Chicken Ramen Stir Fry

This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory sauces. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe showcases the versatility of ramen noodles in a delightful stir fry. With its vibrant colors and mouthwatering taste, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish can be made in just 50 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute dinners.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauces, hoisin, and sriracha creates a rich and satisfying sauce that elevates the ingredients.
• Versatile Ingredients: Substitute vegetables based on what you have at home for a unique twist every time.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from vegetables, this stir fry is both filling and nutritious.
• Family Friendly: Kids will love the noodles and flavors, making it an excellent choice for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry effectively, gather your tools ahead of time. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Nonstick skillet
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick skillet: Ensures easy cooking and cleanup while preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Saucepan: Perfect for boiling noodles quickly without fuss.
• Tongs: Ideal for tossing the ramen mixture evenly with the sauce for great flavor distribution.

Ingredients

This chicken ramen stir fry is packed with so much flavor from the chicken, sauce, and fresh vegetables, and can be whipped up in a flash.

Ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons regular soy sauce
– 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce
– 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice apple vinegar vinegar
– 2 teaspoons sriracha
– ¼ teaspoon white ground pepper
– 3 packages instant ramen noodles (do not use the flavor packets) ((3-ounce packages))
– 1 pound diced boneless skinless chicken breasts
– 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided 1 tablespoon and 2 tablespoons)
– 1 cup diced red bell pepper (1 medium-sized red bell pepper)
– 1 cup sliced white button mushrooms
– ½ cup diced sweet yellow onion
– 1 cup broccoli florets (broken into small bite-size pieces)
– 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
– 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
– 2 thinly sliced green onion (optional garnish)
– ½ tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)

How to Make Chicken Ramen Stir Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauces, hoisin, oyster sauce, rice apple vinegar vinegar, sriracha, and white pepper. Set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring to a low boil about 6 cups of water.
Add the ramen noodles only to the water.
Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until they start to soften.
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat:
Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Add in the diced chicken breast; cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until fully cooked.
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

With the skillet still on medium-high heat:
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil.
Toss in the diced red bell pepper, mushrooms, and onions; sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until slightly tender.

Step 5: Add Broccoli and Aromatics

To the mixture:
Add in broccoli florets; sauté until they turn vibrant green.
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for about a minute.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add cooked chicken back into the vegetable mixture:
Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 7: Final Touches

Turn off stovetop heat:
Add cooked ramen noodles into the skillet.
Pour prepared sauce over everything; use tongs to toss gently until mixed thoroughly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot for maximum enjoyment!

How to Serve Chicken Ramen Stir Fry

Chicken ramen stir fry is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to suit your taste and occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

In a Bowl

• Serve the chicken ramen stir fry in a deep bowl for a hearty meal. Add extra broth if desired for a soup-like experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil for added flavor and freshness. This will enhance the Asian-inspired taste of the dish.

Topped with an Egg

• Consider adding a soft-boiled or poached egg on top. The creamy yolk adds richness and complements the flavors beautifully.

Accompanied by Lime Wedges

• Serve with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime adds brightness to the dish and balances the savory sauce.

Over Rice

• For a more filling option, serve the chicken ramen stir fry over steamed jasmine or basmati rice. This makes it even more satisfying.

As a Wrap

• Use lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with the chicken ramen stir fry. This is a fun way to enjoy your meal, especially for gatherings.

How to Perfect Chicken Ramen Stir Fry

Achieving the perfect chicken ramen stir fry requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for an outstanding dish.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only add flavor but also enhance nutrition and texture in your stir fry.
• Cook noodles al dente: Ensure you cook the ramen noodles until they are just tender. This prevents them from becoming mushy when mixed with other ingredients.
• High heat cooking: Use high heat while cooking each component separately. This helps retain their crunchiness and prevents steaming.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure everything cooks evenly without steaming.
• Adjust seasonings: Taste as you go! Feel free to adjust soy sauce or sriracha levels according to your preference for saltiness or spice.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Ramen Stir Fry

Pairing side dishes with your chicken ramen stir fry can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes for a nutritious and protein-rich snack.
2. Seaweed Salad: A light seaweed salad offers a refreshing contrast that complements the rich flavors of the stir fry.
3. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables provide a delightful crunch alongside your main dish.
4. Cucumber Salad: A chilled cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar adds brightness and balances heat from the sriracha.
5. Asian Slaw: A colorful slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing introduces crispness and tanginess.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a comforting starter that pairs well with any Asian meal.
7. Garlic Bok Choy: Sautéed bok choy with garlic is an easy yet flavorful side that enhances any Asian-inspired dinner.
8. Fried Rice: For those who want something heartier, a serving of fried rice brings additional flavors and textures to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Ramen Stir Fry, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the outcome. Here are common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the Sauce Preparation: Not preparing the sauce in advance can lead to a bland dish. Always mix your sauces ahead of time for maximum flavor.

• Overcooking the Noodles: Cooking the noodles too long results in mushy ramen. Remember, they only need 1-2 minutes before draining.

• Ignoring Vegetable Freshness: Using wilted vegetables can ruin the dish’s appeal. Always choose fresh veggies for a crisp texture and vibrant colors.

• Not Adjusting Spice Levels: If you don’t taste as you go, you might end up with a dish that’s too spicy or not flavorful enough. Adjust sriracha according to your heat preference.

• Crowding the Skillet: Overcrowding can steam rather than sauté ingredients. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Ramen Stir Fry in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow it to cool before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing Chicken Ramen Stir Fry

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It can be stored for up to 2 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Chicken Ramen Stir Fry

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15 minutes or until heated through.

• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover with a paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicken Ramen Stir Fry that can help enhance your cooking experience.

How do I make Chicken Ramen Stir Fry vegetarian?

You can substitute chicken with tofu or additional vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms while using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes! While instant ramen is convenient, you can use soba noodles or udon for a different texture and flavor profile in your Chicken Ramen Stir Fry.

What vegetables work best in this stir fry?

You can use various vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or bok choy for added nutrition and flavor in your Chicken Ramen Stir Fry.

Is Chicken Ramen Stir Fry suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish keeps well in the fridge and reheats nicely, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is not only quick and easy but also full of flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences or what’s available. Give it a try for a delicious meal that everyone will love!