Simple Ramen Noodle Stir Fry – Quick Recipes for Dinner
Alright, imagine this: it’s a hectic weeknight, your stomach’s humming, and you have exactly zero time or energy to overthink dinner. Enter my Simple Ramen Noodle Stir Fry — the ultimate kitchen lifesaver! This recipe is like a flavor-packed ninja, sneaking in beautiful colors, crunchy veggies, and that irresistible savory sauce all in about 15 minutes. Plus, you’re using that trusty pack of ramen sitting in your pantry, but way better, because it’s stir-fried to perfection with fresh ingredients. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep it on your regular rotation for those “what’s for dinner?” emergencies.
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 2–3
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color you like)
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas, trimmed
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 large eggs (optional)
For the Sauce / Garnish:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or hoisin for vegetarian)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
How I Make It
Step 1:
Boil the ramen noodles in a large pot of salted water until just tender, about 2 minutes—don’t overcook here, as they’ll finish cooking in the stir fry. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and keep them from sticking.
Step 2:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, letting it sizzle and release its fragrance (about 30 seconds).
Step 3:
Throw in the shredded carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the veggies crisp up but still have a good bite. This keeps that fresh color and satisfying crunch.
Step 4:
If you’re including eggs, push the veggies to the side and crack the eggs into the pan. Scramble them gently until just set, then combine with the veggies.
Step 5:
Add the drained ramen noodles to the pan—toss everything together. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to coat and warm everything through for 2–3 minutes.
Step 6:
Finish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding a splash more soy sauce if you want it saltier. Serve immediately—steaming, colorful, and utterly delicious!
Variations & Tips
- Make it vegetarian by swapping oyster sauce for hoisin or extra soy sauce and skipping eggs.
- Add protein like cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
- Use any crunchy vegetables you have on hand—broccoli, cabbage, or zucchini work great.
- For extra zing, squeeze in fresh lime juice or drizzle some chili garlic sauce right before serving.
- To prevent noodles from clumping, toss them with a teaspoon of oil after boiling before stir-frying.
- Don’t have sesame oil? Toast a few sesame seeds in the pan for that nutty flavor instead.
How I Like to Serve It
This stir fry shines on its own as a quick weeknight dinner, but for something extra cozy, pair it with a warm bowl of miso soup or a simple cucumber salad. When the season calls for it, I love serving it with extra fresh herbs like cilantro and sliced jalapeños on the side for a fresh burst of flavor. It’s also fantastic when you need a no-fuss lunch you can pack the next day!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to keep noodles from getting mushy.
- Ramen noodles cook fast; keep an eye on them during boiling to avoid mushiness.
Closing: This Simple Ramen Noodle Stir Fry always saves my dinner plans with speedy, satisfying flavors—and I just know it’ll be your new go-to too!