Spicy Birria Ramen - Bold, Cozy, And Comforting

Ingredients

• 2–2.5 lb beef chuck roast (or short ribs), cut into large chunks
• Salt and black pepper
• 2 tbsp neutral oil
• 6 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 1–2 dried chiles de árbol (more for spicier)
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 large tomato (or 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes)
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano (Mexican if available)
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups beef stock
• 2 cups water
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 4 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets) or 12 oz fresh ramen
• Optional toppings: sliced radishes, chopped cilantro, diced white onion, lime wedges, chili oil, soft-boiled eggs, shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep the chiles: Toast guajillo, ancho, and árbol chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30–60 seconds per side until fragrant. Don’t burn them.

2. 2

   Soften chiles: Place toasted chiles in a bowl and cover with hot water. Soak 15 minutes until pliable.

3. 3

   Sear the beef: Pat beef dry, season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a heavy pot over medium-high and sear beef on all sides until browned. Remove to a plate.

4. 4

   Blend the sauce: In a blender, add soaked chiles (drained), onion, garlic, tomato, cumin, oregano, 1 cup beef stock, and vinegar. Blend until smooth.

5. 5

   Simmer the birria: Return beef to the pot. Pour in the blended sauce, remaining stock, water, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 2.5–3 hours, or until beef is very tender. Skim fat as desired (save some for flavor).

6. 6

   Shred the beef: Remove beef and shred with two forks. Return the meat to the pot. Taste and adjust salt and heat.

7. 7

   Cook noodles: In a separate pot, boil ramen according to package directions until just tender. Drain.

8. 8

   Assemble: Add noodles to bowls. Ladle hot birria consomé and shredded beef over the top.

9. 9

   Top and serve: Finish with radishes, cilantro, onion, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of chili oil. Soft-boiled eggs or a bit of melty cheese make it extra cozy.