
These slow-braised oxtail noodles pair tender, fall-off-the-bone beef with a rich soy and mirin sauce that clings to every strand of ramen. It is a deeply savory, comforting noodle dish worth the gentle simmer.
Rinse the oxtails or beef shank, then pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat and sear the meat until well browned on all sides.
Add the garlic, mirin, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, bay leaves, sugar, and water to the pot. Stir to loosen any browned bits from the bottom, then bring the liquid to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently for about 3 hours, or until the meat is very tender and pulls easily from the bone. Stir from time to time and add a splash of water if the braising liquid reduces too quickly or starts to catch.
When the meat is tender, uncover the pot and simmer briefly if needed until the sauce is glossy and concentrated enough to coat the noodles. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Cook the fresh ramen noodles according to the package directions, then drain well. Toss the noodles with the braising sauce and arrange the oxtails or beef shank on top.
Finish with sliced scallion and serve hot.
For a meatier, easier-to-eat bowl, use bone-in beef shank or a mix of shank and oxtail. Keep the braise at a gentle simmer so the meat turns tender without the sauce reducing too fast. The braised meat and sauce can be made a day ahead; chill them separately from the noodles, skim any firm fat if desired, then reheat gently before serving.