Looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s ready in no time? Look no further than this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry recipe! Packed with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and chewy ramen noodles, this dish is bursting with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, with a savory sauce made from a blend of soy sauces, hoisin sauce, and other delicious ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients:
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons regular soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
- ¼ teaspoon white ground pepper
Chicken and Noodles:
- 3 packages instant ramen noodles (3-ounce packages)
- 1 pound diced boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
Vegetables:
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup sliced white button mushrooms
- ½ cup diced sweet yellow onion
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- Optional garnish: 2 thinly sliced green onions, ½ tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Directions:
- Start by whisking together the soy sauces, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, sriracha, and white pepper in a small mixing bowl to create the flavorful sauce. Set it aside for later.
- Next, bring a pot of water to a low boil and cook the instant ramen noodles for 1 to 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Drain and rinse them under cold water, then set aside.
- In a nonstick skillet, cook the diced chicken breast in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil until it’s cooked through, around 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Using the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté the diced red bell pepper, mushrooms, and onions until slightly tender.
- Add the broccoli to the skillet and sauté until it starts to turn vibrant green.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well with the vegetables.
- Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and noodles, tossing everything together with tongs until evenly coated.
- Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving hot.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry hot, straight from the skillet, for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds to add a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This stir fry is great for meal prepping ahead of time. Simply cook a batch, divide it into individual portions, and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and convenient meal throughout the week.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Add more vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or cabbage for extra crunch and nutrients. Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha sauce according to your preference.
- Pairing Suggestions: This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as steamed rice, fried rice, or a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. You can also enjoy it on its own as a satisfying one-dish meal.
- Storage Tips: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce and prevent the noodles from drying out.
- Freezing Instructions: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftovers for longer-term storage. Allow the stir fry to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry anytime, whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prepped ahead of time for busy days ahead.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version of this dish, omit the chicken and double up on the vegetables. Substitute the chicken with tofu cubes or cooked chickpeas for added protein. You can also add extra vegetables like snow peas, carrots, or baby corn for variety.
- Seafood Twist: Add a seafood twist by substituting the chicken with shrimp, scallops, or a combination of seafood. Stir fry the seafood briefly until cooked through, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as directed. The seafood adds a delightful flavor and texture variation to the dish.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, kick up the spice level by adding extra sriracha sauce or chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce mixture. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the finished dish for an additional fiery kick.
- Asian-Inspired Flavors: Experiment with different Asian-inspired sauces and seasonings to customize the flavor profile of the dish. Try adding a splash of sesame oil, a dash of fish sauce, or a sprinkle of Chinese five-spice powder for a unique and aromatic twist.
- Egg Addition: Enhance the texture and protein content of the stir fry by adding beaten eggs. Make a well in the center of the skillet and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them until cooked through, then mix them with the chicken and vegetables before adding the noodles and sauce.
- Nutty Crunch: For an extra crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle toasted peanuts or cashews over the finished dish just before serving. The nuts add a delightful texture contrast and a burst of flavor to each bite.
- Citrus Zest: Brighten up the flavors of the stir fry by adding a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice just before serving. The citrus zest adds a refreshing tanginess that balances out the richness of the sauce and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with these variations to tailor the Chicken Ramen Stir Fry to your personal taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re craving a vegetarian option, a seafood twist, or a spicier kick, these variations offer endless possibilities for delicious and satisfying meals.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Can I use fresh ramen noodles instead of instant ramen noodles? Yes, you can use fresh ramen noodles if you prefer. Simply cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
- Is it necessary to use both regular and dark soy sauce in the sauce mixture? Using a combination of regular and dark soy sauce adds depth of flavor to the sauce, but you can adjust the ratio based on your preference. If you only have one type of soy sauce on hand, you can use that instead.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time for meal prep? Yes, this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is meal prep-friendly. Cook a batch ahead of time, divide it into individual portions, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and convenient meal throughout the week.
- Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free? You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce. Also, ensure that the brand of instant ramen noodles you use is gluten-free.
- Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the dish? Yes, you can adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha sauce in the sauce mixture. Start with a small amount and taste-test before adding more to achieve your desired level of heat.
With just a few simple steps and a handful of ingredients, this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry recipe is a quick and delicious option for any busy weeknight. Packed with flavor and loaded with wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your household. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s ready in no time!