Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles With Miso Garlic Butter Swirl

Craving a comforting and flavorful meal that’s incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles recipe! We’ve taken the classic ramen experience and elevated it with a rich, savory broth infused with miso and garlic, and then swirled in a decadent miso garlic butter. This isn’t your instant ramen – it’s a deeply satisfying, restaurant-quality meal made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Perfect for a chilly evening or when you need a warm hug in a bowl, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth of umami that will leave you wanting more. Get ready to experience ramen like never before!

What You’ll Need

• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (1.5 L / 6 cups): The foundation of our flavorful broth. Using low-sodium allows us to control the saltiness and build the flavor profile with miso and soy sauce. Opt for a good quality broth for the best results – homemade is fantastic if you have the time!
• Water (250 ml / 1 cup): Added to balance the broth and create the perfect consistency.
• Soy Sauce (60 ml / 1/4 cup): Provides a salty, umami-rich base to the broth. We recommend using a naturally brewed soy sauce for a more complex flavor.
• Red Miso Paste (30 g / 2 tbsp): The star of the show! Red miso paste (aka akamiso) has a robust, savory flavor that adds incredible depth to the broth. It’s fermented soybean paste, and a little goes a long way.
• Sesame Oil (15 ml / 1 tbsp): Adds a nutty aroma and flavor that complements the miso beautifully. Toasted sesame oil is preferred for its richer taste.
• Fresh Ginger (2 cm / 1 inch), thinly sliced: Brings a warm, spicy, and slightly citrusy note to the broth. Fresh ginger is essential for the best flavor.
• Garlic (2 cloves), minced: Aromatic and flavorful, garlic adds a pungent kick to the broth.
• Fresh Ramen Noodles (200 g / 7 oz, egg-based): The heart of the ramen! Look for fresh, egg-based ramen noodles for the best texture and flavor. Dried ramen noodles can be used in a pinch, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Chicken Breast (200 g / 7 oz), cut bite-size: Provides protein and adds a savory element to the ramen. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
• Chili Oil (1 tsp / 5 ml), optional: For a touch of heat! Adjust the amount to your preference.
• Unsalted Butter (30 g / 2 tbsp), softened: Creates a rich and creamy swirl in the finished ramen.
• Garlic (1 large clove), roasted and mashed: Roasting the garlic mellows its flavor and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Miso Paste (5 g / 1 tsp) for butter swirl: Enhances the miso flavor in the butter swirl.
• Egg Yolks (2): Adds richness and creaminess to the tahini swirl.
• Tahini (15 ml / 1 tbsp): A sesame seed paste that adds a nutty flavor and creamy texture to the swirl.
• Lemon Juice (5 ml / 1 tsp): Brightens the tahini-egg yolk mixture and balances the richness.
• Salt (pinch): Enhances the flavors.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds (15 g / 1 tbsp): Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Scallions (2), thinly sliced: Provides a fresh, oniony flavor and a pop of color.
• Nori Sheets (2), cut into thin strips: Adds a salty, umami flavor and a delicate texture.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Ramen

1. Prepare the Broth Base: In your slow cooker, combine the low-sodium chicken broth, water, soy sauce, red miso paste, sesame oil, thinly sliced ginger, and minced garlic. Stir vigorously to ensure the miso paste fully dissolves into the liquid. Undissolved miso can create a grainy texture, so take your time with this step.
2. Infuse with Chicken Flavor: Add the bite-sized chicken breast pieces to the broth. This allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious flavors as it cooks.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Set your slow cooker to Low and cook for 4-5 hours, or to High for 2-3 hours. The longer cooking time on low yields a richer, more complex broth. The chicken should be easily shredded with a fork when it’s done.
4. Roast the Garlic: While the broth simmers, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place a whole garlic clove on a small piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with a tiny bit of oil (olive or sesame work well), and wrap it up. Roast for 15 minutes, or until the garlic is very soft and fragrant.
5. Make the Miso Garlic Butter Swirl: Once the roasted garlic is cool enough to handle, mash it with the softened butter and 1 teaspoon of miso paste. Mix thoroughly until well combined. This creates a deeply savory and umami-rich swirl for the finished ramen.
6. Cook the Ramen Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, add the fresh ramen noodles to the slow cooker. Stir gently to submerge them in the broth. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles are just al dente. Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they will continue to soften in the hot broth.
7. Prepare the Tahini-Egg Yolk Swirl: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, tahini, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and glossy. This mixture adds a creamy richness and beautiful visual contrast to the ramen. Keep it at room temperature so it remains pourable.
8. Assemble and Serve: Ladle the hot broth, chicken, and noodles into deep bowls. Place a teaspoon of the roasted garlic-miso butter in the center of each bowl. It will melt beautifully, creating ribbons of flavor. Drizzle the tahini-egg yolk mixture in a thin stream over the top, creating a contrasting swirl.
9. Garnish and Enjoy: Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions, and crisp nori strips. Serve immediately and savor the complex flavors!

