Chicken Ramen Stir Fry: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Chicken Ramen Stir Fry: Craving the comforting warmth of ramen but short on time? Imagine twirling perfectly cooked noodles, coated in a savory, umami-rich sauce, studded with tender chicken and crisp-tender vegetables. This isn’t your average dorm-room ramen; it’s a flavor explosion that comes together faster than you can say “takeout!”

While ramen’s origins trace back to China, it was in Japan that it truly blossomed into the culinary icon we know and love today. From regional variations boasting unique broths and toppings to instant noodle innovations, ramen has captured hearts (and stomachs!) worldwide. Our Chicken Ramen Stir Fry takes inspiration from this beloved dish, offering a quick and easy weeknight meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures – the chewy noodles, the succulent chicken, and the satisfying crunch of fresh vegetables. The sauce, a symphony of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness, elevates the entire experience. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu, and customize the vegetables to your liking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is guaranteed to become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• For the Ramen Noodles:
• 8 oz fresh ramen noodles (or 4 packages of instant ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded)
• For the Vegetables:
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, or button)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup snow peas
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
• For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but adds great flavor)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
• Optional Garnishes:
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped peanuts
• Lime wedges
• Soft boiled egg, halved

Preparing the Chicken:

Alright, let’s get started with the chicken! This is a crucial step because marinating the chicken makes it super tender and flavorful. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Mix everything well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. The cornstarch will help to create a nice sear when we cook it later.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours for even better flavor. I usually aim for an hour if I can.

Cooking the Ramen Noodles:

While the chicken is marinating, let’s get the ramen noodles ready. This part is pretty straightforward, but it’s important to cook them properly so they’re not mushy or undercooked.

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. If using fresh ramen noodles, cook according to package directions. Usually, this takes about 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them!
3. If using instant ramen noodles (without the seasoning packets!), cook for about 2 minutes, or until just tender.
4. Drain the noodles immediately and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This prevents them from becoming sticky.
5. Set the cooked noodles aside. We’ll add them to the stir-fry later.

Preparing the Stir-Fry Sauce:

Now, let’s whip up the stir-fry sauce. This sauce is the heart of the dish, bringing all the flavors together. It’s sweet, savory, and a little bit spicy – perfect for a delicious ramen stir-fry!

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, cornstarch, chicken broth (or water), and sriracha.
2. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid any lumps in the sauce.
3. Set the sauce aside. We’ll add it to the stir-fry at the end.

Stir-Frying the Chicken and Vegetables:

This is where the magic happens! We’ll stir-fry the chicken and vegetables until they’re perfectly cooked and coated in that amazing sauce. Get ready for some delicious aromas!

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the wok is nice and hot before adding the chicken.
2. Add the marinated chicken to the wok and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the wok; you may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns properly.
3. Remove the cooked chicken from the wok and set aside.
4. Add the sliced onion to the wok and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.
5. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the wok and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
6. Add the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, mushrooms, broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and snow peas to the wok.
7. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re tender-crisp. You want them to still have a little bit of bite.

Bringing It All Together:

Almost there! Now it’s time to combine everything and create the ultimate Chicken Ramen Stir-Fry.

1. Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables.
2. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until it thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
4. Add the cooked ramen noodles to the wok.
5. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce.
6. Cook for another minute or two, until the noodles are heated through.

Serving and Garnishing:

Finally, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious Chicken Ramen Stir-Fry! Don’t forget the garnishes – they add extra flavor and visual appeal.

1. Divide the Chicken Ramen Stir-Fry among bowls.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and chopped peanuts (if using).
3. For an extra touch, add a lime wedge to each bowl for squeezing over the stir-fry.
4. If you’re feeling fancy, top each bowl with a soft boiled egg, halved. The runny yolk adds a rich and creamy element to the dish.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and variations to make this recipe your own:

• Protein: Feel free to substitute the chicken with other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Vegetables: Use any vegetables you like! Some other great options include bok choy, bean sprouts, and water chestnuts.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to your liking. If you want it extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped chili peppers.
• Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more brown sugar.
• Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and tamari instead of oyster sauce. Also, make sure your ramen noodles are gluten-free.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply stir-fry the chicken and vegetables and add the sauce and noodles.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Ramen Stir-Fry! I hope you love it as much as I do. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! I truly believe this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is a recipe you absolutely *need* to try. It’s a weeknight dinner champion, a flavor explosion in every bite, and a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken. Seriously, what’s not to love? The combination of the savory ramen noodles, the tender chicken, and the vibrant vegetables, all coated in that delicious, slightly sweet and tangy sauce, is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that satisfies cravings and leaves you feeling happy and full – the perfect comfort food with a healthy twist.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own tastes and preferences. If you’re a spice lover, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick. Want to make it vegetarian? Simply swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh. You could even add some shrimp or beef for a different protein option.

For serving suggestions, I personally love to top my Chicken Ramen Stir Fry with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some chopped green onions for added texture and flavor. A fried egg on top is also a fantastic addition, adding richness and creaminess to the dish. If you’re looking for a side dish, a simple cucumber salad or some steamed edamame would be a perfect complement. And for those who like a little extra sauce, feel free to drizzle some extra soy sauce or teriyaki sauce over the top.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables too! Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and mushrooms all work wonderfully in this stir fry. You can even add some leafy greens like spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients. The possibilities are endless!

I’ve made this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry countless times, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying – the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. I’m confident that you’ll love it just as much as we do.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your wok (or skillet!), and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Sharing your experiences helps others who are trying the recipe for the first time, and it also gives me valuable feedback so I can continue to improve my recipes.

Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear from you! I’m sure this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry will become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. Enjoy!

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