Crock Pot Ramen

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crock Pot Ramen is easy to make, customizable, and delivers deep flavor thanks to the slow cooking process. It’s a great way to enjoy a satisfying and warming bowl of noodles without needing to hover over the stove. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a comforting solo meal, this recipe makes a restaurant-style favorite accessible at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Chicken thighs or pork shoulder
  • Chicken or vegetable broth
  • Soy sauce
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Ginger (grated or minced)
  • Sesame oil
  • Rice vinegar
  • Brown sugar or honey
  • Ramen noodles (instant or fresh, without seasoning packets)
  • Optional toppings: soft-boiled eggs, sliced green onions, baby spinach, mushrooms, shredded carrots, corn, sriracha

Directions

  1. Place chicken thighs or pork shoulder in the crock pot.
  2. Add chicken broth, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the meat is tender and easily shredded.
  4. Remove the meat, shred it, and return it to the crock pot.
  5. Add ramen noodles and any quick-cooking vegetables (like spinach or mushrooms). Cook on high for 10–15 minutes until noodles are tender.
  6. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like soft-boiled eggs, green onions, or chili oil. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)

Variations

  • Spicy version: Add sriracha, chili paste, or sliced fresh chilies for a kick.
  • Vegetarian option: Use tofu and vegetable broth; skip the meat.
  • Miso broth: Stir in a spoonful of white miso paste during the last 30 minutes.
  • Different noodles: Use rice noodles, udon, or soba if preferred.
  • Add more veggies: Include bok choy, edamame, or bell peppers for extra color and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For best results, store the broth and noodles separately to prevent sogginess.
Reheat the broth in a pot over medium heat and add fresh noodles before serving, or microwave individual portions until hot.

FAQs

Can I use instant ramen noodles?

Yes, just discard the seasoning packets and add the noodles near the end of cooking so they don’t get mushy.

What type of meat works best?

Boneless chicken thighs and pork shoulder are ideal because they become very tender in the crock pot.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the broth and meat ahead, then reheat and add noodles before serving.

How do I make soft-boiled eggs for topping?

Boil eggs for 6–7 minutes, then cool in ice water and peel. Slice and place on top of the ramen.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze the broth and meat mixture without the noodles. Thaw, reheat, and add fresh noodles when serving.

How can I make the broth richer?

Add a dash of fish sauce or a spoonful of miso paste to deepen the umami flavor.

Are there gluten-free options?

Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles such as rice noodles.

Can I use leftover meat?

Yes, stir in cooked chicken or pork during the last hour of cooking.

What if I don’t have sesame oil?

You can skip it, but it adds a nutty depth. A small splash of olive oil can be used instead if needed.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your crock pot is large enough to hold all the ingredients.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Ramen is a comforting, flavorful, and easy meal that brings the magic of slow cooking to your favorite noodle soup. With tender meat, rich broth, and endless topping possibilities, it’s a satisfying dish you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for busy days or cozy nights, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

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Crock Pot Ramen

Crock Pot Ramen

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Crock Pot Ramen is a comforting, slow-cooked twist on traditional Japanese noodle soup, made with tender meat, rich broth, and noodles—all cooked effortlessly in your crock pot.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

  • 1.52 lbs chicken thighs or pork shoulder
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated or minced
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 4 packages ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
  • Optional toppings: soft-boiled eggs, sliced green onions, baby spinach, mushrooms, shredded carrots, corn, sriracha

Instructions

  1. Place chicken thighs or pork shoulder in the crock pot.
  2. Add broth, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the meat is tender.
  4. Remove the meat, shred it with two forks, and return it to the crock pot.
  5. Add ramen noodles and any quick-cooking vegetables. Cook on high for 10–15 minutes until noodles are tender.
  6. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like eggs, green onions, or sriracha. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Store broth and noodles separately to prevent sogginess when reheating.
  • Add miso paste or fish sauce for extra umami flavor.
  • Make it vegetarian by using tofu and vegetable broth.
  • Try other noodles like rice noodles, soba, or udon.
  • Adjust spice level with chili oil, sriracha, or red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of recipe)
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 1100mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
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