Chicken Ramen Stir Fry: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Chicken ramen stir fry: Prepare to ditch the takeout menu because this recipe is about to become your new weeknight obsession! Imagine the comforting, savory brothiness of ramen, transformed into a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful stir fry. It’s a culinary mashup that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

While ramen itself has deep roots in Japanese cuisine, evolving from Chinese wheat noodles, this chicken ramen stir fry is a modern, playful twist. It takes the essence of ramen – those perfectly springy noodles and umami-rich flavors – and reimagines it in a convenient, one-pan dish. Think of it as a delicious fusion, blending the best of both worlds.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the symphony of textures – the tender chicken, the slightly chewy noodles, and the crisp-tender vegetables. The sauce, a harmonious blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness, coats every strand, creating an explosion of flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can customize it with your favorite vegetables and protein, making it a perfect way to use up leftovers. Get ready to experience a quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

this Recipe

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 ginger, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Ramen Noodles:
• 8 oz fresh ramen noodles (or 4 packets instant ramen, seasoning packets discarded)
• For the Vegetables:
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• For the Sauce:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
• For Garnish (Optional):
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Red pepper flakes
• Soft boiled egg, halved

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper.
2. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. This marinade will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

Cooking the Ramen Noodles:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Add the ramen noodles and cook according to package directions. Fresh ramen noodles usually take only 2-3 minutes to cook. If using instant ramen, discard the seasoning packets and cook the noodles until just tender.
3. Drain the noodles well and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This prevents them from becoming mushy.
4. Set the cooked noodles aside. You can toss them with a little sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together.

Stir-Frying the Vegetables:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the wok is hot before adding the vegetables.
2. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the julienned carrots and sliced bell peppers. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender.
4. Add the broccoli florets and sliced mushrooms. Continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and the mushrooms are softened.
5. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Remove the vegetables from the wok and set aside.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Add a little more vegetable oil to the wok if needed.
2. Add the marinated chicken to the wok in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the wok, as this will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of stir-fry. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
3. Stir-fry the chicken until it is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Once the chicken is cooked, return the stir-fried vegetables to the wok.

Making the Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, cornstarch, chicken broth (or water), and sriracha (if using). Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps in the sauce.
2. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the wok.
3. Stir-fry until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables, about 1-2 minutes.

Assembling the Chicken Ramen Stir-Fry:

1. Add the cooked ramen noodles to the wok with the chicken, vegetables, and sauce.
2. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
3. Serve immediately.

Garnishing and Serving:

1. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
2. You can also add a soft-boiled egg, halved, on top of each serving for extra protein and richness.
3. Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Ramen Stir-Fry!

Tips and Variations:

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables, such as snow peas, bok choy, or bean sprouts.
• Protein Variations: You can also use shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to your liking, or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and tamari instead of oyster sauce.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
• Noodle Choice: While fresh ramen noodles are preferred, dried ramen noodles or even spaghetti can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to cook them according to package directions.
• Adding Peanuts: For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top before serving.
• Marinating Time: While 15-30 minutes is sufficient, marinating the chicken for a few hours (or even overnight) will result in even more flavorful and tender chicken.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, whisk together a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the wok, stirring until the sauce thickens.

Enjoy your culinary creation!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the satisfying slurp of the noodles to the savory chicken and vibrant vegetables, every bite is a delightful experience. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s quick, customizable, and incredibly delicious. It transforms humble ramen noodles into a gourmet-worthy dish that will impress your family and friends.

But the best part? It’s so versatile! Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or even shredded carrots would be fantastic additions. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick. For a vegetarian option, simply substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. You could even add some hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. The possibilities are truly endless!

Serving suggestions? I love to serve this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry hot, right out of the wok. It’s perfect as a complete meal on its own, but you could also pair it with a side of steamed edamame or a refreshing cucumber salad. For a more elegant presentation, garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. If you’re planning a potluck or a casual gathering, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It travels well and can be easily reheated, making it a convenient and delicious option for any occasion.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your ramen game and create a memorable meal that everyone will enjoy. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some culinary magic! I’m so excited for you to try this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry. I know you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make and how incredibly delicious it tastes. Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on it.

I truly hope you give this recipe a try. I’m eager to hear about your experience! Please, share your photos and comments with me. Let me know what variations you tried and how you made it your own. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you adjust the spice level? I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I value your feedback immensely. Your comments will not only help me improve the recipe but also inspire other readers to try it. So, go ahead, unleash your inner chef and create a Chicken Ramen Stir Fry masterpiece! I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy cooking!