Have you ever craved the rich, bold flavors of birria, but also yearned for the slurp-worthy satisfaction of ramen? Well, I’ve got the perfect dish for you: Birria Ramen! This incredible fusion combines two beloved culinary traditions—Mexican birria and Japanese ramen—to create a bowl of sheer comfort, bursting with flavor and guaranteed to warm your soul. If you’re a fan of deep, slow-cooked broths, tender meats, and a punch of spice, you’re going to love this.
But before we dive into the recipe, let me first express my sincere gratitude to you for joining me on this culinary adventure. It’s truly a joy to share my favorite recipes, and I’m so grateful that you’re here with me. I can’t wait for you to try this out for yourself! So, let’s get started, shall we? And don’t forget to subscribe for more mouthwatering recipes delivered straight to your inbox. I promise, you won’t want to miss what I have in store next!
Why You’ll Love Birria Ramen
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! Birria ramen takes the best of both worlds: the earthy, spiced goodness of birria, traditionally made with beef or goat, and the soft, delicate noodles of a ramen bowl. Together, they create a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and absolutely unforgettable. Here are just a few reasons why this dish will quickly become one of your favorites:
- Bold, rich flavors: The birria consommé is the star of this dish. It’s slow-cooked with a blend of chilies, spices, and tender meat, creating a broth that’s savory, smoky, and a little spicy—the perfect base for ramen. Want to learn more about Birria? Check out its fascinating history on Wikipedia.
- Ultimate comfort food: Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply craving something warm and cozy, birria ramen is like a hug in a bowl. The warm, flavorful broth paired with the satisfying chew of ramen noodles is the ultimate in comfort food.
- Easy to customize: Want to make it spicier? Add some more chilies! Prefer chicken or pork? Swap out the beef! This recipe is super flexible and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
And the best part? It’s easier to make than you might think! So, without further ado, let’s talk about how to bring this incredible fusion dish to life.
The Taste of Birria Ramen
Let me set the scene for you. You take a spoonful of rich, smoky broth, with hints of cumin, cloves, and dried chilies. It’s bold and flavorful, with just the right amount of heat. Now, imagine the silky smoothness of ramen noodles soaking up all that goodness, each bite transporting you to a world of flavor. The tender, shredded beef adds a hearty, meaty texture, and when you add toppings like cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime? Absolutely heavenly!
Trust me, once you taste the savory, aromatic broth and feel the tender meat melting in your mouth alongside perfectly cooked noodles, you’ll understand why this dish has become a viral sensation. The smell when this is in the oven is incredible!!
If you’re interested in the origins of ramen and its evolution over the centuries, you can learn more about its history on Wikipedia.
Benefits of Birria Ramen
- Nutrient-dense: Packed with protein from the beef, as well as vitamins and minerals from the spices and vegetables, this dish isn’t just delicious—it’s nutritious, too.
- Versatile: This recipe is flexible and adaptable. You can use any type of protein or ramen, adjust the spice level, and add your favorite toppings.
- Meal prep friendly: Birria ramen is great for meal prep. You can make a large batch of birria and consommé, and then cook fresh ramen whenever you’re ready for a warm, comforting bowl.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make birria ramen at home:
For the Birria
- 3 lbs beef short ribs or chuck roast (you can also use goat or lamb)
- 4 dried guajillo chilies
- 2 dried ancho chilies
- 2 dried chipotle chilies (for a smoky kick)
- 1 large white onion, roughly chopped
- 6 garlic cloves
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp oil for searing
For the Ramen
- 4 packs of ramen noodles (any brand will do)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced white onions
- Lime wedges for garnish
- Soft-boiled eggs (optional, but so good!)
Toppings (optional but highly recommended!)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Thinly sliced radishes
- Diced avocado
- Pickled jalapeños
- Crumbled queso fresco
Necessary Tools for Preparation
- A large pot or Dutch oven for braising the birria
- A blender (to blend the chili sauce)
- Tongs for handling the meat
- A large ladle (for serving the broth)
- A strainer (for straining the consommé)
- Ramen bowls (because presentation matters!)
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
- Different proteins: If you’re not a fan of beef, feel free to substitute it with chicken, pork, or even goat.
- Vegetarian version: For a plant-based twist, you can use jackfruit in place of the beef and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Ramen types: You can use fresh ramen noodles if you prefer, or even swap them for gluten-free noodles if needed.
How to Make Birria Ramen (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Chilies
Start by removing the stems and seeds from the dried guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chilies. Place them in a pot of boiling water and simmer for about 10 minutes until they soften. This will help release their smoky, rich flavors.
Step 2: Blend the Chili Sauce
Once the chilies are softened, transfer them to a blender along with the garlic, onion, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, cloves, and vinegar. Blend until you have a smooth, fragrant chili paste.
Step 3: Sear the Meat
Season your beef with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until it’s browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This helps to lock in the flavor of the meat.
Step 4: Add the Chili Paste and Braise
Once the beef is seared, add your blended chili sauce to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and transfer it to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Let it braise for about 3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and falling apart.
Step 5: Shred the Beef
Remove the beef from the pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Skim any excess fat from the top of the broth and strain the consommé to remove the solids. You now have a flavorful, rich broth to use as the base for your ramen!
Step 6: Cook the Ramen Noodles
While your birria is resting, cook your ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Step 7: Assemble the Birria Ramen
In each ramen bowl, add a generous portion of ramen noodles. Top the noodles with shredded birria meat, then ladle the rich consommé over the top. Finish with your favorite toppings like cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime. For an extra touch of luxury, add a soft-boiled egg.
What to Serve with Birria Ramen
- Tortillas: A side of warm corn tortillas makes a great pairing with this dish. You can even dip them in the consommé!
- Pickled vegetables: Pickled carrots, radishes, or jalapeños add a crunchy, acidic contrast to the rich broth.
- Cold drinks: A light, crisp Mexican beer or a chilled glass of agua fresca will balance out the bold flavors of the birria ramen.
Tips for Making the Perfect Birria Ramen
- Get a good sear: Don’t skip the step of searing your beef! It adds depth and complexity to the final broth.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder broth, you can remove the seeds from the chilies before blending them. For more heat, add an extra chipotle or even a fresh jalapeño.
- Strain the consommé: This will give you a smooth, rich broth without any grainy bits from the chilies or spices.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftover birria and consommé in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the birria meat and broth separately for up to 3 months. Just defrost, reheat, and add fresh ramen noodles when you’re ready to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! While ramen noodles are traditional, you can swap them for udon, soba, or even rice noodles.
How spicy is birria ramen?
The spice level is medium, but you can adjust it based on your tolerance by adding or reducing the number of chilies.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can transfer the seared meat and chili sauce to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender.
Conclusion
Birria ramen is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The smoky, spiced broth, tender shredded meat, and slurp-worthy noodles create an unforgettable fusion dish that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this hearty dish is sure to impress.
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a review and share your creations on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your birria ramen turns out! Be sure to also check out these other delicious and creative recipes:
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Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 1250mg
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