Birria Ramen Fusion

A cross-cultural masterpiece combining the rich, spiced broth of Mexican birria with Japanese ramen techniques.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef short ribs (or beef chuck, cut into large chunks)
• 4 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, roasted and peeled
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for umami depth, optional)
• 4 portions dried ramen noodles (seasoning packets discarded)
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 4 radishes, thinly sliced
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Preparation

1. Toast dried guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, 1–2 minutes. Place in a bowl and cover with hot water; soak for 20 minutes until softened.
2. In a blender, combine soaked chiles, roasted tomatoes, half the onion, garlic, and ginger. Blend until smooth.
3. Season beef short ribs with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium-high. Sear beef on all sides until browned, then add chile-tomato mixture, remaining onion, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce (if using).
4. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 2.5–3 hours, or until beef is fall-apart tender.
5. Remove beef from broth, shred meat with two forks, and discard bones. Strain broth through a fine sieve and return to the pot. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook ramen noodles according to package directions; drain well.
7. To serve, divide noodles among bowls. Ladle hot birria broth over noodles. Top with shredded beef, radishes, diced white onion, cilantro, and a wedge of lime.
8. Finish with desired toppings: queso fresco, avocado slices, toasted sesame seeds, crispy tortilla strips, pickled jalapeños, extra cilantro, and lime.