Ramen noodles are a convenient and tasty meal or snack But the flavor packets that come with instant ramen can be loaded with artificial ingredients and sodium Luckily, it’s easy to make your own homemade beef ramen seasoning for a quick flavor boost without the additives.
In this simple guide I’ll walk you through how to make beef ramen seasoning from scratch. With just 10 minutes and a few pantry staples you can craft a customized blend to make your beef ramen creations sing.
Why Make Homemade Beef Ramen Seasoning?
Here are some of the benefits of mixing up your own beef ramen spice blend
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Avoid preservatives and MSG – Store-bought packets often contain lots of artificial flavors and ingredients you can’t pronounce.
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Control the sodium level – Packets can be dangerously high in salt content. Make your own for a less salty seasoning.
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Tailor the flavors – Customize with your favorite spices and aromatics.
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Use real ingredients – Simple spices and dried ingredients impart better flavor.
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Make it in bulk – Mix up a big batch to have on hand whenever the ramen craving strikes.
Tips for Making Beef Ramen Seasoning
Follow these tips for the best homemade beef ramen seasoning:
- Use good quality spices for maximum flavor
- Mix and match different dried herbs and spices to create your own signature blend.
- Grind any large spices like peppercorns for a fine, uniform texture.
- To avoid clumping, make sure all ingredients are well blended.
- Store in an airtight container away from light and heat to preserve freshness.
- Shake or stir the container before each use to incorporate any settled powder.
- Start with less salt, you can always add more to suit your taste.
Ingredients Needed
To make about 1/4 cup of seasoning, you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons beef bouillon powder or 2 cubes
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
You likely have most, if not all, of these ingredients already in your pantry. Feel free to tweak the proportions to suit your personal taste as well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to making your own beef ramen seasoning from scratch:
1. Assemble ingredients
Gather all the ingredients and measuring tools. Lay them out on your counter or workspace.
2. Measure out spices
Measure out the desired amount of each spice and dried herb needed for your blend.
3. Grind any large spices
If any spices like peppercorns need to be freshly ground, do so now using a mortar and pestle, spice grinder or coffee grinder.
4. Combine in a bowl
Add all the ingredients to a small mixing bowl.
5. Mix thoroughly
Use a fork or whisk to stir and blend all the spices together until well incorporated.
6. Transfer to an airtight container
Once fully blended, transfer the seasoning mix to an airtight container like a glass jar or plastic tub with a tight lid.
7. Label container
Be sure to label the container with the name and date so you know what’s inside and when it was made.
And that’s it – you now have homemade beef ramen seasoning ready to use anytime!
Ideas for Using Beef Ramen Seasoning
This versatile blend adds savory umami flavor to anything instant noodles. Beyond just ramen, use your homemade beef seasoning to amp up:
- Rice or quinoa bowls
- Roasted vegetables
- Popcorn
- Eggs
- Salad dressings and sauces
- Soups and stews
- Grilled meats
- Roasted nuts
Sprinkle it on at the end for a flavor boost. Or mix it into marinades, dips and dressings. Get creative with this easy addition to many dishes!
Tips for Adjusting Beef Ramen Seasoning
- Add more beef bouillon powder for a stronger meaty taste.
- Use smoky paprika for deeper flavor.
- Freshly grate some ginger and garlic rather than powdered for vibrancy.
- Include a dash of dried mushrooms like porcini powder.
- For heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Add a pinch of Chinese five spice blend for extra dimension.
- Stir in a teaspoon of miso paste for savory umami.
- Switch up the dried herbs like thyme for rosemary or oregano.
Storing Your Homemade Seasoning
Follow these storage tips to keep your homemade beef ramen seasoning tasting its best:
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Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. A cabinet or pantry is ideal.
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Avoid storing near heat sources like the oven which can cause spices to lose their flavor faster.
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For maximum freshness and potency, use within 6 months. Write the date on the container.
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If the mixture hardens, break up any clumps using a fork before using.
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For longer term storage, keep in the freezer for up to 1 year.
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Small glass jars make great containers for shaking on seasoning as needed.
FAQs
What’s a good beef ramen seasoning substitute?
If you don’t have all the ingredients, you can substitute the beef bouillon with chicken bouillon. For the dried thyme, use rosemary or Italian seasoning instead.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Omit the beef bouillon and replace it with an equal amount of mushrooms or vegetable bouillon powder. You can also use soy sauce or miso paste for umami flavor.
Can I use freshly minced garlic and ginger instead?
Absolutely! Use about 1 clove minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger in place of the powder versions.
How long does homemade beef ramen seasoning last?
It will stay fresh for about 6 months in an airtight container stored in a cool, dry place. For longer shelf life, store in the freezer.
How should I use this seasoning when making ramen?
Start with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon and add to the noodles or broth to taste. You can also use it as a garnish sprinkled on top. Add more or less depending on your preferences.
Put Your Beef Ramen Seasoning to Use
Whipping up a batch of this beef ramen seasoning takes just a few minutes. Keep it on hand to elevate any basic noodles or rice bowl. With real food ingredients, you control the flavor and sodium content. This versatile blend also works as a tasty seasoning for veggies, eggs, meats and more. Experiment with adjustments to create your own signature mixture. Once you discover how easy it is to make your own, you’ll never go back to plain old packet seasoning again!