Are you ready to experience one of the most unique culinary fusions? If you haven’t heard of birria ramen, it’s time to get acquainted with this mouthwatering combination. This dish blends the rich, spicy, and slow-cooked flavors of traditional Mexican birria stew with the comforting, slurp-worthy noodles of Japanese ramen. It’s not just a passing food trend—it’s a flavor-packed masterpiece!
Birria ramen has taken the food world by storm, and it’s easy to see why. Combining the best of both worlds, it delivers bold, smoky broth infused with chili flavors, tender meat that melts in your mouth, and ramen noodles that absorb all of that goodness. This dish is one you’ll want to savor again and again, whether for a special weekend dinner or an impressive dish to serve at a dinner party.
Now that you’re intrigued, let’s dive deeper into what birria ramen is made of, how to create this delicious dish, and why it has become a viral sensation. By the end of this post, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to try it yourself, and trust me—you won’t want to miss out on this incredible recipe! If you’re a fan of fusion food, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter so you never miss a recipe!
What Is Birria?
Before we explore birria ramen, let’s start with the basics—what is birria? This traditional Mexican stew, often made with beef or goat, originated in Jalisco, Mexico. Birria is renowned for its deep, smoky flavors, which come from marinating the meat in a blend of chiles, spices, and vinegar before slow-cooking it to perfection. Typically, birria is served with a consommé (a rich broth), tortillas, chopped onions, cilantro, and lime on the side.
Birria’s broth, known for its smoky and slightly spicy essence, is the foundation of birria ramen. Once combined with ramen noodles, this broth is elevated to new heights, infusing each noodle with the savory richness of Mexican birria. Whether you’re familiar with birria or new to the dish, birria ramen offers an exciting twist on this traditional Mexican comfort food.
While birria is often served with tortillas, you might want to try something different for a dessert pairing—how about a no-bake mango cheesecake? The tropical flavors will complement the spice of the birria perfectly.
Birria Ramen: What Is It Made Of?
Now that we know what birria is, let’s focus on birria ramen itself. This fusion dish is essentially a mix of two beloved classics:
- Birria – a robust, slow-cooked Mexican stew made with beef or goat.
- Ramen – Japanese wheat noodles, typically served in a rich broth.
Main Components of Birria Ramen
- Meat: Traditionally, birria is made with beef or goat. In birria ramen, the meat is slow-cooked until it becomes incredibly tender, making it easy to shred and stir into the broth.
- Broth: The broth, or consommé, is the key to this dish’s flavor. It’s made by blending dried guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chiles with garlic, onions, tomatoes, and a range of spices like cumin and oregano. After simmering with the meat for hours, this broth becomes rich, spicy, and slightly smoky.
- Ramen Noodles: The ramen component adds texture and heartiness to the dish. Whether you use fresh or instant ramen noodles, they soak up the birria broth, creating the perfect marriage of Mexican and Japanese flavors. If you’re a noodle enthusiast, this cinnamon sugar pizza dough recipe might interest you for a sweet follow-up!
- Toppings: Just like traditional birria, birria ramen is usually topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and radishes. For a Japanese touch, soft-boiled eggs, scallions, and a drizzle of chili oil are often added. Want to make it extra special? Try sprinkling queso fresco or cotija cheese over the top for a fusion twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: This dish combines the deep, rich flavors of birria with the comforting, slurpy joy of ramen. You get the best of both worlds—bold spices from the birria and umami richness from the ramen broth.
- Customizable: One of the best things about birria ramen is how customizable it is. You can adjust the heat level, the toppings, and even the type of meat to suit your taste. And for those who prefer vegetarian options, swapping the meat with jackfruit still delivers incredible results.
- Comforting Yet Exciting: Birria ramen is both cozy and adventurous, making it a fantastic dish for a weekend treat or a weeknight meal. It’s indulgent but not overly complicated, meaning it’s just as perfect for a casual dinner as it is for impressing guests. After all, it’s always fun to surprise people with a dish as innovative as this!
The Flavor Profile of Birria Ramen
So, what can you expect when you take that first bite (or slurp)? Let’s break down the flavor profile:
- Deep Savory Broth: The birria broth brings together smoky and spicy elements from the chiles, along with the rich, meaty essence of slow-cooked beef or goat. The layers of spices give it depth, while the ramen noodles soak up the broth’s goodness.
- Tender, Fall-Apart Meat: The slow-cooked beef or goat is so tender it practically melts in your mouth, blending beautifully with the noodles and broth.
- Chewy Noodles: Ramen noodles offer a comforting chewiness that contrasts with the tender meat, providing the perfect texture balance.
