If you have been scrolling through TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts, chances are you’ve already seen the Birria Ramen trend taking over food lovers across the USA.
Birria, a traditional Mexican stew made with slow-cooked beef, chilies, and spices, has already gone viral in the form of Birria Tacos. But now, the internet has taken it one step further by combining the rich, flavorful birria broth with Japanese ramen noodles.
The result? Birria Ramen – a steaming hot bowl of comfort that blends Mexican spice with Japanese soul food. This fusion dish is bold, hearty, and perfect for cold nights or game-day gatherings. No wonder it’s one of the most viral USA recipes in 2025.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know:
- What is Birria Ramen?
- Why it’s gone viral in the USA
- The ingredients you’ll need
- Step-by-step instructions (detailed cooking process)
- Pro tips for restaurant-quality flavor
- FAQs about Birria Ramen
- Nutrition facts
What is Birria Ramen?
Birria is a traditional Mexican dish, usually made with beef (sometimes goat or lamb), slow-cooked in a chili-spice broth until tender and juicy. It’s famous for its deep flavors and is often served with tortillas as tacos or quesabirria.
Now imagine taking that same flavorful birria broth, mixing it with ramen noodles, toppings like boiled egg, scallions, cilantro, and finishing it with lime. That’s Birria Ramen – the ultimate cross-cultural comfort food that’s trending in the USA.
It’s smoky, spicy, savory, and umami-packed – basically everything you want in a bowl of noodles.
Why is Birria Ramen Viral in the USA?
There are 3 big reasons:
- TikTok Food Trend – Foodies love experimenting, and Birria Ramen has been all over TikTok with millions of views.
- Fusion Food Craze – Americans love both Mexican and Japanese food. Mixing them into one dish creates instant buzz.
- Comfort Food Upgrade – Ramen is already a comfort food staple. Add slow-cooked beef and chili broth, and it becomes irresistible.
This combination of flavor + visuals + culture is why Birria Ramen is trending in 2025 across the USA.
Ingredients for Birria Ramen
Here’s what you’ll need (serves 4):
For the Birria Beef & Broth:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast (or short ribs, brisket, or oxtail for richer flavor)
- 2 dried guajillo peppers
- 2 dried ancho peppers
- 2 dried pasilla peppers
- 3 roma tomatoes (roasted)
- 1 medium onion (halved)
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 6 cups beef broth
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Ramen:
- 4 packs of instant ramen (discard seasoning packets)
- 2 soft-boiled eggs (optional but highly recommended)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 lime (cut into wedges)
- Hot chili oil (optional for spice lovers)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chilies
- Remove stems and seeds from dried chilies.
- Toast lightly on a skillet for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn).
- Soak them in hot water for 15 minutes to soften.
Step 2: Make the Chili Paste
- Blend soaked chilies with roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, vinegar, and 1 cup of beef broth.
- Blend until smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
- Season beef with salt and pepper.
- Sear in a large Dutch oven until browned on all sides.
- Pour in chili paste, beef broth, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 3–4 hours until the beef is tender and shreddable.
Step 4: Prepare the Ramen
- Cook ramen noodles separately according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Assemble Birria Ramen
- Place noodles in a bowl.
- Add shredded beef on top.
- Pour hot birria broth over noodles.
- Garnish with onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a drizzle of chili oil.
- Top with a soft-boiled egg for a ramen-style finish.
And just like that, your Birria Ramen is ready!
Pro Tips for Perfect Birria Ramen
- Use short ribs or brisket for maximum beefy flavor.
- Add miso paste for an extra umami punch.
- Make the broth a day before – flavors get even deeper overnight.
- Don’t skip lime juice – it balances the richness.
- If you want it spicier, add extra chili oil or jalapeños.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~650
- Protein: 40g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
(Values may vary based on portion sizes and ingredients used.)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fusion Favorite: Combines the best of Mexico and Japan.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The birria beef can be cooked in advance and stored.
- Customizable: Add cheese, corn, avocado, or even kimchi for fun twists.
- Instagram-Worthy: A steaming, spicy bowl perfect for food photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make Birria Ramen in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes! For a slow cooker, cook on low for 6–7 hours. For Instant Pot, pressure cook for 60 minutes.
Q2: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, chicken thighs work great. It becomes Birria de Pollo Ramen.
Q3: Is Birria Ramen spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust heat by adding more or fewer chilies.
Q4: Can I freeze Birria broth?
Absolutely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Q5: What toppings go best with Birria Ramen?
Soft-boiled eggs, cheese, jalapeños, avocado slices, radishes, and chili oil are popular.
Final Thoughts
Birria Ramen is more than just a trend – it’s a fusion masterpiece that brings together the richness of Mexican birria with the soul-soothing comfort of Japanese ramen. It’s hearty, customizable, and absolutely delicious.
If you’re looking for the next viral USA recipe of 2025, this is it. So grab your chilies, beef, and ramen packs – and get cooking. Your taste buds will thank you!
✅ Try this recipe, and don’t forget to share your Birria Ramen creations on social media – who knows, your bowl might just go viral next!