Stir Fry Ramen Noodles are quick, colorful, and full of flavor! You’ll combine tender ramen noodles with fresh veggies and a sweet soy sauce that ties it all together.
It’s so simple, I whip this up whenever I’m short on time. Plus, I can sneak in whatever leftovers I have in the fridge—no waste here! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ramen Noodles: These are the heart of your dish. You can replace them with other types of noodles like udon or rice noodles if that’s what you have. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Vegetable Oil/Sesame Oil: I love using sesame oil for its rich flavor, but regular vegetable oil works well, too. You can even use olive oil if that’s what you have on hand.
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add a wonderful texture, but you can swap them for other veggies like bell peppers or broccoli. Just make sure to adjust cooking times for harder vegetables.
Bok Choy: This adds a nice crunch. If you can’t find bok choy, try using regular cabbage or spinach as a substitute.
Green Onions: Both parts of the green onion add great flavor. If you don’t have green onions, chives or shallots could work in a pinch.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Stir Fry?
The key to a fantastic stir fry lies in the order of ingredients and cooking times. Start with garlic and ginger since they add rich flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your oil before adding garlic and ginger to prevent burning.
- Add vegetables that cook quickly last. This keeps them crisp and vibrant.
- After the noodles are mixed in, let it all cook for another couple of minutes so the flavors meld.
Don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or pepper flakes if needed. Enjoy your cooking!
Stir Fry Ramen Noodles
Ingredients:
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup bok choy or baby bok choy, chopped
- 1/2 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in less than 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook them for about 2 minutes, until just tender. After cooking, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside for later.
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil (or sesame oil) over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding other ingredients!
3. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Add the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions to the hot oil. Stir fry them for about 30 seconds, until they become fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn!
4. Add Vegetables:
Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms, chopped bok choy, and asparagus pieces. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. This keeps your dish colorful and crunchy!
5. Mix in the Noodles:
Now it’s time to add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Give everything a good toss to mix well.
6. Final Stir Fry:
Stir fry everything together for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the noodles to soak up the sauce. Yum!
7. Season and Serve:
Season your stir fry with salt and pepper to taste. Remove it from heat and garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Stir Fry Ramen Noodles hot right away! For an extra treat, you can add a soft-boiled egg on the side. Enjoy your delicious meal full of vibrant flavors!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Any Type of Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While ramen noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with udon, soba, or even rice noodles. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
This recipe is already quite flexible! Ensure you use vegetable oil and substitute hoisin sauce with a vegetarian version if necessary. For protein, you could add tofu cubes instead of chicken or seafood.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute in This Dish?
Feel free to get creative! If you don’t have bok choy or asparagus, you can use bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots—just adjust the cooking times based on their hardness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent the noodles from drying out.
