Ingredients
- Beef or Goat Meat: 2-3 lbs (e.g., short ribs, chuck roast, or shank)
- Dried Chilies: 3 guajillo chilies, 2 ancho chilies, and 2 chipotle chilies
- Tomatoes: 2 large, roasted
- Garlic Cloves: 4-5, peeled
- Onions: 1 medium, roughly chopped
- Spices: 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 2 bay leaves, ½ tsp cinnamon
- Vinegar: 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Beef or Chicken Broth: 4 cups
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: For searing meat
For the Ramen:
- Ramen Noodles: 1 package per serving (fresh or dried)
- Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced white onion
- Lime wedges
- Chili oil or chili flakes (optional for heat)
- Sliced radishes
- Soft-boiled eggs (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Bone Broth Enhancer: For richer flavor
- Cheese: Shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella for a cheesy variation
- Vegetables: Zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots for added nutrition
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Birria Base
- Toast the Chilies: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chilies until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Be careful not to burn them.
- Soak the Chilies: Place the toasted chilies in a bowl, cover with hot water, and let them soak for 10-15 minutes until softened.
- Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, roasted tomatoes, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar. Blend until smooth, adding a little soaking water if needed to create a thick sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
- Sear the Meat: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Season the meat with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Combine Meat and Sauce: Pour the chili sauce into the same pot. Add the beef or chicken broth, bay leaves, and the seared meat. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the Birria: Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Step 3: Cook the Ramen Noodles
- Boil the Noodles: While the birria is simmering, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, rinsing with cold water to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Assemble the Birria Ramen
- Shred the Meat: Once the birria is ready, remove the meat and shred it with two forks. Return it to the pot to soak in the flavorful broth.
- Build Your Bowl: Place a serving of ramen noodles into a bowl. Ladle the hot birria broth over the noodles, ensuring each bowl gets a generous portion of meat.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
- Garnish the Bowl: Top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, radishes, and a squeeze of lime juice. For added spice, drizzle with chili oil or sprinkle chili flakes.
- Optional Add-Ins: Add a soft-boiled egg, sautéed mushrooms, or shredded cheese for extra flavor.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Birria Ramen!
Serve your birria ramen immediately while it’s hot. Pair with a side of warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips for dipping into the broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (with noodles, broth, and toppings)
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg (varies depending on broth and seasoning)
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg