Nothing beats the comfort of a warm, flavorful bowl of ramen, and when made in a slow cooker, it becomes an effortless meal packed with rich, savory goodness. Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles combine tender, juicy beef with a delicious broth and perfectly cooked noodles, making this dish a go-to recipe for cozy nights or a satisfying family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work, making this recipe perfect for busy schedules.
- Rich and Flavorful: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a deep, umami-packed broth.
- Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit different tastes, whether you prefer extra spice, added veggies, or a different protein.
- Comfort Food Classic: A warm, hearty bowl of ramen is the ultimate comfort meal, satisfying and nourishing.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck or stew meat
- Beef broth
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Sesame oil
- Fresh ginger
- Garlic cloves
- Brown sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Red pepper flakes
- Carrots
- Mushrooms
- Green onions
- Bok choy
- Ramen noodles
- Soft-boiled eggs
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place beef chuck or stew meat into the slow cooker. Add beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Beef: Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker, shred it, and return it to the broth.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in sliced carrots, mushrooms, and bok choy. Cover and let cook for an additional 20–30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Cook the Noodles: While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Ramen: Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth and beef over the noodles.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each bowl with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and soft-boiled eggs. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicier version.
- Alternative Protein: Swap beef for chicken, pork, or tofu for a different twist.
- More Vegetables: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn for extra texture and nutrients.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and substitute gluten-free noodles.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 8 hours
- Servings: 4–6
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep noodles separate from the broth to prevent sogginess.
- Reheating: Reheat the broth and beef in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. Add fresh or previously cooked noodles before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze the broth and beef mixture without the noodles for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before adding noodles.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Beef chuck is ideal, but you can also use short ribs or brisket for a similar result.
What type of ramen noodles should I use?
Fresh ramen noodles are best, but you can also use instant ramen without the seasoning packet or even rice noodles for a twist.
Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the “Sauté” function to sear the beef first, then pressure cook on high for 45 minutes, followed by a natural release.
How do I make soft-boiled eggs for ramen?
Boil eggs for 6–7 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath for a few minutes before peeling.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook the broth and beef in advance, then reheat and add freshly cooked noodles before serving.
What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
You can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! You can reduce the spice level and adjust ingredients to suit younger palates.
How do I thicken the broth?
If you prefer a thicker broth, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the broth near the end of cooking.
Can I add miso paste?
Yes! Stir in a spoonful of miso paste at the end for extra umami flavor.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth and replace the beef with tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based version.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is a perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and convenience. With tender beef, a rich broth, and delicious toppings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a cold night or a simple but satisfying dinner, this recipe delivers. Give it a try and enjoy a homemade ramen experience right from your slow cooker!
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Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles: A Cozy Meal Full of Flavor
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles is a comforting and flavorful meal featuring tender beef, rich broth, and perfectly cooked noodles. This easy slow cooker recipe is ideal for cozy nights and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cups bok choy, chopped
- 8 oz ramen noodles
- 4 soft-boiled eggs, halved
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place beef chuck or stew meat into the slow cooker. Add beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred the Beef: Remove the beef from the slow cooker, shred it with a fork, and return it to the broth.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in sliced carrots, mushrooms, and bok choy. Cover and cook for an additional 20–30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Ramen: Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth and beef over the noodles.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each bowl with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and soft-boiled eggs. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep noodles separate from the broth to prevent sogginess.
- Reheating: Warm the broth and beef in a saucepan over medium heat. Add fresh or pre-cooked noodles before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze the broth and beef mixture (without noodles) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Spicy Variation: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for extra heat.
- Alternative Protein: Swap beef for chicken, pork, or tofu.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and substitute gluten-free noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian, Japanese-Inspired
Keywords: slow cooker ramen, beef ramen noodles, crockpot ramen, easy ramen recipe, homemade ramen
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