Get ready to take your taste buds on a joyful joyride with this Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry. Quick to throw together yet bursting with flavor, this dish is sure to become a weeknight staple in your kitchen, marrying tender chicken with a delicious medley of colorful veggies and delightful ramen noodles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: Every bite of this stir fry is a delightful combination of savory, slightly spicy, and umami-packed flavors.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something speedy yet satisfying.
- Customizable: With a swap of veggies or a tweak in spices, you can tailor it to fit your pantry or your family’s taste.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with the whole family, sure to satisfy both picky eaters and adventurous palettes alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for our Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry are simple yet vital to creating that drool-worthy balance of taste and texture. From the tender chicken to the vibrant vegetables, each component plays its part in crafting a meal that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
- Ramen Noodles: These form the hearty base and soak up all the delicious flavors of the stir fry.
- Chicken Breasts: Sliced thin for quick cooking and tender bites, providing a lean source of protein.
- Assorted Vegetables: Think bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for vibrant color and crunchy texture.
- Hoisin Sauce: Adds a sweet and salty flavor, enhancing the complexity of the dish.
- Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics add warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Variations
Feel free to play around with the recipe—it’s as adaptable as you need it to be. Tailor your Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry based on what’s in your fridge or your specific dietary needs. The possibilities are endless and oh-so-exciting!
- Vegetarian: Swap out chicken for tofu or tempeh for an equally satisfying and protein-packed meal.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the sriracha for a kick of heat or add a splash of chili oil for an extra zing.
How to Make Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry
Step 1: Prepare the Ramen Noodles
First up, bring a large pot of water to a boil, discard those seasoning packets from the ramen pack, and let the noodles cook for about three minutes until they’re just tender. Remember to reserve some of that precious pasta water—it might come in handy later!
Step 2: Making the Homemade Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and other heavenly aromatics like ginger and garlic. Trust me, this homemade touch elevates the flavor profile significantly. Set the sauce aside, but keep it within reach.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Chicken
Heat up your wok with a splash of olive oil, making sure not to overcrowd it to get those beautiful caramelized edges on your chicken slices. They should be golden, juicy, and oh so tender!
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, throw in your assortment of vegetables. Stir-fry them for a few minutes just until they start to soften yet retain their delightful crunch—this is key to a perfect stir fry!
Step 5: Combine Everything
Bring all your elements back into the wok: the golden chicken, the vibrant veggies, and that lovingly prepared sauce. Toss everything together, add the noodles, and adjust the sauciness with that reserved pasta water or chicken broth until you’ve reached that luscious consistency.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry
- Perfect Wok Temperature: Give your wok five minutes to heat up before adding ingredients for optimal cooking and flavor.
- Quick Veggie Stir Fry: Stir-fry veggies just until crisp-tender to maintain their crunch and vibrant color.
- Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding to prevent steaming; cook ingredients in batches for best results.
- Sauce Adjustments: Use reserved pasta water to reach your ideal sauce consistency, keeping it flavorful and rich.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry
Garnishes
To give your Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry that final flourish, adorn it with finely chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. A light drizzle of sriracha can also add that extra kick if you’re feeling adventurous!
Side Dishes
A simple side of steamed rice or perhaps some fresh spring rolls would pair beautifully with this stir fry, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your stir fry in vibrant, colorful bowls or even try layering it in a clear glass dish to create an eye-catching presentation. Aesthetic is everything when you want to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers into airtight containers and pop them into the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a quick meal option the following days.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a rainy day, portion out your stir fry and freeze it. It’s best to use within a month to enjoy the peak flavors.
Reheating
Reheat your stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little broth or water to loosen the noodles and bring everything back to life without drying it out.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with any noodle type like soba, udon, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
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What can I do if I don’t have a wok?
Not to worry! A large nonstick skillet will also work perfectly fine for this stir fry.
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How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Swap out the regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari and use gluten-free noodles to make it friendly for those avoiding gluten.
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Can I add more protein?
Of course! Consider adding some shrimp or perhaps a scrambled egg for an extra protein boost.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is more than just a meal—it’s a delightful experience that brings joy to the table. I wholeheartedly invite you to whip it up, embrace its vibrant flavors, and revel in its convenience. Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stir Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful chicken ramen stir fry that combines tender sliced chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory homemade sauce, all tossed with cooked ramen noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ramen Noodles
- 9 ounces ramen noodles (3 packages), discard seasoning packets
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 4 cups assorted vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, snap peas, etc.)
Homemade Sauce
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 teaspoons corn starch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce (can substitute oyster sauce)
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste or grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or pasta water (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ramen Noodles: Discard the seasoning packets from the ramen noodles. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the ramen noodles in boiling water for 3 minutes, until just tender. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the noodles and set aside.
- Make the Homemade Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together water, corn starch, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, and sriracha. Set aside.
- Stir Fry the Chicken: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding; stir-fry until the chicken is fully cooked and browned, then remove from wok and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add assorted vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they reach your desired crisp-tender texture.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Pour the homemade sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir fry for 1 minute until the sauce starts to thicken. Add the cooked ramen noodles and toss everything until well coated and heated through. If a saucier dish is desired, gradually add up to 1/2 cup of pasta water or chicken broth until reaching your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Divide the stir fry into bowls or plates. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Heat your wok well for about 5 minutes over medium-high heat before adding ingredients. High heat and quick stir-frying help maintain the vegetables’ crispness and the chicken’s tenderness.
- If chicken slices are thick, leave them in the pan while stir-frying the vegetables to ensure thorough cooking. Thin slices can be removed to avoid overcooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the wok to prevent steaming; cook in batches if necessary to achieve caramelization and proper browning.
- For best flavor, add ingredients in stages and use high heat for quick searing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
