why make this recipe
Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is a delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to your table. With tender beef cooked slowly in a rich broth, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The slow cooking method allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a delicious meal that is satisfying and easy to prepare. You can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy your day. Plus, this dish is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice levels and add your favorite toppings.
how to make Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Making Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is straightforward and requires minimal hands-on time. Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 servings ramen noodles
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sriracha or chili paste (optional)
Directions:
Prepare the Beef: Start by placing the beef chuck roast in the bottom of your slow cooker. This cut of meat is ideal for slow cooking, as it becomes tender and juicy over the cooking period.
Mix the Broth: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, brown sugar, and grated ginger. This mixture is going to infuse the beef with all its wonderful flavors.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the broth mixture over the beef, ensuring that it’s well-coated. This will serve as the base of the soup.
Slow Cook the Beef: Cover your slow cooker and cook the beef on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You will know it’s ready when the beef is fork-tender and easy to shred.
Shred the Beef: Once the beef is tender, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Mixing the shredded beef with the broth will help soak up all the delicious flavors.
Cook the Ramen Noodles: Break up the ramen noodles (if they are not already in individual blocks) and add them to the slow cooker, making sure they are submerged in the broth.
Final Cooking: Cover and cook on high for another 10 to 15 minutes until the noodles are tender.
Garnish and Serve: Finally, add the sliced green onions, give everything a gentle stir, and your Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles are ready. Adjust the seasoning if needed and serve hot. If you like a little heat, add Sriracha or chili paste to your bowl.
how to serve Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
To serve Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles, ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to include plenty of broth, beef, and noodles. Top with sliced green onions for a fresh crunch. You can also offer Sriracha or chili paste on the side for those who enjoy a spicy kick. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or simple steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with additional toppings like soft-boiled eggs, mushrooms, or bok choy to add even more flavor and textures.
how to store Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Storing Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is simple. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep it longer, consider freezing the broth and beef mixture separately from the noodles. The beef and broth can be frozen for up to 3 months, while cooked ramen noodles are best eaten fresh. When ready to serve, thaw the beef and broth in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove. Add freshly cooked ramen noodles just before serving for the best texture.
tips to make Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
Choose the Right Cut of Meat: For the most tender results, beef chuck roast or brisket works best. They both become deliciously tender in the slow cooker.
Adjust the Broth Flavor: Feel free to tweak the broth flavors by adding ingredients like star anise, cinnamon, or even a splash of rice vinegar for a unique twist.
For Extra Richness: You can add a splash of mirin or rice wine for a depth of flavor. This ingredient will enhance the umami flavor of the broth.
Noodle Cooking Tip: If you prefer firmer noodles, cook them separately instead of adding them to the slow cooker. Combine them in individual bowls when serving.
Garnishes Matter: Fresh herbs or crunch toppings, like fried onions or sesame seeds, can elevate your ramen to the next level.
variation
You can try different variations of this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth to create a hearty vegetarian ramen.
- Spicy Variation: For spice lovers, consider adding sliced jalapeños or using a spicy soy sauce.
- Herbed Variation: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a fresh flavor profile. Toss them in just before serving.
- Different Noodles: Instead of ramen, you can use udon noodles or rice noodles according to your preference.
FAQs
Can I use another type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like brisket or even pork shoulder if you prefer; however, cooking times may adjust slightly depending on the meat’s size and cut.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can make this on the stovetop in a large pot. Just simmer the beef and broth mixture for about 2 to 3 hours on low heat until the meat is tender.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, make sure your ramen noodles are gluten-free.
Can I prepare the ingredients the night before?
Yes! You can prep all the ingredients the night before, store them in the refrigerator, and cook them in the slow cooker the next day. Just remember to bring the beef to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
Print
Easy Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles
- Total Time: 255
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
Description
A delightful dish featuring tender beef cooked in a rich broth, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 servings ramen noodles
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sriracha or chili paste (optional)
Instructions
- Place the beef chuck roast in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, brown sugar, and grated ginger in a separate bowl.
- Pour the broth mixture over the beef, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until fork-tender.
- Shred the beef in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Add the ramen noodles to the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the broth.
- Cover and cook on high for another 10 to 15 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, stir, and serve hot. Add Sriracha or chili paste to taste.
Notes
For firmer noodles, cook them separately and combine when serving. The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 240
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: beef ramen, slow cooker, comfort food, easy recipe, hearty meal
