Stir Fry Ramen Noodles are a quick and tasty meal! With colorful veggies and chewy noodles, this dish is sure to brighten your day. You can even throw in some chicken or tofu for extra protein!
Who doesn’t love a one-pan meal? It’s a fun way to use up leftovers too. I often add a splash of soy sauce and some chili for a little kick. Yum! 🙌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ramen Noodles: Instant ramen works best for this recipe. If you want a healthier option, consider whole wheat noodles, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles as a low-carb alternative.
Vegetables: Feel free to get creative! I often add bell peppers, baby corn, or mushrooms. If you don’t have fresh veggies, frozen stir-fry mixes are a great shortcut. Just throw them in straight from the bag!
Protein: Thinly sliced beef gives great flavor, but tofu is a fantastic vegetarian choice. If you need a quick option, rotisserie chicken works well too. You can also use shrimp or pork!
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential for flavor, but if you’re gluten-free, try tamari. If you don’t have oyster sauce, hoisin or teriyaki sauce can also work, although they’ll change the flavor a bit.
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked and Chewy Noodles?
The key to perfectly cooked noodles is not to overcook them. Here’s how:
- Boil the noodles separately until they are just tender, about 2-3 minutes. You want them slightly firm since they’ll cook more in the stir-fry.
- Drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking.
- Keep them separate until you toss everything together at the end for the best texture.
Remember, stir-frying is about quick cooking at high heat. Keep everything moving in the pan to avoid burning any ingredients!
How to Make Stir Fry Ramen Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 packages (3 oz each) instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1 cup broccoli florets or broccolini, chopped
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced bell pepper (red or orange)
- 4 oz thinly sliced beef (such as flank steak) or tofu for vegetarian option
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 1 soft boiled or hard boiled egg, halved (optional topping)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe will take about 20 minutes. You’ll spend about 5 minutes prepping the ingredients, 10 minutes cooking everything, and a few minutes for plating and garnishing. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Start by cooking the ramen noodles as per the package instructions until they’re just tender, usually about 2-3 minutes. Drain them, and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the noodles aside while you get everything else ready!
2. Sauté Aromatics:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant and glistening. Be careful not to burn them!
3. Cook the Protein:
Add the sliced beef or tofu to the pan and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, remove it from the pan and set it aside. We’ll add this back in later.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add the veggies! In the same pan, toss in the carrots, broccoli, snap peas, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender, ensuring they still have some snap!
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked beef or tofu back to the pan with the veggies. Next, add the cooked ramen noodles. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Toss everything together gently for about 2 minutes, making sure everything is evenly coated and heated through.
6. Spice it Up:
If you enjoy a touch of heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes and toss again. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary!
7. Plate and Serve:
Scoop the stir-fry into serving bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and add a half of a soft or hard-boiled egg on top if desired. It adds an extra layer of deliciousness!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your tasty stir fry ramen noodles immediately with chopsticks and enjoy the explosion of textures and flavors!
This vibrant dish is an easy way to have a satisfying and nutritious meal. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While instant ramen is the go-to, you can use udon noodles, soba noodles, or even rice noodles for a gluten-free option. Just follow the cooking instructions for the specific type of noodles you choose.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Simply substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh. You can also add extra vegetables or even some plant-based meat alternatives for additional protein. The oyster sauce can be replaced with a mushroom-based sauce for a similar umami flavor!
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Fresh Vegetables?
No problem! Frozen stir-fry vegetable mixes are a great shortcut and can be thrown in directly without thawing. Just stir-fry them until heated through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Storing Leftovers: What’s the Best Way?
Let any leftovers cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toss in a pan with a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You could also use the microwave but be aware that the noodles may become a bit softer.
