A Comforting and Flavorful One-Pot Meal
If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl of ramen but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe is perfect for you! Rich, savory broth, tender beef, and flavorful ramen noodles come together effortlessly in your slow cooker, making this an ideal meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker does most of the work, making it easy for busy home cooks.
- Rich, Deep Flavor: A combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce gives this broth an irresistible umami taste.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, swap out proteins, or make it spicier to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This ramen stores well and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef and Broth:
- 1 kg (2 lbs) beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into chunks
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
For the Ramen:
- 3–4 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup baby spinach or bok choy
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
For Garnish (Optional):
- Soft-boiled eggs
- Sesame seeds
- Additional green onions
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Forks (for shredding beef)
- Ladle
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the beef chunks into the slow cooker.
2. Make the Broth
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Pour this flavorful mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
3. Cook the Beef
Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
4. Shred the Beef
Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the broth.
5. Cook the Ramen Noodles
Add the ramen noodles, shredded carrots, and spinach (or bok choy) to the slow cooker. Stir gently to submerge the noodles in the broth. Cover and cook on high for 5–7 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the beef, noodles, and vegetables into bowls. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and soft-boiled eggs if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap beef for mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Spicy Version: Add extra chili flakes, sriracha, or a spoonful of chili oil.
- Protein Swaps: Try using chicken, pork, or even shrimp instead of beef.
- More Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, or bean sprouts for extra nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free ramen noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Freeze: Freeze the broth and beef separately for up to 2 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating for the best texture.
What to Serve with Beef Ramen
Pair this delicious ramen with:
- A side of gyoza (Japanese dumplings)
- A light cucumber salad for freshness
- A glass of chilled green tea to balance the richness
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh ramen noodles instead of instant?
Yes! Fresh ramen noodles work beautifully in this recipe. Just reduce the cooking time to 2–3 minutes.
2. What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
You can substitute with a mixture of 2 tablespoons soy sauce + 1 teaspoon honey + 1 teaspoon peanut butter for a similar flavor.
3. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the Pressure Cook function on High for 45 minutes, then shred the beef and follow the same steps for adding noodles.
4. Will the noodles get soggy if stored?
Yes, they may soften over time. To prevent this, cook and store the noodles separately, adding them to the broth just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe is a game-changer for ramen lovers. It delivers deep, rich flavors with minimal effort, making it a fantastic addition to your meal rotation. If you try this recipe, please share it with friends and family! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more easy and delicious recipes.
Enjoy your homemade ramen and happy cooking!
