Ramen Noodle Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re craving a delicious and quick meal that’s packed with flavor, look no further than Ramen Noodle Stir Fry! This dish combines the beloved texture of ramen noodles with vibrant vegetables, savory sauces, and protein of your choice to create a tasty, satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this stir fry is versatile and easy to customize. Plus, it’s perfect for weeknights when you need something fast yet nourishing.

Introduction

Ramen Noodle Stir Fry is a popular comfort food that has become a go-to for busy families, students, and anyone looking for a quick, delicious meal. It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and meats, and the versatility of ramen noodles means you can pair them with virtually any flavors. Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes to make from start to finish!

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. By using pantry staples like ramen noodles, soy sauce, and sesame oil, you can create a meal that’s both affordable and flavorful. Whether you enjoy it vegetarian, loaded with veggies, or bulked up with chicken, beef, or tofu, this recipe will show you how to make your own Ramen Noodle Stir Fry at home.

Kitchen Tools Needed

Before starting, ensure you have the following kitchen tools ready:

• Large pot for cooking ramen noodles
• Wok or large skillet for stir-frying
• Knife and cutting board for preparing vegetables
• Whisk for mixing sauces
• Tongs or spatula for stirring

Preparation Steps

1 Step 1: Cook the Ramen Noodles

1. Boil the noodles: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by about 1 minute to keep the noodles slightly firm. This prevents them from becoming mushy during stir-frying.
2. Drain and set aside: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle a little sesame oil over the noodles to prevent them from sticking together and set them aside.

2 Step 2: Prepare Vegetables and Protein

1. Chop the vegetables: While the noodles are cooking, prepare your vegetables. Slice the onions, bell peppers, and carrots into thin strips, and cut the broccoli into small florets.
2. Cook the protein (if using): If you’re adding protein like chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, now is the time to cook it. Heat a bit of oil in your wok or skillet and cook the protein until fully cooked through, then set it aside.

3 Step 3: Make the Stir Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Set the sauce aside until needed.

4 Step 4: Stir Fry Everything Together

1. Heat the oil: In your wok or large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
2. Stir fry the vegetables: Add the onions, garlic, carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
3. Add the noodles and sauce: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked ramen noodles to the pan. Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables, tossing everything together with tongs or a spatula until the noodles are coated and heated through.
4. Add the protein (if using): If you’ve cooked any protein, add it back into the stir fry and toss everything together.
5. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld, then remove from heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Ramen Noodle Stir Fry piping hot, garnished with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of flavor. Pair it with:

• Steamed dumplings or potstickers for a complete meal.
• A side of edamame for added protein.
• Cucumber salad or Asian slaw for a refreshing contrast to the savory stir fry.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of Ramen Noodle Stir Fry is that it’s endlessly customizable. Here are a few ways to switch up the flavors and ingredients:

Protein Options

• Chicken or Beef: Stir fry thinly sliced chicken breast or beef strips until fully cooked, then add them to the dish.
• Shrimp: Stir fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque.
• Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu, pressing it beforehand to remove excess moisture. Cut it into cubes and pan-fry until golden before adding to the stir fry.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

• Use tofu or tempeh as the protein, and swap the oyster sauce for more soy sauce or tamari to make the dish vegan.

Spice It Up

• Add more heat by increasing the amount of sriracha, or toss in a few chili flakes or a dash of gochujang (Korean chili paste).

Different Veggies

• Use any vegetables you have on hand, such as snow peas, snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.

Tips for the Best Ramen Stir Fry

1. Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and good-quality ramen will elevate the flavor of your stir fry. Avoid using the seasoning packets that come with instant ramen as they tend to be high in sodium and lack the depth of flavor you can achieve with a homemade sauce.
2. Cook the noodles slightly underdone: This prevents them from becoming too soft and mushy when stir-frying.
3. High heat is key: Stir fry the vegetables and noodles over medium-high to high heat for the best results, as this helps to create a slightly charred, smoky flavor.
4. Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re making a large batch, stir fry in batches to ensure even cooking and that your vegetables stay crisp.

Storing and Reheating

Storing

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover Ramen Noodle Stir Fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• Stovetop: For the best texture, reheat the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles and keep them moist.
• Microwave: You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out the noodles.

Conclusion

Ramen Noodle Stir Fry is a delicious and versatile dish that can be made in a matter of minutes, perfect for those busy nights when you want something quick yet flavorful. Whether you’re keeping it simple with just veggies or adding your favorite protein, this stir fry will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. The homemade stir fry sauce ties everything together, and the variety of textures makes every bite exciting.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh ramen noodles instead of instant?

Yes! Fresh ramen noodles can be used, and they’ll give the dish a more authentic flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the ramen noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or another gluten-free alternative, and use tamari in place of soy sauce.

3. How can I make the dish spicier?

You can increase the sriracha in the sauce, add chili flakes, or even drizzle some chili oil over the finished stir fry.

4. What can I use instead of sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use vegetable oil, peanut oil, or olive oil. However, sesame oil adds a unique nutty flavor that enhances the dish.

5. Can I freeze Ramen Noodle Stir Fry?

It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the noodles might become a bit soft after freezing and reheating.

Yield: 4

Ramen Noodle Stir Fry Recipe

Print

If you're craving a delicious and quick meal that’s packed with flavor, look no further than Ramen Noodle Stir Fry! This dish combines the beloved texture of ramen noodles with vibrant vegetables, savory sauces, and protein of your choice to create a tasty, satisfying meal. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this stir fry is versatile and easy to customize. Plus, it's perfect for weeknights when you need something fast yet nourishing.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 packages of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast or tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles:

• Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions, but slightly undercook them by 1-2 minutes to keep them firm. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken (or Tofu):

• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken (or tofu) and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables:

• In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
• Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. Stir-fry the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, until they are tender but still slightly crisp.

4. Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce:

• In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.

5. Combine Everything:

• Add the cooked chicken (or tofu) back into the pan with the vegetables.
• Pour the stir-fry sauce over the mixture and toss to coat everything evenly.
• Gently add the cooked ramen noodles and toss until they are well coated with the sauce and heated through.

6. Serve:

• Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Protein Options: You can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu based on your preference.

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or swap vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to increase or decrease the spiciness.

Make it Vegan: Use tofu or plant-based protein and replace oyster sauce with a vegan alternative.