Chicken Ramen Stir Fry
If you’re looking for a deliciously satisfying dish that combines the comforting flavors of ramen with the vibrant crunch of fresh vegetables, look no further than this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry. It’s quick to prepare, packed with nutrients, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal at home, this stir fry is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a savory sauce, each bite is a celebration of taste and texture.
Why This Recipe Works
This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry works so well because it brings together the best elements of a classic stir fry with the familiar comfort of ramen noodles. The unsalted butter adds richness, while the combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey creates a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors. The fresh vegetables not only add vibrant colors to your plate but also pack a nutritious punch, ensuring you’re getting a well-rounded meal. Plus, the quick cooking time means you can whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredient Checklist
- 9 ounces ramen noodles – Choose your favorite brand or go for a gluten-free option if desired.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – For a rich, flavorful base.
- 2 chicken breasts – Thinly sliced for quick cooking.
- 1 teaspoon pepper – Adjust to taste for seasoning.
- 1 red bell pepper – Sliced for sweetness and color.
- 4 cloves garlic – Minced for a fragrant kick.
- 2 cups napa cabbage – Shredded for a crunchy texture.
- ½ cup green onion – Sliced for a fresh, herbal note.
- Sesame seeds – Optional, for garnish and a nutty flavor.
- ½ cup soy sauce – The primary seasoning for depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil – Adds a distinct aromatic quality.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce – For enhanced umami.
- 1 tablespoon honey – To balance the saltiness of the sauces.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha – For a spicy kick, adjust to your preference.
Appliances & Accessories
- Large skillet or wok – Essential for stir frying the ingredients evenly.
- Pot for boiling noodles – A separate pot to cook the ramen noodles.
- Cutting board and knife – For prepping your vegetables and chicken.
- Measuring spoons – For accurately measuring your sauces and seasonings.
Chicken Ramen Stir Fry, Made Easy
Step 1: Cook the Ramen Noodles
Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Make sure to reserve a little pasta water if you need to loosen the stir fry later.
Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients
While the noodles are cooking, slice your chicken breasts thinly and season them with pepper. Chop your red bell pepper, mince the garlic, shred the napa cabbage, and slice the green onions. Having everything ready will make the stir-frying process smooth and quick.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once melted and sizzling, add the sliced chicken to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the shredded napa cabbage and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the cabbage is wilted but still crunchy.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked ramen noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, honey, and sriracha. Toss everything together until well combined, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once everything is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the sliced green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using. Give it one last toss to combine, and your Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is ready to serve!
Make It Year-Round
- Seasonal Vegetables: Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli.
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for variety.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or hoisin for a unique twist.
- Meal Prep: Make larger batches to enjoy throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should remain crisp and vibrant.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha according to your preference.
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to freeze it, make sure to do so before adding the green onions and sesame seeds. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking, or microwave until heated through.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use instant ramen noodles for this recipe?
Yes! Instant ramen noodles work great for this stir fry. Just cook them according to the package instructions and follow the recipe as usual.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of sugar as a substitute.
How can I make it gluten-free?
To make this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry gluten-free, use gluten-free ramen noodles and tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! This dish is flavorful but not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the sriracha to make it milder for kids, and they’ll love the colorful veggies and noodles.
Next Steps
Now that you’ve mastered this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen! Experiment with different vegetables and proteins, or add your favorite spices for a personalized touch. Don’t forget to share your delicious creations with friends and family, as this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking!
Chicken Ramen Stir Fry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the noodles are cooking, slice your chicken breasts thinly and season them with pepper. Chop your red bell pepper, mince the garlic, shred the napa cabbage, and slice the green onions.
- In a large skillet or wok, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes. Add the napa cabbage and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until wilted but crunchy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked ramen noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, honey, and sriracha. Toss until well combined, adding reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Once heated through, remove from heat. Stir in the green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should remain crisp and vibrant.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha according to your preference.
