If you’re a fan of comforting noodle soups, then get ready to be blown away by this Korean-inspired Beef Ramen Noodle Soup. With its tender braised beef, flavorful broth, kimchi, noodles, and eggs, it’s the ultimate bowl of cozy deliciousness. And the best part? You can make it all in one pot! So, if you’re craving a restaurant-quality beef ramen experience without breaking the bank, this recipe is perfect for you.
Key Takeaways
The Homemade Beef Ramen Experience
Ramen is a versatile dish that you can easily customize to suit your taste. In this case, we draw inspiration from Korean cuisine, infusing the broth with the rich flavors of onion, garlic, ginger, and gochujang paste. The bone-in beef is simmered in this aromatic broth until it becomes tender and full of flavor. To complete the dish, we cook the fresh ramen noodles directly in the broth and top it all off with kimchi, egg, and green onion.
While this recipe does require some simmering time, it’s incredibly hands-off, making it ideal for any night of the week. Plus, you can even prepare the beef and broth in advance and assemble the soup just before serving. So, whether you’re looking for a warm and satisfying meal on a chilly evening or a comforting dish to enjoy at home, this beef ramen noodle soup recipe has got you covered.
Important note:
Please note that this recipe is not claiming to be an authentic ramen recipe. Instead, it brings together the best of two beloved cuisines to create a delicious fusion bowl of beef ramen noodle soup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot: On busy nights, there’s nothing better than a one-pot meal. This beef ramen noodle soup is easy to prepare in a single pot, allowing you to enjoy a hearty and flavorful beef soup with minimal effort.
- Slow cooking/pressure cooker friendly: Short on time? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with alternative cooking methods using a slow cooker or pressure cooker. So, you can still enjoy this delicious soup even when you’re pressed for time.
- Comforting: There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of noodle soup, and this beef ramen recipe takes it to the next level. It’s packed with flavor and richness, without feeling too heavy. Perfect for those cool nights when you need some soul-soothing sustenance.
Making Beef Ramen Noodle Soup
To make this delicious beef ramen noodle soup, we recommend using a 4-5 qt dutch oven, as it’s the perfect tool for the job. Here’s a rundown of the process and the ingredients you’ll need:
Tools Needed
- 4 QT DUTCH OVEN
- SHARP KNIFE
- CUTTING BOARD
- SOUP STORAGE CUBES
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Beef: We suggest using bone-in chuck for this recipe, as it adds extra texture and flavor to the broth. However, you can also use boneless chuck or brisket as alternatives.
- Beef bones: For an even more flavorful and nutritious broth, consider adding beef bones. Bone-in chuck works perfectly, but you can also use beef neck bones or oxtail.
- Aromatics: Onion, ginger, and garlic provide a depth of flavor to the soup base.
- Gochujang paste: This fermented Korean chili paste adds a tangy heat and an explosion of flavor to the broth.
- Beef broth: Use your favorite store-bought beef broth for convenience.
- Ramen noodles: Fresh ramen noodles are ideal for this recipe, as they offer the best texture. Look for them in local Asian markets or stores like Whole Foods. Alternatively, you can use dried ramen noodles.
- Sesame oil: Drizzling some toasted sesame oil over the soup before serving enhances the flavor.
The Process
- Prep the beef: If using bone-in chuck, separate the bone from the meat and cut the beef into 2″ cubes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the beef: Heat oil in the dutch oven and sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Saute the aromatics: Add diced onion, garlic, and ginger to the pot and cook until browned and fragrant. Stir in the gochujang paste and cook for a few more minutes.
- Add the beef and broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer and add the seared beef and beef bones. Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for approximately 2 hours until the beef is tender.
- Season and finish: Remove the beef bones from the soup and discard. Shred the beef gently and add rice wine vinegar and sesame oil to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can either simmer the noodles directly in the soup or cook them separately. Serve the soup and noodles in bowls, topping them with chopped kimchi, soft-boiled eggs, and green onions.
The Art of Braising
You may be wondering why we use the term “braised” to describe this beef ramen noodle soup. Braising is a cooking technique that combines both wet and dry heat to create tender meat. In this recipe, we first sear the chuck to develop flavor and color, and then simmer it in liquid over low heat until it becomes incredibly tender. The result is meat that practically melts in your mouth. Braising is particularly effective for tougher cuts of meat like brisket, chuck, or pork shoulder. Slowly cooking these cuts in liquid allows the muscle tissue and collagen to break down, resulting in an irresistibly delicious Beef Ramen Noodle Soup.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you’re short on time, we understand that simmering the beef on the stove may not always be feasible. That’s why we’ve included alternative cooking methods for your convenience:
- Slow Cooker: Sear the beef in another pan and transfer it to the slow cooker along with the onions, garlic, ginger, gochujang, beef bones, and broth. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender. You can either transfer the soup to a pot to cook the noodles or cook the noodles separately.
- Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker: Follow the recipe as written, using the sauté function on your instant pot. Sear the beef on the high setting for sauté, add the broth mixture, veggies, and herbs to the pot, and pressure cook for 50 minutes with a natural release. After removing the lid, switch to the sauté function, remove the bones, and add the noodles to cook according to package instructions.
Toppings to Elevate Your Beef Ramen
One of the joys of beef ramen noodle soup lies in the delightful toppings that enhance the overall experience. Here are some of our favorite options:
- Soft-boiled eggs: A classic ramen topping, soft-boiled eggs add richness and creaminess to the soup.
- Chopped kimchi: Since this soup is inspired by Korean cuisine, kimchi is a must-have addition. It not only brings a tangy zing but also promotes gut health.
- Herbs: We recommend topping your ramen with chopped green onions for a fresh and vibrant flavor. You can also try chopped cilantro or Thai basil for an exciting twist.
- Chili oil: For those who crave an extra kick, drizzle some chili oil or hot sesame oil over your beef ramen noodle soup. It’ll add a spicy and savory dimension to your bowl.
- American cheese: Yes, you read that right! Adding a slice of American cheese to your ramen may sound unconventional, but it creates a creamy and indulgent broth. Give it a try if you’re feeling adventurous!
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
If you have leftovers of this beef ramen noodle soup, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Keep in mind that the noodles may absorb some of the broth and become puffy over time. To best preserve the noodles, consider cooking them separately and adding them to individual portions when reheating.
When it’s time to reheat the soup, we recommend doing so on the stove over low heat for the best results. Alternatively, you can microwave it in small increments. Please note that freezing the beef ramen noodle soup with the noodles might affect their texture, so it’s best to freeze the beef and broth separately for up to 3 months.
Next time you’re in the mood for a cozy soup, give this Beef Ramen Noodle Soup recipe a try. It’s a year-round favorite that never fails to impress. Don’t forget to leave a comment and star rating below if you give it a shot. Feel free to snap a photo and tag @JENNYGOYCOCHEA on Instagram so she can see your delicious creation. Happy cooking!
More Noodle Soup Recipes to Explore
- Chicken Khao Soi
- Quick Chicken Pho
- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Miso Chicken Udon Soup
- Wonton Noodle Soup
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