Ramen is the ultimate bowl of comfort, and with this Easy Slow Cooker Pork Ramen recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-quality flavors without the fuss. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork cooked low and slow mingles with a savory, aromatic broth that’s rich with umami and perfectly seasoned. Toss in some fresh noodles, crisp vegetables, and a soft-boiled egg, and you have a soul-warming meal that’s both satisfying and effortless. This recipe turns the slow cooker into your kitchen’s best friend, letting time do the work while you go about your day. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave something hearty and soothing, this ramen is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hands-Off, Flavor-Packed: Set it and forget it—your slow cooker delivers tender pork and deeply flavored broth with minimal effort.
Comfort in a Bowl: Every spoonful combines rich broth, tender meat, and fresh toppings for the ultimate cozy meal.
Customizable to Your Taste: Add your favorite veggies, spice level, or noodles to make it exactly how you like.
Perfect for Busy Days: Ideal for meal prep or when you want a warm, satisfying dinner waiting for you.
Impressively Delicious, Easily Made: You don’t need to be a ramen expert to whip up a bowl that tastes like it came from a top noodle shop.
If you’re looking for a simple yet deeply satisfying way to enjoy authentic flavors at home, Easy Slow Cooker Pork Ramen is your new go-to recipe.
Ingredients for Easy Slow Cooker Pork Ramen
Here’s everything you’ll need to create a comforting bowl of rich, flavorful ramen:
Pork shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking, becoming tender and juicy as it cooks.
Low-sodium chicken broth: A flavorful base that keeps the dish light and savory.
Water: Helps balance the broth and ensures the pork cooks evenly.
Soy sauce: Adds a rich umami flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Miso paste: A fermented soybean paste that brings depth and complexity to the broth.
Sesame oil: A drizzle of this oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor that elevates the dish.
Ginger: Freshly minced ginger provides a zesty kick and warmth.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the broth with its aromatic goodness.
Brown sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the savory elements beautifully.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, these flakes add a spicy kick.
Ramen noodles: The star of the dish, these noodles soak up the delicious broth.
Baby spinach: A fresh, vibrant addition that adds color and nutrients.
Green onions: Sliced for garnish, they add a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
Soft-boiled eggs (optional): A classic ramen topping that adds richness and creaminess.
Sesame seeds (optional): For a final touch of crunch and visual appeal.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Enjoy the process of gathering these ingredients, as each one contributes to the comforting experience of your homemade ramen!
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Pork Ramen
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Start by prepping your slow cooker. Place the large chunks of pork shoulder at the bottom. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and water, creating a savory base. Add the soy sauce, miso paste, and sesame oil for that rich flavor. Toss in the minced ginger, garlic, and brown sugar. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined. This mixture is the heart of your Easy Slow Cooker Pork Ramen, so make sure it’s all evenly distributed!
Step 2: Cook the Pork
Now it’s time to let the slow cooker do its magic. Cover it up and set it to cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. During this time, the pork will become incredibly tender, soaking up all those delicious flavors. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily shred it with a fork. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be a delightful preview of the meal to come. Patience is key here, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 3: Shred the Pork
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial for ensuring every bowl of ramen is packed with flavor. After shredding, return the pork to the broth in the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together. This will allow the pork to soak up even more of that savory goodness, making your Easy Slow Cooker Pork Ramen even more delicious!
Step 4: Prepare the Ramen Noodles
While the pork is soaking in the broth, it’s time to cook the ramen noodles. Bring a separate pot of water to a boil and add the ramen noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually just a few minutes. Once they’re tender, drain them well. It’s important to do this separately to keep the noodles from getting mushy in the broth. Set them aside, ready to soak up all that flavorful broth when it’s time to serve!
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Now comes the fun part—serving your Easy Slow Cooker Pork Ramen! In a bowl, place a generous portion of the cooked ramen noodles. Ladle the tender pork and rich broth over the noodles, ensuring you get plenty of that savory goodness. Top it off with fresh baby spinach and sliced green onions for a pop of color and crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, add a soft-boiled egg and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top. Your delicious homemade ramen is ready to enjoy!
Tips for Success
Prep your ingredients the night before to save time in the morning.
Don’t skip the miso paste; it adds depth to the broth.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork overnight.
Use fresh ingredients for the best taste and nutrition.
Equipment Needed
Slow Cooker: A must-have for this recipe; any size will do, but a 6-quart is ideal.
Cutting Board: Essential for prepping your pork and veggies.
Sharp Knife: For cutting the pork shoulder into chunks.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
Large Pot: Needed for cooking the ramen noodles separately.
Variations
Chicken Ramen: Swap the pork shoulder for chicken thighs for a lighter option. Adjust cooking time to 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the pork with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based delight.
Spicy Ramen: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for an extra kick.
Extra Veggies: Toss in additional vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free ramen noodles and ensure all sauces are gluten-free for a safe meal.
Serving Suggestions
Side Salad: A light cucumber and sesame salad pairs perfectly with the rich ramen.
Drinks: Serve with a cold Japanese beer or a refreshing iced green tea.
Presentation: Use deep bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the toppings.
Chopsticks: Don’t forget chopsticks for an authentic ramen experience!
FAQs about Easy Slow Cooker Pork Ramen
Can I use other cuts of pork for this recipe? Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for its tenderness, you can also use pork loin or even pork belly. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the cut.
How can I make this Easy Slow Cooker Pork Ramen spicier? If you love heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the broth. You can also top your ramen with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
Can I prepare this ramen in advance? Yes! You can make the broth and pork ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the broth and cook the ramen noodles fresh for the best texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free? To make your Easy Slow Cooker Pork Ramen gluten-free, simply use gluten-free ramen noodles and ensure that your soy sauce and miso paste are gluten-free as well. It’s a delicious option for those with dietary restrictions!
What can I do with leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the broth and noodles separately to maintain their texture. You can also use the pork in tacos or sandwiches for a fun twist!
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Easy Slow Cooker Pork Ramen is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating a comforting experience that brings warmth to your home. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers is a reminder of cozy nights and shared laughter. Each bowl is a delightful blend of flavors, textures, and memories, perfect for family gatherings or a quiet evening in. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe invites you to savor the joy of cooking. So grab your chopsticks and dig in—your delicious adventure awaits!
A simple and delicious recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Pork Ramen that is perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into large chunks
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup water
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon miso paste
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
8 ounces ramen noodles
2 cups baby spinach
4 green onions, sliced
2 soft-boiled eggs (optional)
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a slow cooker, combine the pork shoulder, chicken broth, water, soy sauce, miso paste, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the broth in the slow cooker.
In a separate pot, cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
To serve, place a portion of ramen noodles in a bowl, ladle the pork and broth over the noodles, and top with baby spinach, sliced green onions, and a soft-boiled egg if desired. Garnish with sesame seeds if using.
Enjoy your delicious homemade pork ramen!
Notes
For a richer flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice before serving.
Substitute the pork shoulder with chicken thighs for a lighter version, adjusting the cooking time to 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high.
