Ready to fall in love with your new weeknight staple? This Ramen Stir Fry is a color-packed, flavor-bursting dish that brings together the slurpy joy of ramen noodles with crisp veggies, fragrant aromatics, and a savory sauce that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re a ramen enthusiast or just need a fun spin on pantry staples, this Ramen Stir Fry will absolutely satisfy any craving for comfort and Asian-inspired goodness. It’s quick, customizable, and guaranteed to make dinner exciting again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish relies on a handful of simple ingredients, but each one plays an important role in making the Ramen Stir Fry deliciously balanced. Every element adds its own punch of flavor, pop of color, or satisfying texture, so don’t skip these kitchen heroes!
- Instant ramen noodles: A perfect noodle for soaking up bold flavors and providing that irresistible chew; skip the seasoning packets for a fresher taste.
- Sesame oil: Adds rich, nutty aroma to the base of the stir fry and infuses the whole dish with warm, toasty notes.
- Garlic (minced): Use fresh cloves for an aromatic kick; it brings depth and that unmistakable stir fry sizzle.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Brightens everything up with its zesty and slightly sweet bite.
- Broccoli florets: These add texture, a fresh green pop, and pack a nutritious punch.
- Shredded carrots: Sweet and tender, carrots bring color and a gentle crunch to round out the mix.
- Red bell pepper (sliced): An eye-catching veggie with crisp texture and natural sweetness.
- Soy sauce: Savory and salty, this is the backbone of the stir fry sauce; try low-sodium if you prefer.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds deep, slightly sweet and tangy notes for extra umami.
- Oyster sauce: Rich and complex, it gives the dish a restaurant-quality depth (swap for a vegetarian version if needed).
- Sriracha (optional): A dash of heat to suit your spice-loving side; add more if you like things fiery.
- Green onions (sliced): Sprinkled over the top, these bring a fresh burst and beautiful color contrast.
- Sesame seeds: For that perfect finishing crunch and nutty pop in every bite.
How to Make Ramen Stir Fry
Step 1: Prep the Noodles
Start by cooking your instant ramen noodles according to the package instructions, but stop before they turn mushy. You want them just tender—al dente is your friend here! Once cooked, drain them well and set aside. Avoid rinsing; a little starch keeps the noodles ready to soak up all that homemade stir fry sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Grab your favorite large skillet or a trusty wok and heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about a minute, stirring often—just until your kitchen smells amazing and the two start to release their flavors. Don’t walk away at this stage; burnt garlic is never fun!
Step 3: Stir Fry the Veggies
Toss in the broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes, letting them get just-tender but still holding onto a little crunch. This balance is key—crisp, vibrant veggies give your Ramen Stir Fry delightful texture and color.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked noodles straight into your skillet with the veggies. Don’t worry if things look crowded; a little noodle mess is what makes stir fry fun! While everything heats, quickly whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl.
Step 5: Sauce and Toss
Pour your stir fry sauce over the noodles and veggies. Use tongs or two big spoons to toss everything together until the sauce evenly coats every ingredient. Let everything stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes to soak up all that saucy goodness and meld the flavors together.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Turn off the heat and grab your garnishes. Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds all over the top of your piping hot Ramen Stir Fry. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture!
How to Serve Ramen Stir Fry
Garnishes
The right finishing touches make this Ramen Stir Fry shine! A generous sprinkle of green onions not only adds freshness but also a pop of color. A dusting of sesame seeds supplies crunch and a nutty undertone. Don’t be afraid to add a squirt of extra sriracha or a squeeze of lime, too, if you like a little zing!
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve Ramen Stir Fry with simple sides like steamed edamame, cucumber salad, or lightly pickled vegetables. If you’re craving extra protein, pair with crispy tofu, grilled chicken, or shrimp. Miso soup or spring rolls also complement the dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir fry in shallow bowls or large mugs for easy slurping. Or, pile it into lettuce cups for hand-held bites at a casual dinner party. For meal prep, portion into glass containers and let the vibrant colors and glossy noodles tempt you for an easy lunch at work.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve managed to resist eating it all, store leftover Ramen Stir Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the noodles might continue to soak up some sauce (which just makes them tastier, in my book!).
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Ramen Stir Fry if needed. Cool the stir fry completely, portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 1 month. The texture of the noodles may soften a bit after thawing, but the flavors will still shine through.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen things up. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, too—use short bursts and stir between to evenly heat everything without drying out the noodles.
FAQs
Can I add protein to this Ramen Stir Fry?
Absolutely! Chicken, beef, shrimp, or cubes of tofu are all excellent additions. Just cook your protein separately, then toss it in with the noodles and veggies during the last couple of minutes to heat through and soak up the sauce.
Is this dish vegetarian or vegan?
It’s vegetarian if you skip or substitute the oyster sauce for a mushroom-based alternative. For a vegan version, double-check your ramen noodles and sauces to ensure they contain no animal products, and swap in vegan sauces as needed.
How spicy is the Ramen Stir Fry?
The base recipe is only mildly spicy thanks to the optional sriracha. If you like extra heat, feel free to add more, or sprinkle on chili flakes at the end. For a completely mild version, simply leave out the sriracha.
Can I use other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, cabbage, or whatever veggies are hanging out in your fridge. The technique stays the same—just be mindful of cooking times so everything stays crisp-tender.
What type Main Course
Classic instant noodles work perfectly, but you can also use fresh ramen or even gluten-free rice ramen if you’d like. Just be sure to discard the salty seasoning packets and cook the noodles separately before adding them to the stir fry.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Ramen Stir Fry a whirl and let it bring some excitement to your dinner table! It’s truly a joy to make and even more fun to eat—simple, speedy, and endlessly adaptable. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close for all those nights when you need something quick, colorful, and totally satisfying.
Print
Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This flavorful Ramen Stir Fry combines tender-crisp vegetables with savory noodles in a delicious Asian-inspired sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Noodles:
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
Stir Fry:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare ramen noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Stir Fry: Heat sesame oil in a skillet, sauté garlic and ginger. Add vegetables and stir-fry until tender-crisp. Combine noodles with sauce, toss to coat.
- Finish and Serve: Stir-fry until heated through. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- You can add protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling meal.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
