Stir Fry Ramen Noodles are a quick and tasty meal! With chewy noodles and colorful veggies, this dish is both fun to make and eat. You can customize it with your favorite meats or tofu.
I love how easy it is to whip up in just a few minutes. Plus, you get to use that fancy wok you bought but rarely use. No judgment here—let’s make those noodles shine! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ramen Noodles: Instant ramen is super convenient! If you prefer a healthier option, try whole wheat noodles or rice noodles. Both will work well in this dish.
Vegetable Oil: You can use canola, peanut, or sesame oil for stir frying. I like to use sesame oil for an extra flavor boost when finishing the dish, but it has a stronger taste, so use it sparingly.
Vegetables: Feel free to mix and match the veggies! Snow peas, bell peppers, or bok choy are great alternatives for variety. I love adding mushrooms for a meaty texture!
Protein: This recipe is super versatile. Use cooked chicken, tofu, tempeh, or shrimp. You could even skip protein if you want a lighter dish filled with veggies!
Sauces: Soy sauce adds depth, but coconut aminos or tamari are great gluten-free alternatives. If you want a sweeter flavor, hoisin sauce is perfect!
How Do I Stir Fry Like a Pro?
Stir frying may seem tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll look like a pro! The key is to work quickly and keep everything moving in the pan.
- Start with a hot pan. Make sure your skillet or wok is hot enough to cook the ingredients quickly without steaming them.
- Cut your veggies and protein in uniform sizes so they cook evenly. This way, you won’t have some pieces overly cooked while others are still crunchy.
- Incorporate your ingredients in stages. Add proteins first, then harder vegetables (like broccoli), and softer veggies (like bell pepper) last to maintain their crispness.
- Toss constantly! This allows all ingredients to cook evenly and prevents sticking.
With these tips, you’ll create a delicious stir-fry that’s a hit every time! Enjoy the cooking process and happy eating!
Stir Fry Ramen Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 packets instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup green beans or snap peas, trimmed
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup cooked protein of choice (tofu, chicken, beef, or tempeh)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir fry takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 3-5 minutes for cooking. In total, you can have a delightful meal ready to enjoy in under 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, usually about 2–3 minutes until they are just tender. Once done, drain them in a colander and set aside.
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot before you add anything!
3. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until you can smell that amazing aroma. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
4. Add the Vegetables:
Now, toss in the broccoli, carrots, bell pepper, and green beans (or snap peas). Stir fry for about 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are crisp and tender but still vibrant in color.
5. Add Protein:
Next, throw in your choice of cooked protein into the pan. Stir everything together so the protein can warm up and combine with the veggies.
6. Mix in the Noodles:
Now it’s time for the noodles! Add the drained noodles to the skillet, mixing gently to combine.
7. Add the Sauces:
Pour in the soy sauce, optional oyster or hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything together well to make sure the noodles and veggies are nicely coated in the sauce.
8. Final Cook:
Let everything cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly until everything is heated through and the flavors meld nicely together.
9. Season to Taste:
Taste your stir fry and if you like a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes to your liking!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. If using, sprinkle some chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful stir fry ramen noodles!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Egg Noodles Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat noodles or egg noodles can be great substitutes for instant ramen. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as they might need longer to cook than instant ramen.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, simply use tofu or tempeh as your protein and ensure the sauces are labeled vegan (some oyster sauces have animal products). Most brands of soy sauce are vegan, but check the labels!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Yes, you can! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just remember to adjust the cooking time so all your veggies are cooked to your preferred tenderness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water or soy sauce and warm on the stove over low heat to prevent drying out.
