Trader Joe’s Beef Birria Ramen Hack
Trader Joe’s Beef Birria Ramen Hack is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Taylor Jackzen on YouTube.
Prep: 2 min | Cook: 6 min | Total: 10 min
Cost: $7.69 total, $3.85 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 cups Trader Joe's Beef Broth (Thawed if frozen; use the whole carton for two servings)
- 2 packages Ramen Noodles (Break apart if large; cook according to package instructions (usually 3 minutes))
- 0.25 medium Onion (Thinly sliced; can substitute with scallions for a milder flavor)
- 1 large Egg (Soft‑boiled; peel and halve before serving)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Cilantro (Chopped; used as garnish)
Instructions
Thaw the Beef Broth
Remove the frozen Trader Joe's beef broth from the freezer, place it in a microwave‑safe container, and microwave on high for 30‑45 seconds, stirring halfway through, until fully liquid.
Time: PT2M
Bring Broth to a Boil
Pour the thawed broth into a medium saucepan and set over high heat. Bring to a rolling boil, skimming any foam that rises to the surface.
Time: PT3M
Soft‑Boil the Egg
While the broth is heating, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Gently lower the egg into the water, boil for 6 minutes, then transfer to an ice‑water bath for 1 minute before peeling.
Time: PT6M
Cook the Ramen Noodles
Add the ramen noodles to the boiling broth. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring gently to separate the strands, until al dente.
Time: PT3M
Prepare Toppings
Thinly slice the onion and chop the cilantro. Halve the soft‑boiled egg.
Time: PT1M
Assemble the Ramen Bowls
Ladle the broth and noodles into two serving bowls. Top each with sliced onion, a halved soft‑boiled egg, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 15g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 10g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains beef, Contains gluten
Allergens: Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Trader Joe's Beef Broth: Store‑bought beef stock, Homemade beef broth
- Instead of Ramen Noodles: Fresh ramen noodles, Instant ramen without seasoning packet
- Instead of Onion: Scallions, Shallots
- Instead of Egg: Poached egg, Soft‑boiled quail egg
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: Fresh parsley, Thai basil
Equipment Needed
- Medium Saucepan
- Ladle
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Small Pot for Egg
- Timer
- Serving Bowls
- Slotted Spoon (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Thaw the beef broth completely before heating.
- Bring the broth to a rolling boil.
- Soft‑boil the egg for exactly 6 minutes.
- Do not overcook the ramen noodles.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a splash of mirin or a teaspoon of miso paste to the broth for extra umami.
- For a spicy kick, drizzle a little chili oil over the finished bowl.
- If you like extra texture, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed nori on top.
Troubleshooting
Noodles become mushy.
Cook the noodles for the minimum time indicated on the package and remove the bowl from the heat immediately. If the broth is too hot, add a splash of cold water to stop further cooking.
Egg is overcooked and the yolk is hard.
Reduce the boiling time to 5‑5.5 minutes and plunge the egg into ice water for at least 1 minute to halt cooking.
Broth tastes bland.
Season with a dash of soy sauce, a drizzle of sesame oil, or a pinch of chili flakes to boost flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover broth in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving; keep noodles separate to avoid sogginess.
Freezer: Not recommended because the soft‑boiled egg does not freeze well.
Room temperature: Do not leave the assembled ramen at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the beef broth ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
- Soft‑boil the egg a few hours in advance; keep it refrigerated and add just before serving.
- Pre‑slice the onion and chop cilantro; store in an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of ramen in Japanese cuisine?
Ramen originated in China but became a staple of Japanese street food in the early 20th century. Over decades it evolved into countless regional styles, each with its own broth base, noodle texture, and toppings, making it a beloved comfort dish across Japan.
What are the traditional regional variations of ramen in Japan?
Japan boasts many ramen styles, such as Hakata tonkotsu (pork bone broth), Sapporo miso ramen, Tokyo shoyu (soy sauce) ramen, and Kitakata shio (salt) ramen. Each region emphasizes different broth flavors, noodle thickness, and typical toppings.
How is ramen traditionally served in Japan?
Ramen is typically served in a large bowl with hot broth, noodles, and toppings like sliced pork (chashu), soft‑boiled egg, green onions, nori, and bamboo shoots. Diners eat it immediately while steaming hot, often slurping the noodles to enhance flavor.
What occasions or celebrations is ramen traditionally associated with in Japanese culture?
Ramen is a casual, everyday comfort food rather than a ceremonial dish, but it’s popular during winter festivals, late‑night meals, and as a quick lunch for workers and students.
What authentic ingredients are used in traditional Japanese ramen versus the Trader Joe's beef broth hack?
Traditional ramen uses a broth made from simmered pork bones, chicken, seafood, or a combination, often flavored with soy sauce, miso, or salt. The Trader Joe's hack simplifies this by using a ready‑made beef broth, which provides a rich base but lacks the depth of a long‑simmered stock.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with this Trader Joe's Beef Broth Ramen?
Serve the ramen alongside gyoza (Japanese dumplings), a simple cucumber sunomono salad, or a side of edamame for a balanced Japanese‑style meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Trader Joe's Beef Broth Ramen?
Common errors include overcooking the noodles, under‑ or over‑cooking the soft‑boiled egg, and not bringing the broth to a full boil before adding noodles, which can result in a lukewarm bowl.
Why does this recipe use a soft‑boiled egg instead of a raw egg?
A soft‑boiled egg provides a creamy yolk that enriches the broth without the risk of raw egg consumption. It also adds texture contrast and traditional authenticity to ramen.
Can I make Trader Joe's Beef Broth Ramen ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Store the broth and cooked noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the broth, briefly warm the noodles, and add a freshly soft‑boiled egg just before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the ramen is done?
The broth should be steaming hot and slightly glossy. Noodles should be tender yet firm to the bite (al dente). The soft‑boiled egg should have a set white and a runny yolk, and the toppings should be bright and fresh.
What does the YouTube channel Taylor Jackzen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Taylor Jackzen focuses on quick, budget‑friendly cooking hacks using readily available grocery store items, often highlighting convenience products and simple techniques for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Taylor Jackzen's approach to Japanese‑inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Taylor Jackzen emphasizes speed and accessibility, using pre‑made ingredients like Trader Joe's broth to recreate Japanese flavors in under 10 minutes, whereas many other channels may focus on traditional, time‑intensive preparations.
What other Japanese‑style recipes is the YouTube channel Taylor Jackzen known for?
Taylor Jackzen is also known for fast versions of miso soup using store‑bought miso paste, quick teriyaki chicken made with pre‑marinated cuts, and simple sushi bowl hacks using ready‑made sushi rice mixes.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
