Birria Ramen
Birria Ramen is a medium Mexican Fusion recipe that serves 4. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by More Nick on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 3 hrs 10 min | Total: 4 hrs
Cost: $33.10 total, $8.27 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Beef Chuck (cut into 1‑inch cubes)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 3 Jalapeño Chiles (seeds removed, roughly chopped)
- 2 Tomatoes (seeds removed, diced)
- 2 Tbsp Mexican Spice Blend (store‑bought or homemade (cumin, coriander, paprika, oregano))
- 6 cup Water
- 2 packs Ramen Noodles (any brand, discard seasoning packet)
- 1 cup Oaxaca Cheese (shredded)
- 0.25 cup Cilantro (chopped)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients
Remove seeds from the jalapeños and tomatoes, then cube the beef, mince the garlic, dice the onion, and roughly chop the chiles and tomatoes.
Time: PT10M
Combine Braising Ingredients
In a large Dutch oven, add the cubed beef, minced garlic, diced onion, chopped chiles, diced tomatoes, Mexican spice blend, and water. Season with salt and pepper, then stir to combine.
Time: PT5M
Oven‑Braise the Beef
Cover the Dutch oven with its lid or tightly with foil and place it in a pre‑heated oven at 300°F. Bake for 3 hours, or until the beef is fork‑tender.
Time: PT3H
Temperature: 300°F
Blend the Broth
Remove the pot from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Transfer the beef and cooking liquid to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and puree until smooth. Blend in batches and vent the lid to avoid steam burns.
Time: PT5M
Simmer the Pureed Broth
Return the blended broth to a clean pot on the stovetop and bring to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Cook the Ramen Noodles
Add the ramen noodles to the simmering broth and cook according to package instructions, usually 3‑4 minutes, until al dente.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: boiling
Plate and Garnish
Ladle the noodles and broth into bowls, top with pieces of the tender braised beef, sprinkle shredded Oaxaca cheese, and finish with chopped cilantro.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 550
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 60g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Contains meat, High protein, Can be made vegetarian by substituting beef with mushrooms
Allergens: Dairy (Oaxaca cheese), Gluten (ramen noodles)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Beef Chuck: beef stew meat, boneless short ribs
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Onion: shallots
- Instead of Jalapeño Chiles: serrano chiles, chipotle in adobo (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Tomatoes: canned diced tomatoes (1 cup)
- Instead of Mexican Spice Blend: taco seasoning
- Instead of Ramen Noodles: egg noodles, udon
- Instead of Oaxaca Cheese: mozzarella, queso fresco
- Instead of Cilantro: parsley
Equipment Needed
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Dutch Oven or Oven‑Safe Pot
- Blender or Immersion Blender
- Stovetop Pot
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ladle
- Serving Bowls
- Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Oven‑braise the beef at low temperature for 3 hours to achieve tenderness
- Blend the hot broth carefully to avoid steam burns
- Cook the ramen noodles just until al dente to prevent mushiness
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality Mexican spice blend for authentic flavor.
- Fresh cilantro added at the end preserves its bright aroma.
- If Oaxaca cheese is unavailable, use a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for similar melt.
Troubleshooting
Beef is not tender after 3 hours
Continue braising for an additional 30‑45 minutes, checking every 15 minutes.
Broth is too thin
Simmer uncovered for 10‑15 minutes to reduce, or add a splash of soy sauce for depth.
Soup is too salty
Add more water or unsalted broth and adjust seasoning gradually.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store broth and beef separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze broth and beef in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Braise the beef and blend the broth up to 2 days ahead; store in the refrigerator and reheat before adding noodles.
- The Oaxaca cheese can be shredded and kept refrigerated in an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Video Ramen with Tender Beef, Oaxaca Cheese, and Cilantro in Mexican‑Japanese fusion cuisine?
While ramen originates from Japan, Mexican chefs have embraced it by adding bold Mexican spices, chiles, and regional cheeses like Oaxaca, creating a cross‑cultural comfort dish that reflects modern global food trends.
How does Video Ramen with Tender Beef, Oaxaca Cheese, and Cilantro reflect traditional Mexican flavor profiles?
The dish incorporates classic Mexican ingredients—jalapeño chiles, tomatoes, and a Mexican spice blend—alongside the umami‑rich broth, marrying the heat and earthiness of Mexican cuisine with the silky texture of Japanese ramen.
What regional variations of Mexican‑style ramen exist across Mexico?
In northern Mexico, cooks may use beef brisket and poblano chiles, while southern versions might feature shrimp, epazote, and cotija cheese, each adapting local ingredients to the ramen format.
During which celebrations or occasions is a comforting bowl like Video Ramen with Tender Beef, Oaxaca Cheese, and Cilantro traditionally enjoyed in Mexican households?
This hearty ramen is popular during cooler evenings, family gatherings, and after‑work comfort meals, especially on rainy days or during holiday seasons when families seek warm, filling dishes.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Video Ramen with Tender Beef, Oaxaca Cheese, and Cilantro, and what are acceptable substitutes?
Key ingredients include beef chuck, Mexican spice blend, jalapeño chiles, tomatoes, Oaxaca cheese, and cilantro. Substitutes can be beef stew meat, taco seasoning, serrano chiles, canned diced tomatoes, mozzarella, or parsley if needed.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with Video Ramen with Tender Beef, Oaxaca Cheese, and Cilantro?
Serve alongside guacamole, esquites (Mexican street corn), or a simple cucumber‑lime salad to balance the richness of the ramen and add fresh contrast.
How has the concept of ramen been adapted in Mexican cuisine over time?
Ramen arrived in Mexico through Japanese immigration, and over recent decades Mexican chefs have infused it with local chilies, spices, and cheeses, turning it into a fusion staple that reflects Mexico’s love for bold, layered flavors.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Video Ramen with Tender Beef, Oaxaca Cheese, and Cilantro?
Common errors include over‑cooking the noodles, under‑seasoning the broth, and blending the hot broth without venting, which can cause steam burns. Follow the low‑heat braise and blend carefully for best results.
Why does this recipe use a low oven temperature of 300°F for braising instead of a higher temperature?
A low temperature gently breaks down collagen in the beef over several hours, producing melt‑in‑your‑mouth tenderness without drying out the meat, which is essential for a silky ramen broth.
What does the YouTube channel More Nick specialize in?
The YouTube channel More Nick focuses on creative, comfort‑food recipes that blend familiar dishes with unexpected flavor twists, often featuring step‑by‑step tutorials and home‑cooking hacks.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
