Stir-frying ramen noodles is a quick and delicious way to make a flavorful meal using simple ingredients. This recipe combines tender chicken, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a savory sauce to create a dish that is sure to become a household favorite. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- Noodles:
- 2 packs cooked ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets or save for another use)
- Chicken and Aromatics:
- 1/2 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable, canola, or sesame)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions:
- Cook the Noodles:
- Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions, but slightly undercook them by about 1 minute. This will prevent them from becoming mushy during stir-frying.
- Drain and set the noodles aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Thinly slice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
- Prepare the Aromatics:
- Mince the garlic and ginger. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, sweet chili sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken slices to the skillet and cook until they are no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce:
- Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet with the garlic and ginger. Toss to combine and heat through.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles, stirring to ensure the noodles are evenly coated.
- Add the Chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it with the noodles and sauce.
- Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat and transfer the stir-fry to serving plates.
- Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the ramen noodle stir-fry hot and enjoy your quick and tasty meal!
Tips for the Perfect Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry:
- Use Fresh Ingredients:
- Fresh garlic and ginger add a lot of flavor to the dish. If possible, avoid using powdered versions for the best taste.
- Cook Noodles Al Dente:
- Slightly undercooking the noodles prevents them from becoming too soft during the stir-fry process, resulting in a better texture.
- Customize Your Veggies:
- Add vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or broccoli to the stir-fry for added nutrition and color. Stir-fry the vegetables after the chicken and before adding the noodles.
- Adjust the Sauce:
- Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add more sweet chili sauce. For a spicier kick, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes.
- Protein Alternatives:
- Substitute the chicken with other proteins such as beef, shrimp, tofu, or pork. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked.
- Keep it Hot:
- Stir-frying is a quick cooking method, so make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding ingredients to achieve a good sear and to cook everything quickly.
This ramen noodle stir-fry is an easy and versatile recipe that can be whipped up in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a flavorful sauce makes this dish a winner. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables and proteins to make it your own. Enjoy!
