Tantanmen Beef Brisket Ramen Recipe

by Peter Harper

Updated on:

Freshly cooked Tantanmen Beef Brisket Ramen Recipe with golden texture.

Tantanmen beef brisket ramen recipe is the ultimate comfort dish that blends Japan’s love for creamy, nutty ramen with the bold, spicy flavors of Sichuan cuisine. Imagine tender slow-cooked beef brisket floating in a silky sesame broth, topped with a drizzle of chili oil and fresh ramen noodles — this tantanmen beef brisket ramen recipe delivers pure culinary bliss for cold days or any time you crave a hearty bowl of ramen with depth and soul. For an authentic take on this dish, check out Wagamama’s official spicy tantanmen ramen recipe.

What Is Tantanmen?

Tantanmen, also known as “Japanese-style Dan Dan noodles,” is a ramen variation inspired by Chinese Sichuan Dan Dan Mian. While the Chinese version uses a spicy chili and peppercorn-based sauce, the Japanese adaptation balances richness and creaminess, typically made with sesame paste, soy milk, and chili oil for a smooth, nutty broth that’s both spicy and comforting.

In this version, we elevate the traditional tantanmen with slow-braised beef brisket, adding depth, collagen, and umami to the broth. It’s a fusion of Japanese ramen craftsmanship and hearty Western comfort cooking — the perfect tantanmen beef brisket ramen recipe for home chefs.

Why You’ll Love This Tantanmen Beef Brisket Ramen Recipe

  • Restaurant-quality at home: Deep, layered flavors just like top ramen shops in Tokyo or LA.
  • Perfect spice balance: Creamy sesame broth with a subtle chili heat that won’t overwhelm.
  • Slow-cooked beef brisket: Melts in your mouth and infuses the broth with umami richness.
  • Comfort food heaven: A wholesome, warming meal that satisfies body and soul.
  • Make-ahead friendly: The broth and brisket improve in flavor overnight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for the ultimate tantanmen beef brisket ramen recipe:

For the Beef Brisket

  • 2 lbs (900 g) beef brisket, trimmed and cut into large chunks
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
  • 1 tbsp mirin or rice wine
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tantanmen Broth

  • 3 tbsp tahini or Japanese sesame paste
  • 1 tbsp smooth peanut butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp miso paste (white or red)
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp chili oil (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 cups unsweetened soy milk (or whole milk)
  • 2 cups chicken or beef stock
  • 1 tsp sugar (balances flavor)

For the Ramen Bowl

  • 4 portions fresh ramen noodles (or dried if unavailable)
  • 2 soft-boiled eggs
  • 1 cup baby bok choy or spinach
  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions
  • Toasted sesame seeds and extra chili oil for garnish
Flat lay of ingredients for Tantanmen Beef Brisket Ramen Recipe.
All ingredients ready for our Tantanmen Beef Brisket Ramen Recipe.

How to Make Tantanmen Beef Brisket Ramen (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Braise the Beef Brisket

Start by searing the brisket pieces in a large pot over medium-high heat with sesame oil until golden brown on all sides. Add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 2–3 hours until the brisket is fork-tender. Remove from the broth and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Tantanmen Broth

In a medium saucepan, whisk together sesame paste, miso, soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, and sesame oil. Slowly add soy milk and stock while whisking until smooth. Warm gently — do not boil — to maintain the silky texture. Add sugar and taste for seasoning. Mix in a few tablespoons of the beef braising liquid for extra depth in this tantanmen beef brisket ramen recipe.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles and Greens

Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions. Blanch bok choy or spinach in the same pot for 30 seconds. Drain well.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Divide the sesame broth into bowls, add the ramen noodles, top with chunks of braised beef brisket, greens, and a soft-boiled egg. Finish with chili oil, scallions, and sesame seeds. Serve piping hot and enjoy your homemade tantanmen beef brisket ramen recipe masterpiece!

Step-by-step cooking process of Tantanmen Beef Brisket Ramen Recipe.
Follow the steps to create your perfect Tantanmen Beef Brisket Ramen Recipe.

