Slow Cooker Ramen

Slow Cooker Ramen is a cozy, flavorful, and hands-off way to enjoy a bowl of rich ramen noodles at home. With tender protein, umami-packed broth, vegetables, and noodles all made in one pot, it’s a satisfying and customizable meal perfect for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy, set-it-and-forget-it cooking
• Deep, developed flavor with minimal effort
• Adaptable with beef, chicken, pork, tofu, or vegan options
• Kid-friendly and great for meal prep
• One-pot convenience with fresh, slurpable results

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Protein: chicken thighs, pork shoulder, ground beef, or tofu
• Aromatics: garlic, ginger, onion
• Broth: chicken, beef, or vegetable
• Soy sauce, sesame oil, and optional miso paste
• Brown sugar or honey
• Mushrooms, carrots, bok choy, or slaw mix
• Ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
• Toppings: soft-boiled eggs, green onions, sesame seeds, chili oil

directions

1. Add your chosen protein, aromatics, broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sweetener to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 4–8 hours (timing depends on the protein used).
3. Remove and shred or slice protein if needed. Optionally broil for crispy texture, then return to the slow cooker.
4. Turn heat to high, add ramen noodles, and cook for 5–10 minutes until tender.
5. Stir in vegetables like bok choy or mushrooms in the final minutes.
6. Ladle into bowls and top with soft-boiled eggs, green onions, and your favorite garnishes.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep time: 15–20 minutes
• Cook time: 4–8 hours (varies by protein)
• Total time: 4–8 hours and 20 minutes

Variations

• Use pork shoulder for a rich, shreddable topping
• Add miso paste for extra umami depth
• Make it spicy with chili paste or sriracha
• Go vegan with tofu, mushrooms, and veggie broth
• Swap in soba or rice noodles for a different texture

storage/reheating

• Store broth and noodles separately to avoid sogginess
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days
• Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding broth if needed
• Freeze broth and protein separately; avoid freezing noodles

FAQs

1. Can I use different noodles?

Yes, soba, udon, rice noodles, or even spaghetti can work.

2. Do I need to brown the meat first?

Browning adds flavor but is optional.

3. How do I avoid mushy noodles?

Add noodles near the end and cook just until tender.

4. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

The broth and protein freeze well, but noodles should be added fresh.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.

6. Can I prep it the night before?

Absolutely—add everything to the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight.

7. Can I use store-bought ramen packs?

Yes, just discard the seasoning packets and use the noodles only.

8. What are the best toppings?

Soft-boiled eggs, green onions, sesame seeds, chili oil, and bok choy are great choices.

9. Can I use leftover cooked meat?

Yes, add it in the last hour of cooking to warm through.

10. Is it spicy?

Not by default—adjust heat with chili paste or oil as desired.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Ramen makes it easy to enjoy a steaming bowl of rich, noodle-filled comfort food with minimal effort. Whether you prefer pork, chicken, tofu, or veggies, this customizable recipe delivers deep flavor and hearty satisfaction every time. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or prepping ahead for the days to come.

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