Birria Ramen with Beef is a delightful fusion dish that brings together the rich, savory flavors of traditional Mexican birria and the comforting essence of Japanese ramen. As I first tasted this unique combination, I was instantly captivated by the depth of flavor and the heartwarming aroma that filled the kitchen. The history of birria dates back to the state of Jalisco, Mexico, where it was originally made with goat meat and served during special occasions. Today, birria has evolved, and its popularity has soared, especially in the form of tacos and now, ramen!
People love Birria Ramen with Beef for its incredible taste and texture. The tender, slow-cooked beef melds beautifully with the rich, spiced broth, while the ramen noodles provide a satisfying chewiness that elevates the dish to new heights. Not only is it a feast for the senses, but it’s also a convenient meal that can be prepared in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with friends and family. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that beautifully marries two beloved cuisines!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 1 lb beef shank
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 3 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
- 2 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 servings of ramen noodles
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 cup diced onion (for garnish)
- 1 cup diced radishes (for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like Oaxaca or mozzarella, for garnish)
Preparing the Beef
- Start by seasoning the beef chunks with salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Make sure to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned beef chunks and sear them on all sides until they are browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pot; you may need to do this in batches.
- Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, add the quartered onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- While the onion and garlic are cooking, prepare the dried chiles. In a small saucepan, bring about 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the guajillo and ancho chiles, and let them simmer for about 10 minutes until they are softened.
- Once softened, transfer the chiles to a blender along with the apple cider vinegar and a cup of the beef broth. Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more broth to help it blend.
Building the Broth
- Return the seared beef to the pot with the sautéed onion and garlic. Pour the blended chile mixture over the beef.
- Add the bay leaves, remaining beef broth, and water to the pot. Stir everything together, ensuring the beef is submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Stir occasionally and check the liquid level; add more water if necessary.
Cooking the Ramen Noodles
- About 10-15 minutes before the beef is done, bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-4 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.
Assembling the Birria Ramen
- Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat or gristle.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or pot to remove the bay leaves and any solids. This will give you a smooth, rich broth.
- Return the shredded beef to the strained broth and keep it warm over low heat.
- To serve, place a portion of the cooked ramen noodles in a bowl. Ladle the hot birria broth over the noodles, ensuring you
Conclusion:
In summary, this Birria Ramen with Beef recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their culinary experience. The rich, savory flavors of the birria meld beautifully with the comforting noodles, creating a dish that is both satisfying and unique. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in or impressing guests at a dinner party, this fusion of Mexican and Japanese cuisine is sure to be a hit. For serving suggestions, consider topping your bowl with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for that extra burst of flavor. You can also experiment with variations by using different proteins like chicken or even a vegetarian option with mushrooms and tofu. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, allowing you to customize it to your taste. I encourage you to give this Birria Ramen with Beef a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how it turns out for you! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media; I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking! PrintBirria Ramen with Beef: A Delicious Fusion of Flavors You Must Try
- Total Time: 210 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This hearty Birria Ramen features tender, spiced beef in a rich broth with ramen noodles, topped with fresh garnishes for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- Beef
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced onion
- Diced radishes
- Shredded cheese
- Lime wedge
Instructions
- Have plenty of beef in each serving.
- Top with chopped cilantro, diced onion, diced radishes, shredded cheese, and a lime wedge on the side for squeezing over the dish.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spice levels by adding more or fewer chiles according to your taste.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated; the flavors will deepen as it sits.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the broth before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes