Slow cooker beef ramen noodles 2. Yes, you read that right! I’m so excited to share this comforting and flavorful dish with you. Imagine coming home on a chilly evening to the aroma of tender beef simmering in a rich, savory broth, ready to be ladled over a steaming bowl of ramen noodles. That’s precisely what this slow cooker beef ramen noodles 2 recipe delivers: pure and simple culinary joy. Think of it as a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
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Why You Will Love This slow cooker beef ramen noodles 2 Recipe
This slow cooker beef ramen noodles 2 recipe is a game changer for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly convenient. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and a delicious dinner will be waiting for you when you get home.
It’s also packed with incredible flavor. The beef becomes unbelievably tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the broth. Imagine the tender beef falling apart in your mouth as you slurp on those tasty ramen noodle combined with other fresh toppings.
And let’s not forget the comfort factor! There’s something so satisfying about a warm bowl of ramen, especially when it’s made with love (and a slow cooker!). It reminds me of my grandmother’s cooking a simple yet heartfelt meal that brings the entire family together. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
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Ingredients Needed for This slow cooker beef ramen noodles 2 Recipe
- Beef: 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
- Broth: 8 cups beef broth
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce
- Mirin: 2 tablespoons mirin
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Star Anise: 2 whole star anise
- Ramen Noodles: 12 ounces fresh or dried ramen noodles
- Green Onions: 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
- Soft Boiled Eggs: 2 soft boiled eggs, halved (optional)
- Sriracha: Sriracha to taste (optional)
How to Make This slow cooker beef ramen noodles 2 Recipe
- 1. Prepare the Beef: In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- 2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the beef cubes into the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, mirin, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, brown sugar, and star anise.
- 3. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. After 6 hours on low, check tenderness and decide whether to continue.
- 4. Remove Star Anise: Before serving, remove the star anise from the slow cooker.
- 5. Cook Ramen Noodles: About 15 minutes before serving, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain well.
- 6. Assemble Ramen Bowls: Divide the cooked ramen noodles among bowls. Ladle the beef and broth over the noodles.
- 7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. If desired, add a halved soft boiled egg and a drizzle of sriracha for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy.
How to Serve This slow cooker beef ramen noodles 2 Recipe
This slow cooker beef ramen noodles 2 is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate the experience with some simple additions. Serve with a side of steamed bok choy or some quick pickled cucumbers for a refreshing contrast. Other great topping options include bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, or a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots. You could also serve the ramen alongside some Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles 2 for a complete meal.
How to Store This slow cooker beef ramen noodles 2 Recipe
Refrigeration: Store leftover beef and broth separately from the cooked noodles in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The beef and broth will last for up to 3-4 days. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the beef and broth together. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. For the best quality avoid freezing the already cooked ramen noodles. Reheating: Reheat the beef and broth in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. Cook fresh ramen noodles and add to the bowl.Tips to Make This slow cooker beef ramen noodles 2 Recipe
- Beef Selection: Choose a chuck roast with good marbling for the most tender and flavorful results.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit it entirely.
- Noodle Choice: Feel free to use your favorite type of ramen noodles, whether fresh or dried. If using dried noodles, cook them separately to avoid them becoming too mushy in the slow cooker.
- Broth Enhancement: For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of miso paste to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
Helpful Notes for This slow cooker beef ramen noodles 2 Recipe
When selecting your beef broth, opt for a high-quality brand or homemade broth for the best flavor. Some broths can be quite salty, so adjust the amount of soy sauce accordingly.
For the ginger and garlic, fresh is always best! They add a vibrant and aromatic flavor to the broth that dried spices just can’t replicate.
Mirin, a sweet Japanese rice wine, adds depth and complexity to the broth. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with a teaspoon of sugar mixed with a tablespoon of dry sherry or rice vinegar.
Variation of This slow cooker beef ramen noodles 2 Recipe
- Spicy Version: Add a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the slow cooker for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Boost: Add some sliced mushrooms, baby bok choy, or shredded carrots to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Pork Variation: Substitute the beef chuck roast with pork shoulder for a different, equally delicious flavor profile. Be sure to also check out these other delicious Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles.
How long does it take to cook slow cooker beef ramen noodles 2?
Cooking time varies depending on your slow cooker, but typically it takes around 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The beef should be tender and easily shredded with a fork when it’s ready.
Can I use different types of noodles for slow cooker beef ramen noodles 2?
Yes, you can substitute the ramen noodles. Udon noodles or even Italian pasta like spaghetti or linguine can work. Just be sure to add the noodles towards the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.
What are some variations I can add to my slow cooker beef ramen noodles 2?
You can add vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, or carrots for extra nutrients and flavor. A dash of soy sauce, sesame oil, or chili garlic sauce can also enhance the broth. Consider topping with a soft-boiled egg and green onions before serving.
Can I freeze slow cooker beef ramen noodles 2?
Yes, you can freeze the beef mixture separately from the noodles. Allow the beef to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and freezing. Cook the noodles fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making this slow cooker beef ramen noodles 2 as much as I do! It’s the perfect way to enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal with minimal effort. Don’t forget to share your creations and any modifications you make, as real cooking is always better when it’s shared!
