Easy Beef Ramen Soup Recipe

Ramen, a comfort food that has taken the world by storm, is more than just a bowl of noodles in broth. It’s an experience, a cozy, soul-warming hug in a bowl. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a delicious snack that feels like an upgrade from instant noodles, making beef ramen soup at home can be a game-changer. It’s versatile, flavorful, and can be tailored to your personal preferences. Plus, it’s easy enough to prepare on a busy weeknight and fancy enough for a weekend dinner.

In this guide, we’re going to break down an easy-to-make beef ramen soup recipe that will have you feeling like a top chef in no time. Whether you’re a ramen enthusiast or a newcomer to the dish, you’ll find this recipe simple yet packed with layers of flavor. From a handful of ingredients to step-by-step instructions, we’ll cover it all.

Making your own beef ramen soup doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right ingredients and a few key cooking techniques, you can create a satisfying, rich, and savory bowl of ramen that rivals your favorite ramen shop. This recipe combines tender beef, flavorful broth, and ramen noodles into a dish that’s easy to make, without sacrificing that authentic ramen experience.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients required for this beef ramen soup:

Beef (Flank Steak or Sirloin) – The star protein of your ramen. Flank steak is tender, flavorful, and easy to cook, making it an ideal choice. You can also use sirloin or even ground beef if you prefer.
Ramen Noodles – Look for fresh or dried ramen noodles. Avoid instant ramen packs; you want something with a chewy, satisfying texture.
Broth Base – A mixture of beef broth and soy sauce forms the foundation. This combination gives the soup a hearty, umami-packed flavor.
Garlic – Fresh garlic adds a punch of savory goodness that brings depth to the broth.
Ginger – Adds a warming, slightly spicy note that cuts through the richness of the beef.
Scallions – Also known as green onions, they provide a fresh, slightly pungent bite that balances the richness of the soup.
Egg – A soft-boiled egg is a classic ramen topping. The yolk should be creamy and runny, giving the broth a silkier texture.
Sesame Oil – A touch of sesame oil adds an earthy flavor that enhances the overall umami.
Chili Paste or Sriracha – If you like a little heat, a dash of chili paste or sriracha will kick things up a notch.
Vegetables – Optional, but vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, bok choy, or baby corn add texture and nutrition.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare The Beef
- Thinly slice your beef against the grain to ensure tenderness. If using flank steak, freezing it for 30 minutes before slicing can make it easier to cut thinly.
Cook The Broth
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and ginger and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and soy sauce, then bring it to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can adjust the soy sauce and seasoning to taste.
Prepare The Noodles
- While the broth is simmering, cook your ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Be sure to slightly undercook them, as they’ll continue cooking in the hot broth.
Cook The Beef
- In a separate pan, quickly sear the beef slices for 1-2 minutes on each side, just until browned but still tender and juicy.
Assemble The Soup
- Add the cooked noodles to your bowl. Pour the hot broth over the noodles, then add the seared beef slices on top.
- Carefully place a soft-boiled egg (cut in half) on top. Garnish with chopped scallions and any additional toppings you prefer.
Serve And Enjoy
- Your homemade beef ramen soup is ready to be devoured! The tender beef, silky broth, and chewy noodles come together for a comforting, flavorful dish.

Ingredient Insights

Beef: When choosing beef for ramen, it’s important to select a cut that remains tender and flavorful when cooked quickly. Flank steak and sirloin are perfect because they’re lean but still have enough marbling to add flavor. The thin slicing technique helps the beef absorb the flavor of the broth while staying juicy and tender.
Ramen Noodles: Fresh ramen noodles are the best option because they provide the right texture. However, dried noodles will work too-just make sure to cook them to the right level of doneness so they don’t turn mushy in the broth.
Broth: The combination of beef broth and soy sauce is a key player in the flavor profile. Beef broth adds richness, while soy sauce gives that signature salty, umami punch. You can also add mirin or a splash of rice vinegar to balance out the flavors.
Egg: Soft-boiled eggs are the hallmark of ramen and provide creaminess. The texture of the yolk enriches the broth, making every slurp even more satisfying. If you prefer a more well-done egg, you can adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Expert Tips

Make It Ahead: Beef ramen can be made ahead of time, especially the broth. You can store the broth in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. Just reheat before serving and add freshly cooked noodles and beef.
Customize the Broth: For an extra depth of flavor, add a few teaspoons of miso paste or a splash of fish sauce. These ingredients will enhance the umami and create a more complex broth.
Toppings Galore: The beauty of ramen is that you can top it however you like. Consider adding bamboo shoots, seaweed, corn, or even a few slices of chili pepper for extra heat.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Beef Ramen: Add a tablespoon of chili paste or sriracha to the broth for some heat. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top for an extra spicy kick.
Vegan Ramen: Substitute the beef with tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it entirely vegan.
Korean-Inspired Ramen: Use gochujang (Korean chili paste) instead of sriracha for a more complex flavor. Add kimchi on the side or even stir it into the soup for a tangy, spicy twist.
Curry Beef Ramen: Add a tablespoon of curry powder to the broth for a rich, aromatic flavor. You can even add carrots and potatoes for extra heartiness.

Final Words

Making beef ramen soup at home doesn’t have to be complicated, but the results can be absolutely rewarding. The rich, savory broth combined with tender beef, fresh noodles, and all your favorite toppings will create a meal that’s both filling and comforting. Plus, it’s so much easier than you might think. With just a few key ingredients, you can elevate your dinner game and impress friends or family.

If you want to dive deeper into the ramen world, there’s so much to explore. Whether you’re experimenting with different broths, proteins, or toppings, there’s no end to the ways you can make ramen your own.

Easy Beef Ramen Soup Recipe