These Ground Beef Ramen Recipe with Hoisin Sauce is made with ramen, ground beef, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, jalapeños, lime juice, and cilantro.

Ground beef ramen is a popular and versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit personal preferences. It can be made in a variety of styles, such as shoyu (soy sauce-based), miso (fermented soybean-based), tonkotsu (pork bone-based), or shio (salt-based) broth. The ground beef can be seasoned with different spices and sauces, such as garlic, ginger, sesame oil, oyster sauce, or hoisin sauce, to add depth and richness to the dish.

This Ground Beef Ramen with Hoisin Sauce are the real deal and only takes 20 minutes to make. They run on the spicy side since I added sriracha, which you can adjust. There are many variations to Ground Beef Spicy Ramen but this is my favorite.

Jump to:

• What is Ground Beef Ramen?
• Does ground beef taste good in ramen?
• Beef Ramen Recipe Ingredients
• How to make Ground Beef Ramen Recipe
• What can I mix with beef ramen?
• What to serve with Ground Beef Ramen
• Substitutions
• What seasonings make beef ramen better?
• Ground Beef Ramen Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store
• Ground Beef Ramen Recipe Top tips
• Spicy Beef Ramen Noodles Recipe
• Food safety

What is Ground Beef Ramen?

Ground beef ramen is a dish that combines traditional Japanese ramen noodles with ground beef as the main protein source. It typically features a flavorful broth, cooked ramen noodles, and ground beef that is seasoned with various herbs, spices, and sauces. The dish may also include other ingredients such as vegetables, eggs, and garnishes for added flavor and texture.

Ground beef ramen can be a comforting and flavorful meal that is perfect for colder weather or when you're in the mood for a bowl of delicious Asian-inspired noodles. It's a great option for those who enjoy the rich flavors of ramen but prefer a beef-based protein.

Does ground beef taste good in ramen?

Ground beef can add a unique flavor and texture to ramen, creating a fusion of Western and Asian culinary elements. The richness of the beef can complement the savory broth, and it adds a hearty quality to the dish. To enhance the experience, you can season the beef with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, or other Asian-inspired spices.

Beef Ramen Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Ground beef
• Hoisin sauce
• Soy Sauce
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar
• Honey
• Garlic
• Vegetable oil
• Ramen noodles
• Jalapeno
• Lime
• Cilantro

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make Ground Beef Ramen Recipe

What can I mix with beef ramen?

• Vegetables: Add a mix of vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, bok choy, spinach, bean sprouts, green onions, or bell peppers. These can provide freshness and nutritional value.
• Proteins: Aside from ground beef, consider adding other proteins like sliced beef strips, shredded chicken, tofu, or a poached egg. This adds complexity to the dish.
• Herbs and Spices: Elevate the flavor with herbs like cilantro, basil, or parsley. Sprinkle some chili flakes or sesame seeds for an extra kick.
• Sauces: Customize the broth with sauces like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Sriracha, or sesame oil. These can add depth and a touch of sweetness or spice.
• Nuts or Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts can provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Lime or Lemon: Squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice over the ramen to add a burst of citrusy freshness.

What to serve with Ground Beef Ramen

• Gyoza (Japanese dumplings): Gyoza, also known as potstickers, are a popular Japanese appetizer that can be served alongside ground beef ramen. They are typically filled with a savory meat and vegetable mixture, pan-fried until crispy, and served with a dipping sauce.
• Roasted vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables can add freshness and balance to the rich flavors of ground beef ramen. Try serving steamed broccoli, air fried bok choy, or stir-fried mixed vegetables as a side dish.
• Edamame: Edamame, young soybean pods, are a popular Japanese snack that can also be served as a side dish with ground beef ramen. They can be boiled, steamed, or stir-fried with seasonings like garlic, sesame oil, or soy sauce.

Substitutions

• Soy Sauce: If you don’t have you can use coconut or liquid aminos.
• Sesame oil: This can be found in the ethnic food section of your local grocery store.
• Rice Vinegar: If you can’t find rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
• Hoisin Sauce: You can use a premade garlic teriyaki or bean paste.
• Honey: A good substitute for honey is maple syrup or brown sugar. You can use equal parts.
• Sriracha: Sriracha is generically the most common Asian hot sauce you can find. If you cannot find this, Gochujang, chili garlic sauce, and sambal oelek works just as well!

What seasonings make beef ramen better?

