Can I use frozen short ribs instead of pre-cooked?
Yes, but you'll need to cook them first. Braise frozen short ribs in beef broth for 2–3 hours at 325°F until tender, then shred and season with taco spices before assembling.
What can I use if I don't have jalapeño crema?
Mix sour cream or Mexican crema with minced jalapeños and lime juice for a similar spicy, cooling topping.
Can this recipe be scaled for 4 servings?
Yes—double all ingredients: 24 oz short ribs, 2 packets taco seasoning, 1 cup beef broth, 4 servings ramen, 4 tbsp jalapeño crema.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Check your ramen seasoning packet and taco seasoning for gluten. Use certified gluten-free versions of both, and verify beef broth contains no gluten thickeners.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Store short ribs and broth separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat broth on the stovetop, cook fresh ramen noodles, then reassemble with warmed short ribs and fresh jalapeño crema.