- Fresh Toppings: Bright, fresh ingredients like cilantro, onions, and radishes add a pop of freshness to cut through the richness of the broth. A squeeze of lime on top provides just the right amount of acidity to round out the flavors.
How to Make Birria Ramen at Home
Ready to make your own birria ramen? Here’s how you can do it!
Ingredients for Birria Ramen
For the Birria:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast (or beef short ribs or goat)
- 6 dried guajillo chiles
- 4 dried ancho chiles
- 1 dried chipotle chile
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 8 cups beef broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ramen:
- 2 packs ramen noodles (instant or fresh)
- 4 soft-boiled eggs (optional)
- Scallions, sliced for garnish
- Cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
- Chili oil for extra heat (optional)
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large pot or Dutch oven for slow-cooking the birria.
- Blender for making the chile paste.
- Strainer to remove any solids from the broth.
- Large pot to boil the ramen noodles.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chiles
- Remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chiles.
- Boil 3 cups of water and then turn off the heat. Soak the chiles in this hot water for 20-30 minutes until softened.
Make the Chile Paste
- Once softened, blend the chiles with the garlic, onion, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, and cloves in a blender until smooth. Add some of the chile soaking water if needed.
- This thick red paste is going to form the base of your birria’s intense flavor, similar to creating the filling for a raspberry cheesecake, where balance is key.
Cook the Birria
- Heat some oil in a Dutch oven and sear the beef on all sides until browned.
- Add the chile paste to the pot along with the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and vinegar. Stir everything well to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth or water, making sure the meat is fully submerged.
- Cover the pot and let the birria simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
Prepare the Ramen Noodles
- Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain them and set aside.
- Meanwhile, get your toppings ready—chop cilantro, slice scallions, and soft-boil the eggs if you want to add them.
Assemble the Birria Ramen
- Shred the cooked birria meat with two forks.
- In each bowl, ladle some birria broth, then add the ramen noodles.
- Top with shredded birria meat, cilantro, scallions, and soft-boiled eggs. Don’t forget to drizzle some chili oil over the top if you love heat.
- Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the ramen, and enjoy this glorious fusion dish!
What to Serve with Birria Ramen
Birria ramen is so rich and satisfying that it can easily be a meal on its own. However, if you’re hosting a dinner or simply want to add some variety, here are a few side dish ideas:
- Quesadillas: The cheesy goodness of a quesadilla is the perfect side to dip into the flavorful broth of birria ramen.
- Tortilla Chips with Salsa or Guacamole: A crunchy, zesty side dish that pairs well with the richness of the ramen.
- Elote: Mexican street corn with cheese, chili powder, and lime adds a deliciously sweet and spicy crunch to complement the ramen.
For dessert, why not try an interesting fusion of its own? You can check out this fried chicken ice cream for a surprising and playful end to your meal!
Tips for Making the Perfect Birria Ramen
- Slow and Low: The key to tender birria is patience. Let the meat cook slowly over low heat for several hours to ensure it becomes fall-apart tender.
- Use Fresh Ramen Noodles: If you can get your hands on fresh ramen noodles, go for it! They absorb the broth better and have a chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the birria.
- Spice to Taste: If you like your food extra spicy, feel free to add more chipotle chiles to the broth or top the ramen with extra chili oil.
Storing Leftovers
Birria ramen keeps well for future meals! Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerator: Keep the meat and broth separate from the noodles to prevent sogginess. Stored in airtight containers, the meat and broth will last up to 4 days.
- Freezer: The birria broth and meat freeze well. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months, and when ready to eat, thaw them and boil fresh noodles to enjoy with the broth. Just like fried chicken ice cream can be stored for long periods, this birria ramen stays delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, absolutely! Besides beef, you can use goat, lamb, or even chicken for a lighter version of birria ramen.
Is birria ramen spicy?
It can be, depending on the amount and type of chiles you use. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chiles to suit your taste.
Can I make birria ramen vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the meat with jackfruit or even mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
Conclusion: Why You Need to Try Birria Ramen
If you love adventurous food and bold flavors, birria ramen is a must-try dish. The combination of slow-cooked birria with savory ramen noodles creates something magical—comforting, spicy, and full of flavor. It’s a dish that brings together the best of Mexican and Japanese cuisines into one beautiful bowl of soup. Perfect for chilly days, special occasions, or just when you’re craving something spectacular, this fusion recipe is one you’ll want to add to your cooking rotation.
If you’re ready to take on this recipe, don’t forget to share your results with me on Pinterest and leave a review! And if you’re curious about more fusion recipes or unique cooking ideas, join my Facebook group or follow along on my Facebook page to stay in the loop. Enjoy your cooking adventures, and happy slurping!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 700
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fiber: 6g