Ramen bowl with beef
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A steaming bowl of ramen noodles swimming in a rich, savory broth, topped with tender slices of beef. The noodles offer a satisfying chew, while the beef adds a meaty, umami depth. Despite its indulgent appearance, this particular version is surprisingly light, with a moderate calorie count and a balanced macronutrient profile.
💚 Why it's loved
People adore it for the comforting, savory umami flavor that warms from the inside out. It's a versatile one-bowl meal that can be customized with countless toppings and is deeply rooted in Japanese culinary culture.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The broth can be very high in sodium, which is a concern for those monitoring blood pressure. The refined wheat noodles can cause a rapid blood-sugar spike. To counteract, opt for a lower-sodium broth, add extra vegetables for fiber, and consider a smaller noodle portion paired with more protein and vegetables.
Key benefits
- Good source of protein for muscle maintenance
- Moderate calorie count for a satisfying meal
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates
- Contains essential minerals from the broth and beef
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The word 'ramen' is a Japanese borrowing of the Chinese 'lamian,' which means 'pulled noodles,' referring to the traditional method of making them by hand-pulling dough.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 71.4 g |
| Energy | 137 kcal |
| Protein | 6.8 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 5.2 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 15.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.0 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.44 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 16.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.1 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 14.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 62.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 92.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 353 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.2 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.07 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 16.4 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 3.1 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.15 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.10 mg |
| Niacin | 1.6 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.10 mg |
| Folate, total | 43.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 32.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 11.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 65.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 16.2 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.37 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 14.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 159 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 60.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.53 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 14.8 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.3 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.07 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.83 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.36 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.1 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.10 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 2.0 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.1 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.13 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 13.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is ramen with beef a healthy meal?
It can be part of a balanced diet. This version is relatively low in calories and provides protein. However, watch out for high sodium in the broth and choose whole-grain noodles if possible for more fiber.
What cut of beef is typically used in ramen?
Thinly sliced beef like ribeye, sirloin, or brisket is common. It's often seared or simmered until just tender to complement the soft noodles.
Can I make ramen with beef at home easily?
Yes. Start with a good broth (beef, chicken, or dashi), cook your noodles separately, and top with pan-seared or sous-vide beef slices, a soft-boiled egg, and fresh scallions.