Savory Sesame Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe

Are you ready to spice up your weeknight dinners? My Savory Sesame Chicken Ramen Stir Fry will become your go-to recipe. It’s quick, tasty, and packed with vibrant flavors. In this article, I’ll guide you step-by-step to create the perfect stir fry with just a few simple ingredients. Let’s dive into this delight that will surely impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients

– 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets)

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced thinly

– 2 tablespoons sesame oil

– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Aromatics and Vegetables

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 inch piece of ginger, grated

– 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced into thin strips

– 1 cup broccoli florets

– 1 cup snap peas

Sauce Components

– 3 tablespoons soy sauce

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 2 green onions, chopped finely

– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

This dish comes together with simple ingredients. The instant ramen noodles serve as a quick base. I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy texture. The sesame oil adds a nutty flavor, while vegetable oil helps with cooking.

For aroma, garlic and ginger are must-haves. They create depth in the stir fry. The bell pepper, broccoli, and snap peas add color and crunch. You can mix and match your favorite veggies here.

The sauce is where the magic happens. Soy sauce provides saltiness, while honey adds sweetness. Rice vinegar brings a slight tang. Finally, green onions and sesame seeds are perfect garnishes. They enhance both flavor and presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Ramen

– Boiling Water and Cooking Time: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the instant ramen noodles and cook them for about 3-4 minutes.

– Draining and Setting Aside: Once the noodles are tender, drain them in a colander and set them aside in a large bowl.

Sautéing the Chicken

– Heating Oils and Cooking Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

– Seasoning and Cooking Time: Add 1 pound of thinly sliced boneless chicken thighs. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked and golden brown.

Incorporating Aromatics and Vegetables

– Adding Garlic and Ginger: When the chicken is done, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch of grated ginger. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

– Cooking Time for Vegetables: Now toss in 1 sliced bell pepper, 1 cup of broccoli florets, and 1 cup of snap peas. Stir-fry these for 3-4 minutes until they are bright and tender-crisp.

Mixing the Sauce

– Whisking Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar.

– Pouring Sauce Over Chicken and Veggies: Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

Combining the Ramen

– Folding Ramen into the Mix: Gently fold the cooked ramen noodles into the skillet. Mix carefully so the noodles blend with the chicken and vegetables.

– Final Cooking Duration: Allow everything to cook together for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the noodles soak up all the great flavors.

Finishing Touches

– Adding Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle 2 chopped green onions and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds on top.

– Serving Suggestions: Toss everything together lightly. Serve the stir fry warm in deep bowls. For fun, enjoy it with chopsticks!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Stir-Fry

High heat is key for a great stir-fry. It cooks the meat fast and keeps it juicy. If you use low heat, the chicken can steam instead. This makes it tough. Always preheat your skillet or wok before adding the oils.

Timing for the vegetables is also important. Add them after the chicken cooks. They should be bright and crispy, not mushy. Cook them just enough to keep some crunch but make them tender.

Customizing Your Dish

You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different taste. Adjust the cooking time based on what you use. Shrimp cooks fast, while beef may take longer.

For veggies, get creative! Zucchini, carrots, or bok choy work well. Each adds its own flavor and texture. Mix and match based on what you love or have on hand.

Enhancing Flavor

You can add more seasoning to boost flavor. A dash of chili sauce can add heat. A sprinkle of five-spice powder gives a warm, sweet taste. Explore different sauces like teriyaki or oyster for new twists.

Serve your stir-fry with sides like steamed rice or a fresh salad. This adds balance to the meal. You can even add crispy wontons for extra crunch.

Variations

Protein Options

You can use tofu or shrimp in place of chicken.

– For tofu, cut it into cubes. Sauté it until golden brown.

– For shrimp, cook until they turn pink and curl up.

Adjust your cooking time based on what you choose. Chicken takes about 5-7 minutes. Tofu needs about 8 minutes. Shrimp cooks quickly, only 3-4 minutes.

Vegetarian and Vegan Adaptations

If you want to make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken.

– Use mushrooms or tempeh for added texture.

– For a vegan sauce, swap honey for maple syrup or agave.

These changes keep the dish tasty and satisfying.

Different Noodle Choices

You can switch ramen for udon or soba noodles.

– Udon noodles are thicker and chewier. They need about 5-7 minutes to cook.

– Soba noodles are thinner and cook in around 4 minutes.

Each noodle type offers a unique twist. Choose what you like best!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Sesame Chicken Ramen Stir Fry fresh, follow these tips:

– Refrigeration Tips: Allow the stir fry to cool down before storing. This helps prevent moisture build-up. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking.

– Recommended Storage Containers: Use airtight containers made of glass or BPA-free plastic. These help keep flavors intact and reduce spoilage.

Reheating Guidelines

To enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key:

– Best Methods for Reheating: The microwave works well, but use a skillet for better results. Heat over medium-low heat. Stir often to warm evenly.

– Avoiding Soggy Noodles: Add a splash of water or broth when reheating. This keeps noodles moist without making them soggy. Stir gently to combine.

FAQs

How long does it take to make Sesame Chicken Ramen Stir Fry?

This dish takes about 30 minutes to make. You will spend 15 minutes prepping and 15 minutes cooking. The quick cooking time makes it perfect for busy nights.

Can I use other noodles instead of ramen?

Yes, you can use other noodles. Here are a few options:

– Udon noodles

– Soba noodles

– Rice noodles

These noodles have different tastes and textures, but they work well in stir fry. Just adjust the cooking time based on the noodles you choose.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. Here are some tips to prepare it in advance:

– Cook the chicken and veggies, then store them in the fridge.

– Keep the noodles separate until you’re ready to eat.

– Reheat everything together, adding a splash of fresh sauce if needed.

This way, you can enjoy a quick meal any day of the week!

This blog post guides you through making a tasty Sesame Chicken Ramen Stir Fry. You learned about the key ingredients like ramen noodles, chicken, and fresh veggies. Then, I shared step-by-step cooking methods. You also found tips on making the dish your own and how to store leftovers properly.

Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Experiment with flavors, and enjoy your delicious mea