cozy weekend feast, this slow-cooked version of beef ramen will surely become a favorite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef stew meat or flank steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing, optional)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet)
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 2-3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Soft-boiled eggs (optional, for topping)
• Chili flakes or sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef (optional step):

• Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear for 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides. This step adds extra flavor but is optional—you can skip it if you're in a rush and add the beef directly to the slow cooker.

2. Add ingredients to the slow cooker:

• In the slow cooker, combine the beef (seared or raw), chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), ground ginger, and sesame oil. Stir everything together.

3. Cook:

• On low: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds.
• On high: Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender.

4. Add ramen noodles:

• About 30 minutes before serving, add the ramen noodles and frozen peas to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and let the noodles cook in the broth until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

5. Serve:

• Once the noodles are cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the beef ramen in bowls, garnished with sliced green onions, soft-boiled eggs, chili flakes, and sesame seeds, if desired.

Notes

• Beef Cut: You can use beef stew meat, flank steak, or chuck roast. If using a tougher cut of beef, shredding the meat after cooking can make for a more tender texture.
• Noodles: Instant ramen noodles work great here, but you can also use other types of noodles, such as udon or soba, if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of noodles.
• Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, carrots, or bok choy to the slow cooker for more flavor and texture.