Quick & Tasty Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe: Introduction

Quick & Tasty Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the savory goodness of stir-fried vegetables, tender chicken, and the classic comfort of ramen noodles. With a savory stir-fry sauce and a blend of fresh ingredients, this dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal for busy families. Whether you’re craving something warm and satisfying or just looking for a quick meal, this stir-fry is sure to hit the spot.

The History of Ingredients

Ramen Noodles: Originating in China, ramen noodles became popular in Japan in the early 20th century. They are made from wheat flour and water, sometimes with the addition of eggs, and are usually served in a broth. Today, ramen is a popular dish worldwide, and instant ramen has become a quick and inexpensive meal option. In stir-fries, ramen noodles serve as a great base because of their texture and ability to absorb flavors.
Chicken: Chicken is a staple protein in many cuisines around the world. It is lean, easy to cook, and pairs well with a variety of seasonings, making it ideal for stir-fry dishes. In this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are often used for their tenderness and ability to absorb sauces.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce, a staple in East Asian cooking, is made by fermenting soybeans and wheat. It has a salty, umami-rich flavor that forms the foundation of many Asian-inspired stir-fries and sauces.
Vegetables: Common vegetables in stir-fries include bell peppers, carrots, onions, and snap peas. These vegetables provide crunch, color, and a variety of nutrients, while also complementing the savory sauce.
Garlic and Ginger: Garlic and ginger are essential in many Asian dishes, adding aromatic, savory, and slightly spicy notes to the stir-fry. They enhance the flavor profile and bring depth to the sauce.
Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor to stir-fries. It is often used for sautéing and drizzling over dishes at the end to finish them off with a bold, aromatic flavor.

Breakdown of Ingredients

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into thin strips or bite-sized cubes.
Ramen Noodles: Instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet) or fresh ramen noodles.
Vegetables: Common vegetables include bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and green onions. Feel free to add or substitute with broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Soy Sauce: For the base of the stir-fry sauce.
Sesame Oil: Adds flavor to the stir-fry and enhances the dish’s aroma.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh minced garlic and ginger will provide an aromatic, savory depth to the dish.
Honey or Brown Sugar: To add a touch of sweetness to balance the savory soy sauce.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to brighten the flavors.
Chili Sauce or Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little extra heat if you prefer a spicier dish.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Cook the Ramen:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes). Once done, drain and set aside. For extra flavor, toss the noodles with a small amount of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Make the Stir-Fry Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of honey or brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of chili sauce (or red pepper flakes) if you want some heat.
Stir-Fry the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a little more sesame oil if needed. Add minced garlic, ginger, and the vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Combine the Noodles and Chicken:
- Add the cooked ramen noodles and chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the stir-fry sauce over everything and toss well to combine. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is coated in the sauce and heated through.
Serve:
- Serve the chicken ramen stir-fry hot, garnished with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of extra chili sauce if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Ramen Stir Fry

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is cooked through but not overdone. Overcooking will result in dry, tough chicken. Chicken breasts are best cooked until they reach 165°F internally.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger bring more flavor than their dried counterparts. If possible, use fresh vegetables for a better texture.
Control the Sauce: Adjust the amount of soy sauce and sugar to match your taste. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a little extra honey or brown sugar.
Keep the Vegetables Crisp: Stir-fry the vegetables for just a few minutes to maintain their crunch. Overcooking them will make them soggy and less vibrant.

Variations and Customizations

Protein Alternatives: If you don’t eat chicken, try substituting it with beef, shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh for a different protein option.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like broccoli, baby corn, mushrooms, or zucchini for more variety and nutrients.
Spicy Version: If you like spice, add more chili sauce or red pepper flakes. For an even spicier kick, drizzle some sriracha over the finished dish.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free ramen noodles (or rice noodles) to make the dish gluten-free.
Add Herbs: Fresh cilantro or basil can add extra fragrance and flavor to the dish. Top with a squeeze of lime for a fresh burst of citrus.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Calories: A serving of chicken ramen stir fry typically contains around 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil, sauce, and noodles used.
Protein: The chicken provides a good source of lean protein, offering approximately 25-30 grams per serving.
Carbs: Ramen noodles contribute around 40-50 grams of carbohydrates per serving, making the dish moderate in carbs.
Fat: The sesame oil and chicken add some fat to the dish. Depending on how much oil you use, expect 15-20 grams of fat per serving. To lower the fat, you can reduce the oil or use a non-stick pan.
Sodium: Soy sauce can be high in sodium, so if you are watching your sodium intake, look for a low-sodium soy sauce or use it sparingly.
Fiber: The vegetables add fiber to the dish, contributing to a balanced diet.

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of noodle? Yes! You can substitute ramen noodles with rice noodles, udon noodles, or even spaghetti for a different texture.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time? While stir-fries are best served fresh, you can cook the chicken and prepare the vegetables and sauce in advance. Store them in the fridge, then quickly reheat and combine with the noodles when ready to serve.

3. Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or even extra vegetables like mushrooms and cauliflower.

4. Can I make this dish spicy? Yes, you can adjust the heat by adding extra chili sauce, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha sauce.

5. How can I reduce the sodium content? To reduce sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce, and be mindful of how much salt you add. You can also cut back on the amount of soy sauce used in the stir-fry sauce.

6. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and stir-fry again in a skillet. The noodles may soften slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious.

7. How can I make this dish spicier? Add more chili sauce or red pepper flakes to the stir-fry sauce. You can also add sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of sriracha to the dish for extra heat.

Quick & Tasty Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe

Quick & Tasty Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the savory goodness of stir-fried vegetables, tender chicken, and the classic comfort of ramen noodles. With a savory stir-fry sauce and a blend of fresh ingredients, this dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal for busy families. Whether you're craving something warm and satisfying or just looking for a quick meal, this stir-fry is sure to hit the spot.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 29

Servings 2

Ingredients

2 3.5-ounce packages instant ramen noodles, flavor packets discarded
⅓ cup chicken stock
¼ cup oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Sriracha or more, to taste
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced
1 ½ cups broccoli florets
1 cup diced sweet onion
1 cup diced red bell pepper
1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 green onions thinly sliced
½ teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling water, cook ramen noodles until tender, about 3-4 minutes; rinse with cold water and drain well.
In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken stock, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar and Sriracha.
Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes; set aside.
Stir in broccoli, onion, bell pepper and mushrooms until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in chicken stock mixture, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Stir in ramen noodles and chicken until heated through and evenly coated in sauce, about 1-2 minutes.
Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired

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