Chicken Ramen Stir Fry (30 minutes)

This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines the classic flavors of stir fry with the quick convenience of ramen noodles. The tender pieces of chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s both comforting and healthy. Whether you’re craving something hearty or need a quick dinner option, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easily customizable with your favorite veggies or protein substitutions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: With a total cook time of just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without a long wait.
2. Full of Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and ginger gives this stir fry a deep, savory taste that will satisfy your cravings.
3. Versatile: You can easily customize the vegetables or protein to your liking, making this recipe perfect for anyone.
4. Healthy: Packed with lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and ramen noodles, this dish is a well-rounded meal that’s as nutritious as it is tasty.
5. One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in one skillet or wok, making cleanup a breeze after you’ve enjoyed your meal.

Ingredients

• For the Stir Fry:
  • Ramen noodles (2 packages, 6 oz each; seasoning packets discarded)
  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • Vegetable oil (2 tbsp)
  • Red bell pepper (sliced)
  • Snap peas (1 cup)
  • Carrot (julienned)
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
  • Ginger (1 tbsp, minced)
  • Green onions (3, sliced, white and green parts separated)
• For the Sauce:
  • Soy sauce (¼ cup)
  • Oyster sauce (2 tbsp)
  • Sesame oil (1 tbsp)
  • Sugar (1 tsp)
  • White pepper (¼ tsp)

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. Simply pan-fry the tofu until crispy before adding to the stir fry.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn for extra color and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
• Substitute Protein: Swap out the chicken for beef, shrimp, or even pork depending on your preference.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ramen Noodles

• Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles for about 2 minutes, slightly undercooking them. Drain the noodles well and set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

• In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Set this sauce aside for later use.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

• In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the bell pepper, snap peas, and carrots for 2-3 minutes, until they are crisp-tender.

Step 5: Add Garlic, Ginger, and Onions

• Add the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the sliced green onions to the pan. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6: Combine Everything

• Add the cooked chicken back to the pan along with the cooked ramen noodles. Pour in the sauce and stir everything together. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Be sure to slightly undercook the ramen noodles as they’ll continue cooking once added to the stir fry.
• Cut the Vegetables Evenly: For even cooking, try to slice the vegetables into similar sizes so they cook uniformly.
• Use High Heat: Stir-frying on high heat will ensure that the chicken and vegetables cook quickly, giving them a nice sear while keeping them crisp.
• Customize Your Sauce: Adjust the soy sauce, oyster sauce, or sesame oil based on your personal taste preferences.

How to Serve

Serve this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry hot, garnished with green onions, and enjoy it as a complete meal. Pair it with a side of steamed dumplings, egg rolls, or even a simple cucumber salad for an extra touch of freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

• In the Fridge: Store leftover stir fry in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Freezing

• Freezing: While the stir fry itself can be frozen, the texture of the ramen noodles may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, store the stir fry ingredients (without the noodles) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat and cook fresh noodles to add to the stir fry.

Reheating

• Reheat the stir fry in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant noodles instead of ramen?

Yes, you can use any type of instant noodles, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I make this dish without the oyster sauce?

Yes, you can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or just add more soy sauce for flavor.

3. Is this dish gluten-free?

No, this dish is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce and ramen noodles. You can use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles for a gluten-free version.

4. Can I add extra vegetables to this stir fry?

Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli for added texture and nutrition.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the noodles and stir fry the dish right before serving to maintain the texture.

6. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they might be a bit drier than thighs. Make sure not to overcook them.

7. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some chili flakes or chili garlic sauce to the stir fry to give it a spicy kick.

8. What can I substitute for sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. However, sesame oil adds a unique flavor that’s difficult to replace.

9. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well in stir fry dishes, but be sure to cook them thoroughly to remove excess moisture.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to serve more people. Just be sure to use a large enough pan or wok to accommodate the increased ingredients.

Conclusion

This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, combining tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and savory ramen noodles in a rich and flavorful sauce. It’s quick, customizable, and ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Whether you’re a fan of stir fry or just craving something simple yet delicious, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Print