• Soy Sauce: Adds a savory and salty flavor, enhancing the overall umami profile.
• Sesame Oil: A small drizzle of sesame oil can bring a rich, nutty taste to the broth.
• Garlic: Whether minced or in powder form, garlic adds a robust and aromatic element to the dish.
• Ginger: Freshly grated or ground ginger can provide warmth and depth to the broth.
• Chili Sauce or Sriracha: For those who enjoy some heat, adding chili sauce or Sriracha can spice up your ramen.
• Rice Vinegar: Offers a slightly tangy and sweet flavor, balancing the richness of the broth.
• Mirin or Rice Wine: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the broth.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper can enhance the overall taste with its bold and peppery notes.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions make for a flavorful garnish, adding a mild onion flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds contribute a nutty flavor and a pleasant crunch.

Ground Beef Ramen Recipe Variations

• Spicy Beef Ramen: Add some heat to your ramen by incorporating spicy elements such as chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes. You can adjust the level of spiciness to your liking. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go.
• Mushroom Beef Ramen: Boost the umami flavor by adding mushrooms to your ground beef ramen. You can use a variety of mushrooms such as shiitake, cremini, or oyster mushrooms, and sauté them with the ground beef for a delicious and earthy twist.
• Thai-style Beef Ramen: Infuse your ramen with Thai flavors by using Thai curry paste, coconut milk, and fish sauce in the broth. Add some bean sprouts, cilantro, and lime juice as toppings for a burst of freshness and tanginess. Check out my Thai Curry Udon Chicken Soup.
• Teriyaki Beef Ramen: Incorporate the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki sauce into your ramen by marinating the ground beef in teriyaki sauce before cooking. You can also add some sliced bell peppers, carrots, and green onions for added crunch and color.
• Korean-style Beef Ramen: Give your ramen a Korean twist by using Korean red pepper paste (gochujang) and Korean soybean paste (doenjang) in the broth. Add some kimchi, sliced beef, and a soft-boiled egg as toppings for a burst of flavor and texture.

Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: This dutch oven will be used to cook the broth and simmer the ramen noodles.
• Wok or skillet: You'll need a wok or skillet to cook the ground beef and other ingredients for the ramen.
• Cutting board and knife: For chopping and preparing vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients.
• Mixing bowls: To marinate the ground beef or prepare sauces and seasonings.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and sautéing the ground beef and other ingredients.
• Ladle or soup spoon: To serve the ramen broth.
• Soup bowls or ramen bowls: To serve the finished ground beef ramen.
• Strainer or colander: To drain and rinse the ramen noodles.

How to store

• Cool the ramen: Allow the ground beef ramen to cool to room temperature before storing it. Avoid storing hot ramen in a sealed container, as it can create condensation and lead to soggy noodles.
• Separate broth and noodles: If possible, store the broth and noodles separately. The noodles can become mushy if stored in the broth for an extended period of time. You can drain the noodles and store them in a separate container, or keep them in a separate section of the container if storing them together.
• Use airtight containers: Store the ground beef ramen in airtight containers or resealable bags to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor and texture of the ramen.
• Label and date: Clearly label the containers with the contents and date of storage so that you can easily identify them later.
• Refrigerate or freeze: Store the ground beef ramen in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. If you need to store it for a longer period of time, you can freeze it for up to 1-2 months. However, keep in mind that the quality of the noodles may degrade slightly after freezing.
• Reheat properly: When reheating the stored ground beef ramen, be sure to heat it thoroughly to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. You can reheat it in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven, depending on your preference.

Ground Beef Ramen Recipe Top tips

• Choose the right cut of ground beef: For ground beef ramen, it's best to use lean ground beef, such as ground sirloin or ground chuck. These cuts of beef are flavorful and have a good meat-to-fat ratio, which will result in a tasty and not overly greasy ramen.
• Use quality ramen noodles: Look for authentic ramen noodles, which can usually be found in the refrigerated or frozen section of Asian grocery stores. These noodles are typically egg-based and have a chewy texture that adds authenticity to your ground beef ramen.
• Customize the broth: The broth is a crucial element in ramen, so take the time to prepare a flavorful broth. You can use a combination of beef or chicken broth, soy sauce, miso paste, sake, mirin, and other seasonings to create a rich and savory broth. Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences.
• Add variety of vegetables: Ramen is often served with a variety of vegetables, so feel free to add in your favorite veggies. Common options include sliced mushrooms, bean sprouts, sliced scallions, carrots, corn, and spinach. You can also add some heat with sliced jalapenos or chili flakes.
• Don't overcook the noodles: Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions and avoid overcooking them. Overcooked noodles can become mushy and lose their desirable chewy texture. Cook them al dente for the best results.
• Serve hot and garnish: Ramen is best served hot, so be sure to serve your ground beef ramen piping hot. Garnish with additional sliced scallions, sesame seeds, nori strips, soft-boiled eggs, or other toppings to add extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different variations and toppings to make the ground beef ramen recipe your own. Adjust the seasonings, add or subtract ingredients, and make it to suit your taste preferences.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.