Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles

The slow cooker method works wonders for ramen noodles, transforming a simple dish into something truly comforting. The long, slow simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich, savory broth that’s just bursting with depth. As the ingredients slowly cook, the smell wafts through the house, making your stomach growl with anticipation. It’s the kind of aroma that wraps you up like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

One of my favorite things about making slow cooker ramen is the way the noodles soften and absorb all the goodness from the broth, creating the perfect texture—tender but not mushy. I love throwing in a few extra veggies or toppings like sliced mushrooms, fresh herbs, or even a soft-boiled egg for an extra pop of flavor. The beauty of slow cooker ramen is that you can truly make it your own, adjusting the seasoning or adding any little extras you might have in your pantry. I’ve found that the more you play around with it, the better it gets!

And the best part? It’s one of those meals that gets better as it sits. Leftovers the next day are absolutely delicious, as the broth continues to infuse the noodles and toppings with even more flavor. This dish is perfect for meal prepping or making a big batch for a cozy dinner with friends and family. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the simple joy of homemade ramen.

Key Ingredients in Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles

The beauty of this slow cooker ramen lies in the balance of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each one brings a unique layer of flavor, making every spoonful of broth-packed noodles a delight. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and what they contribute to the dish:

• Chicken Broth: This is the base of your ramen, providing a rich, savory foundation that adds depth to the entire dish. The longer it simmers, the more complex the flavor becomes.
• Water: Paired with the chicken broth, water helps to create the perfect balance of liquid for your ramen, ensuring the noodles are just right and the broth isn’t too salty.
• Instant Ramen Noodles: These are the stars of the dish! They soak up all the delicious broth, turning tender without losing their signature texture. Plus, they cook up quickly in the slow cooker.
• Soy Sauce: Adds that essential umami flavor that deepens the overall taste of the ramen. It gives the broth its signature savory kick, enhancing the flavors of everything else.
• Sesame Oil: A small amount goes a long way in adding a nutty, fragrant touch that complements the soy sauce and rounds out the flavor profile of the broth.
• Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic brings a burst of aromatic flavor. It’s one of those ingredients that makes your kitchen smell amazing while it cooks, and it infuses the broth with a subtle sharpness.
• Grated Ginger: Ginger adds a warm, zesty kick to the ramen, perfectly balancing the richness of the broth with a little bit of spice and depth.
• Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to offset the saltiness of the soy sauce and the heat from the pepper flakes. It helps to round out the flavors and creates a smooth finish.
• Rice Vinegar: A little acidity is essential to brighten up the dish. Rice vinegar brings a mild tanginess that helps cut through the richness of the broth and complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
• Red Pepper Flakes: These provide a mild, warm heat that enhances the flavor of the broth without overpowering it. Just the right amount of spice to make things interesting.
• Green Onions: Freshly sliced green onions add a bit of crunch and a pop of color to your ramen. They also bring a mild onion flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory broth.
• Boiled Eggs: A ramen classic! The creamy, yolky center of the eggs adds richness and texture, making each bite extra satisfying. It’s like the perfect finishing touch.
• Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken adds protein and heartiness to the ramen, making it more of a complete meal. Plus, it absorbs all that tasty broth, becoming flavorful with every bite.
• Spinach: Tender spinach leaves add a nice green element to your ramen, adding a hint of earthiness and a pop of color that brightens up the dish.
• Corn Kernels: Sweet corn adds a little burst of sweetness and texture, making the ramen even more satisfying and a bit unexpected in the best way.

How to Make Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles

The slow cooker method works wonders for ramen noodles

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A handful of fresh cilantro or basil adds a burst of freshness and an aromatic lift to each bowl. If you’re feeling fancy, a squeeze of lime over the top brings a zesty kick that’s absolutely mouthwatering.

2. Serve with Crispy Shallots or Fried Garlic: Want a little crunch? Sprinkle some crispy shallots or fried garlic over the ramen right before serving. The crispy texture pairs beautifully with the tender noodles and broth, giving every bite a delightful contrast.