Why Slow Cooking Enhances Ramen Flavor

Traditional ramen often involves hours of simmering broth to extract maximum flavor from bones and aromatics. This slow cooker method achieves a similar depth of flavor with significantly less hands-on time. The low and slow cooking process gently breaks down the ingredients, releasing their flavors into the broth. The miso paste, in particular, benefits from this extended cooking time, becoming fully integrated and creating a wonderfully umami-rich base.

The Magic of Miso and Garlic Butter

The combination of miso and garlic butter is a game-changer for ramen. Miso, a fermented soybean paste, provides a savory, salty, and umami-rich foundation. Roasting the garlic mellows its sharpness and adds a subtle sweetness. When combined with butter, it creates a luxurious swirl that coats the noodles and broth, adding incredible depth and richness to every bite. The miso in the butter isn’t just for flavor; it also helps emulsify the butter, creating a smoother, more stable swirl.

Choosing the Right Ramen Noodles

For the best results, use fresh, egg-based ramen noodles. These noodles have a chewier texture and hold up better in the broth than dried noodles. Look for noodles specifically labeled “ramen noodles” at Asian grocery stores or well-stocked supermarkets. If you can’t find fresh noodles, dried ramen noodles can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Customizing Your Ramen

This recipe is a fantastic base for customization! Feel free to add other toppings like soft-boiled eggs, bamboo shoots, spinach, corn, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat. You can also experiment with different types of protein, such as pork belly, shrimp, or tofu. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use different broth? Yes, you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or pork broth for a richer flavor.
• Can I make this ahead of time? The broth can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Add the noodles just before serving.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? Traditional soy sauce contains gluten. Use tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) to make this recipe gluten-free.

This Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with Miso Garlic Butter Swirl is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a delicious and satisfying bowl of ramen. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

recipe slow cooker ramen noodles

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• Author: Alyssa Bennett
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

This Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles recipe delivers a rich, savory broth infused with miso and garlic, topped with a decadent miso garlic butter swirl. It’s an effortless way to enjoy restaurant-quality ramen at home.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 L (6 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
• 250 ml (1 cup) water
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) soy sauce
• 30 g (2 tbsp) red miso paste
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) sesame oil
• 2 cm (1 inch) fresh ginger, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 200 g (7 oz) fresh ramen noodles (egg-based)
• 200 g (7 oz) chicken breast, bite-size
• 5 ml (1 tsp) chili oil (optional)
• 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large clove garlic, roasted and mashed
• 5 g (1 tsp) miso paste (for butter swirl)
• 2 egg yolks
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) tahini
• 5 ml (1 tsp) lemon juice
• Pinch salt
• 15 g (1 tbsp) toasted sesame seeds
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 nori sheets, cut into thin strips

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Instructions

1. Prepare Broth Base: Combine broth, water, soy sauce, miso paste, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in slow cooker; stir well.
2. Add Chicken: Add chicken to broth and stir.
3. Slow Cook: Cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for 2-3 hours, until chicken is tender.
4. Roast Garlic: Roast garlic clove at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes.
5. Make Butter Swirl: Mash roasted garlic with butter and miso paste.
6. Cook Noodles: Add noodles to slow cooker 30 minutes before serving; cook 5-7 minutes until al dente.
7. Prepare Tahini Swirl: Whisk egg yolks, tahini, lemon juice, and salt.
8. Assemble: Ladle ramen into bowls; top with miso garlic butter and tahini swirl.
9. Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, scallions, and nori.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth. Adjust chili oil to your spice preference. Don’t overcook the noodles, as they will continue to soften in the hot broth.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg