Slow Cooker Beef Ramen With Roasted Garlic Miso Butter Swirl

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of ramen on a chilly evening. But what if you could achieve that deeply flavorful, restaurant-quality ramen with minimal effort? This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen with Roasted Garlic Miso Butter Swirl is the answer! We’re taking tender, fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs, slow-cooking them in a rich and savory broth, and then swirling in a luscious roasted garlic miso butter that will absolutely transform your ramen experience. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner. Get ready to slurp your way to happiness!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredient Rundown

• 1 kg (2.2 lb) Beef Short Ribs, Bone-In, Trimmed: We’re using bone-in short ribs for maximum flavor. The bone adds richness to the broth as it slow cooks, and the marbling in the meat ensures it stays incredibly tender. Trimming excess fat helps keep the broth clear, but leaving some fat is essential for flavor.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil like vegetable oil is perfect for searing the short ribs. It has a high smoke point, allowing you to get a good brown on the meat without burning.
• 1 Large Onion, Quartered: The onion forms the aromatic base of our broth. Quartering it allows it to release its flavors slowly during the long cooking process.
• 4 Cloves Garlic, Unpeeled (for Roasting): Roasting the garlic cloves whole mellows their flavor and creates a sweet, caramelized taste that’s perfect for the miso butter swirl. Keeping the skins on prevents burning.
• 1 Carrot, Sliced: Adds a touch of sweetness and color to the broth. Slicing it ensures it cooks through and contributes to the overall flavor profile.
• 1 Celery Stalk, Sliced: Similar to the carrot, celery adds depth and complexity to the broth.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Soy Sauce (or Tamari): Provides a salty, umami-rich base for the broth. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the beef and miso.
• 1 tsp (5 g) Granulated Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps to round out the flavors and enhance the savory notes.
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Sesame Oil: A little sesame oil goes a long way! It adds a nutty aroma and flavor that’s characteristic of Asian cuisine.
• 1.5 L (6 cup) Water: The liquid base for our slow-cooked broth.
• 2 tbsp (30 g) White Miso Paste: White miso (shiro miso) is milder and sweeter than other types of miso, making it ideal for this recipe. It adds a wonderful umami depth to the broth and the butter swirl.
• 2 tbsp (30 g) Unsalted Butter (or Plant-Based Butter): The butter creates a rich and creamy swirl in the broth, adding luxurious texture and flavor.
• 4 Cloves Roasted Garlic, Peeled (from the unpeeled cloves above): The star of the show! Roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow, and incredibly fragrant flavor to the miso butter swirl.
• 200 g (7 oz) Fresh Ramen Noodles (or Dried Ramen Noodles): Choose your favorite type of ramen noodles. Fresh noodles have a chewier texture, while dried noodles are more convenient.
• 2 Green Onions, Thinly Sliced: Adds a fresh, vibrant garnish and a mild onion flavor.
• 1 tsp (5 g) Toasted Sesame Seeds: Provides a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Chili Oil (optional, for heat): For those who like a little spice! Chili oil adds a fiery kick to the ramen.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef Ramen

1. Sear the Beef Short Ribs: Pat the beef short ribs completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season them lightly with salt. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the short ribs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Browning the meat adds depth of flavor to the final broth. Transfer the seared ribs to your slow cooker.
2. Add Aromatics and Liquids: Add the quartered onion, sliced carrot, and sliced celery to the slow cooker with the beef. These vegetables will infuse the broth with sweetness and savory notes. Add the unpeeled garlic cloves directly into the slow cooker – they will roast and become incredibly sweet and flavorful during the cooking process. Pour in the soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), rice vinegar, granulated sugar, and sesame oil. Finally, add the water, ensuring the ribs are mostly submerged.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours. The longer cooking time on low allows the beef to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld beautifully. Check for tenderness – the meat should easily fall off the bone when pierced with a fork.
4. Strain the Broth: Once the beef is cooked, carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and set them aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the cooked vegetables and unpeeled garlic cloves. This step ensures a clear and flavorful broth. Return the strained broth to the slow cooker.
5. Create the Miso-Garlic Butter Swirl: While the broth is still hot, whisk in the white miso paste, butter (or plant-based butter), and the peeled roasted garlic. Continue whisking until the butter is completely melted and the mixture forms a glossy, emulsified swirl. The miso adds umami and depth, while the roasted garlic provides a sweet and savory aroma.
6. Shred the Beef: Once the beef is cool enough to handle, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker with the broth, or keep it separate for serving.
7. Cook the Ramen Noodles: Cook the ramen noodles in a large pot of boiling water according to the package directions (usually 2-3 minutes). Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they will continue to soften in the hot broth. Drain the noodles and briefly rinse under warm water to stop the cooking process.
8. Assemble and Serve: Place a portion of cooked ramen noodles in a deep bowl. Top with the shredded beef. Ladle the hot miso-garlic broth over the noodles and beef. Using a spoon, gently swirl the miso-garlic butter on the surface of the broth to create a beautiful and flavorful ribbon. Garnish with a drizzle of chili oil (if using), a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and a generous handful of thinly sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

The Magic of Roasted Garlic in Ramen

Roasting the garlic cloves alongside the other aromatics isn’t just about convenience; it transforms the garlic’s flavor profile. Raw garlic can be quite pungent, but roasting mellows it out, creating a sweet, almost caramelized flavor that complements the savory miso and beef beautifully. The roasted garlic infuses the entire broth with its subtle sweetness, adding a layer of complexity that elevates the ramen to another level.

Why Slow Cooking is Ideal for Beef Ramen

Slow cooking is the key to achieving incredibly tender beef and a deeply flavorful broth. The low and slow cooking process breaks down the tough connective tissues in the short ribs, resulting in fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Simultaneously, it allows the flavors of the beef, vegetables, and seasonings to meld together over time, creating a rich and complex broth that is the heart of this ramen.

Tips for the Best Miso-Garlic Butter Swirl

The miso-garlic butter swirl is the signature element of this ramen. To ensure a perfect swirl, make sure the broth is hot when you whisk in the miso paste and butter. This will help the butter melt quickly and emulsify properly with the miso. Don’t over-whisk, as this can cause the butter to separate. A gentle whisking motion is all you need to create a glossy, flavorful swirl.

Ramen Noodle Selection

While fresh ramen noodles are preferred for their texture and chewiness, dried ramen noodles can also be used. If using dried noodles, be sure to follow the package directions for cooking time. Look for ramen noodles that are specifically designed for soup, as they tend to hold their shape better in the broth. Experiment with different types of ramen noodles to find your favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?

While short ribs are ideal for their richness and tenderness, you can substitute chuck roast. However, chuck roast may require a longer cooking time to become tender.

Can I make this ramen vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the beef with firm or extra-firm tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of water. Ensure your miso paste is vegetarian-friendly (some contain fish products).

How can I adjust the spice level?

The chili oil is optional. Start with a small amount and add more to taste. You can also use other chili sauces or flakes to adjust the heat.

This Slow Cooker Beef Ramen with Roasted Garlic Miso Butter Swirl is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

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