3. Pair with a Side of Gyoza or Tempura: For a complete meal, serve your ramen alongside some crispy gyoza or tempura vegetables. The combination of flavors and textures creates the ultimate cozy dinner experience—like a mini ramen feast that’ll make you feel like you’re dining in your favorite Japanese restaurant!

How to Store Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles

When it comes to storing slow cooker ramen, the goal is to keep the flavors intact and the noodles at their best. First, if you have leftovers, let the ramen cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps avoid any condensation that could make the noodles soggy. Once cooled, transfer the ramen to an airtight container, making sure to store the broth and noodles together to keep them from drying out. It’s best to store it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

If you’ve made a larger batch and want to keep it for longer, freezing is a great option. Just be aware that the noodles may become a bit softer when reheated, but the flavors will still shine through. To freeze, portion the ramen into individual servings and store them in freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to bring it back to life.

Another tip for keeping your ramen fresh is to store the toppings separately. The boiled eggs, shredded chicken, and spinach can be kept in separate containers to prevent them from getting mushy or overcooked in the broth. This way, when you’re ready to eat, you can add them in fresh, preserving that perfect texture and flavor contrast.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your very own bowl of cozy, slow-cooked ramen! It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for those days when you want to feel warm and comforted without spending all day in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with a rich, flavorful broth and tender noodles that practically melt in your mouth.

The beauty of this ramen recipe is that it’s completely customizable. You can tweak the flavors, play around with toppings, or add whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or just to enjoy as a treat, it’s bound to bring a smile to your face.

I’d love to hear what you think about the recipe! Have you tried it? Or maybe you’ve got your own spin on it? Drop a comment below or let me know if you have any questions or need a little help making it. I’m always here to chat about food, cooking tips, and, of course, ramen. Happy cooking, and enjoy your bowl of homemade goodness!

Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 4 hrs Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 4 hrs 15 mins

Calories: 450

Description

Tender ramen noodles slow-cooked to perfection in a savory broth, bursting with rich umami flavors. The broth simmers with spices, garlic, and soy, creating a cozy, comforting meal that's both satisfying and oh-so-delicious! Perfect for any night.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups water

• 2 packs instant ramen noodles

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

• 2 teaspoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 2 green onions, sliced

• 2 boiled eggs, halved

• ¹⁄₂ cup cooked chicken, shredded

• ¹⁄₂ cup spinach

• ¹⁄₄ cup corn kernels

Instructions

1. In a slow cooker, combine the chicken broth and water, stirring gently to mix.
2. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and brown sugar to the slow cooker.
3. Stir the mixture until the brown sugar has fully dissolved and all the ingredients are well combined.
4. Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 2 hours.
5. After the cooking time has passed, open the lid and add the instant ramen noodles, breaking them up into smaller pieces if desired.
6. Stir the noodles into the broth mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged in the liquid.
7. Cover the slow cooker again and let the noodles cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until they are soft and cooked through.
8. While the noodles are cooking, prepare the boiled eggs by placing them in a pot of water, bringing it to a boil, and then simmering for 10 minutes.
9. Once the eggs are boiled, remove them from the water, cool them under cold running water, peel the shells, and slice the eggs in half.
10. Shred the cooked chicken into small pieces, ensuring it is evenly separated.
11. Wash the spinach thoroughly and set it aside to drain.
12. Once the ramen noodles are fully cooked, stir in the red pepper flakes, sliced green onions, shredded chicken, spinach, and corn kernels.
13. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is heated through.
14. Serve the ramen by ladling it into bowls, topping each serving with a halved boiled egg.
15. Gently stir the ingredients together before serving to ensure an even distribution of toppings.
16. Enjoy your slow-cooked ramen noodles while hot.

Note

• For a richer flavor, consider using low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Feel free to swap out the cooked chicken for any protein you prefer, such as pork, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• If you like your ramen spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• To add more depth to the broth, you can stir in a tablespoon of miso paste along with the soy sauce and sesame oil.
• For a more filling meal, serve the ramen with extra vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or bok choy.

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