Chicken Ramen Stir Fry
Are you ready to take your weeknight dinner to the next level? This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also packs a punch of flavor that your whole family will love. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and the delightful chewiness of ramen noodles, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe, perfect for busy evenings or when you need a comforting meal.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is a fantastic keeper for several reasons. First, it is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Second, it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a real lifesaver on hectic nights. Lastly, it’s a one-pan dish, so clean-up is a breeze! The combination of flavors and textures will have everyone coming back for seconds.
What You’ll Gather
- 9 ounces ramen noodles
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups napa cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup green onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (optional, adjust for spice preference)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Prep & Cook Tools
- Large skillet or wok: Ideal for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.
- Pot: For boiling the ramen noodles.
- Cutting board and knife: Essential for slicing the chicken and vegetables.
- Measuring spoons: To ensure accurate measurements of sauces and oils.
- Spatula or tongs: For stirring and tossing the ingredients in the pan.
Chicken Ramen Stir Fry in Steps
Step 1: Cook the Ramen Noodles
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions, typically about 3-4 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside. A little tip: drizzling a bit of oil on the noodles can help prevent them from sticking together.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and season with pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked, add the sliced red bell pepper and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper is slightly tender. The aroma will be irresistible!
Step 4: Stir in the Cabbage and Noodles
Add the shredded napa cabbage and cooked ramen noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, allowing the cabbage to wilt slightly and the noodles to warm through.
Step 5: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, honey, and sriracha. Pour this delicious sauce over the chicken and noodle mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Let it cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions. If you like a little crunch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top before serving. This lovely touch adds a hint of nuttiness to the dish.
Make It Fit Your Plan
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce for a plant-based alternative.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more veggies like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your heat preference or omit it for a milder dish.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ramen noodles and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free.
Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary
This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is incredibly forgiving, so don’t hesitate to get creative! If you have leftover veggies in the fridge, throw them in. The beauty of stir-frying is that you can adapt it to your taste preferences and pantry staples. One of my favorite things about this dish is how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Be cautious with the salt content in soy sauce and oyster sauce; adjust according to your taste.
- The honey balances out the savory flavors, but feel free to use maple syrup for a vegan option.
- If you’re a fan of citrus, a squeeze of lime or lemon juice before serving can brighten the dish even more!
Prep Ahead & Store
If you want to prepare this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry ahead of time, you can chop the vegetables and slice the chicken in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the steps from cooking the noodles onward. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to help revive the noodles.
Reader Questions
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp, beef, or even a vegetarian protein like tofu. Just adjust cooking times accordingly until your protein of choice is fully cooked.
What can I serve with Chicken Ramen Stir Fry?
This dish is quite filling on its own, but you could pair it with a light salad or steamed edamame for a complete meal.
Can I freeze the Chicken Ramen Stir Fry?
While you can freeze the stir fry, the texture of the noodles may change upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy it fresh, but if you do freeze it, make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container and consume within a month.
Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?
Yes! You can substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos or a homemade blend of broth with a bit of salt for a similar savory flavor.
Final Bite
This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is the perfect blend of convenience and flavor. With a quick prep time and the ability to customize ingredients to your liking, it’s a dish that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. Dive into the deliciousness of this stir fry, and watch as it becomes a go-to favorite in your home!
Chicken Ramen Stir Fry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions, typically about 3-4 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside. A little tip: drizzling a bit of oil on the noodles can help prevent them from sticking together.
- In a large skillet or wok, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and season with pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the sliced red bell pepper and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper is slightly tender. The aroma will be irresistible!
- Add the shredded napa cabbage and cooked ramen noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, allowing the cabbage to wilt slightly and the noodles to warm through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, honey, and sriracha. Pour this delicious sauce over the chicken and noodle mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Let it cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions. If you like a little crunch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top before serving. This lovely touch adds a hint of nuttiness to the dish.
Notes
- Be cautious with the salt content in soy sauce and oyster sauce; adjust according to your taste.
- The honey balances out the savory flavors, but feel free to use maple syrup for a vegan option.
- If you're a fan of citrus, a squeeze of lime or lemon juice before serving can brighten the dish even more!