Chef’s Tips for the Perfect Tantanmen

  • Low and slow brisket: Cook until the collagen breaks down completely — it should pull apart easily with a fork.
  • Balance the broth: Taste as you go. Add more sesame paste for creaminess or chili oil for spice.
  • Don’t boil soy milk: Gentle heating keeps it creamy and prevents curdling.
  • Upgrade your noodles: Fresh ramen noodles give better chew and texture than instant ones.
  • Flavor layering: Use some braising liquid in the broth for an umami bomb.
Macro shot of cooking Tantanmen Beef Brisket Ramen Recipe.
Perfect technique moment for our Tantanmen Beef Brisket Ramen Recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your tantanmen beef brisket ramen recipe with pickled ginger, a side of gyoza, or a small bowl of Japanese cucumber salad for balance. Pair with chilled green tea or a crisp lager to offset the rich sesame broth. For more inspiration, try other Meta Savory favorites like Chicken Sesame Noodles or Miso Salmon Recipe.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories640 kcal
Protein34 g
Fat32 g
Carbohydrates48 g
Fiber4 g
Sodium880 mg

Tantanmen Beef Brisket Ramen

thumbnail tantanmen beef brisket ramen recipe

A rich, spicy, and deeply comforting fusion ramen that brings together Japanese sesame broth and Sichuan-inspired chili heat. Tender slow-braised beef brisket melts into a creamy tantanmen broth, topped with noodles, greens, and soft-boiled eggs — perfect for cozy nights or whenever you crave a restaurant-quality ramen at home.

  • large pot or Dutch oven
  • saucepan
  • whisk
  • strainer or colander
  • ramen bowls and chopsticks
  • 900 g beef brisket, trimmed and cut into large chunks
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, sliced
  • 1 tbsp mirin or rice wine
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 tbsp tahini or Japanese sesame paste
  • 1 tbsp peanut butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp miso paste (white or red)
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp chili oil (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 cups unsweetened soy milk or whole milk
  • 2 cups chicken or beef stock
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 4 portions fresh ramen noodles
  • 2 soft-boiled eggs
  • 1 cup baby bok choy or spinach
  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions
  • toasted sesame seeds and extra chili oil, for garnish
  1. Sear the brisket pieces in a large pot with sesame oil until browned. Add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and beef broth. Simmer, cover, and cook 2–3 hours until fork-tender. Remove and set aside.


    process tantanmen beef brisket ramen recipe
  2. Whisk sesame paste, miso, soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Gradually add soy milk and stock, whisking smooth. Warm gently, add sugar, and mix in some beef braising liquid.

  3. Cook ramen noodles per package directions. Blanch bok choy or spinach briefly, then drain well.

  4. Divide broth among bowls. Add noodles, top with brisket, greens, egg, scallions, sesame seeds, and chili oil. Serve hot.

Make the broth and brisket ahead for even deeper flavor. Avoid boiling the soy milk to maintain the silky texture. Adjust chili oil to taste — mild to fiery! For a lighter option, substitute beef with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable stock.

Main Course
Japanese, Japanese Fusion
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Frequently Asked Questions (U.S. Readers)

Can I use another cut of beef instead of brisket?

Yes! Chuck roast or short ribs are excellent alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time until tender.

Is tantanmen always spicy?

Traditional versions are mildly spicy, but you can reduce or skip the chili oil for a milder version that still tastes amazing.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. The broth and brisket taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What are the best noodles to use for tantanmen?

Fresh ramen noodles are ideal, but dried ones work too. If unavailable, try fresh egg noodles or udon for a different texture.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the beef brisket with sautéed mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock. The sesame broth still delivers a rich, satisfying flavor.

Finished Tantanmen Beef Brisket Ramen Recipe in rustic white ceramic bowl.
Ready-to-serve Tantanmen Beef Brisket Ramen Recipe — golden and comforting.

Final Thoughts from the Chef

This tantanmen beef brisket ramen recipe is your ticket to mastering fusion ramen at home — creamy, spicy, savory, and full of texture. It’s the kind of bowl that reminds you why food is both comfort and art. Once you try it, you’ll never look at ramen the same way again. Check Also Beef Brisket Ramen Recipe.

For more inspiring noodle recipes, follow Meta Savory for modern, chef-crafted takes on global comfort foods that balance tradition with creativity.

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