This quick and tasty stir fry ramen noodles dish is packed with fresh veggies and your choice of protein. It’s a fun meal that’s ready in just minutes!
I love how I can mix and match ingredients in this recipe. If you have leftover veggies, toss them in! And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love slurping up those noodles? 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ramen Noodles: Instant ramen is great for a quick meal, but feel free to try udon or soba noodles for a different taste. Just follow cooking times on the package!
Vegetables: Use whatever you have on hand! Carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini make excellent substitutes—just slice them thinly for quick cooking.
Protein: Firm tofu is my go-to for a vegetarian option. If you prefer meat, cooked chicken, shrimp, or even beef strips work well. Just remember to adjust cooking times for different proteins!
Oyster Sauce: If you’re vegan, hoisin sauce is a perfect alternative. It has a sweet flavor that complements the dish really well.
How Do I Get Tofu Perfectly Crispy?
Getting tofu to a nice golden brown can be tricky, but it’s doable! Here’s how I do it:
- Press the tofu first to remove extra moisture—this helps it get crispy.
- Cut the tofu into evenly sized cubes or slices to ensure even cooking.
- Let the oil heat well before adding tofu. This helps create a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give the tofu space to cook properly for that perfect crunch!
Keep an eye on it, and flip to brown all sides. Once it’s golden, remove it from the pan to keep it crispy while finishing the rest of the stir-fry!
Stir Fry Ramen Noodles Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
For the Stir Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 1/2 cup snap peas or green peas
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 cup firm tofu cubes (or chicken/shrimp for non-vegetarian option)
- 1 large egg (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This stir fry ramen noodles dish takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and 20 minutes cooking everything to perfection. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Noodles:
Start by cooking the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Remember, don’t add the seasoning packets—they’re not needed here. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside for later.
2. Preparing the Tofu:
In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the tofu cubes. Cook them until they are golden brown on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside.
3. Adding Aromatics:
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Then, add minced garlic and ginger. Stir fry for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. The aroma will certainly make your tummy rumble!
4. Stir Fry the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the broccoli, green beans, snap peas, mushrooms, and red bell pepper. Stir fry everything together for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender but still colorful.
5. Cooking the Egg (Optional):
Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Crack the egg into the empty space and fry until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny. If you prefer, you could also skip the egg or cook it separately. It’s totally up to you!
6. Bringing it All Together:
Now, it’s time to add the cooked noodles and crispy tofu back into the pan. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili paste. Toss everything together gently, mixing well for about 1-2 minutes so that the flavors meld together.
7. Seasoning:
Season your stir fry with salt and pepper to taste. Then, remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the dish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.
8. Serving:
Serve your delicious stir fry ramen noodles hot in bowls. Grab some chopsticks and enjoy your wonderfully easy and tasty meal!
This dish is versatile — feel free to swap out any vegetables and protein to make it your own!
Can I Use Any Type of Noodles?
Absolutely! While instant ramen noodles are quick and easy, you can substitute them with udon or soba noodles for a different texture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking times according to the package instructions!
What If I Don’t Have Tofu?
No problem! You can use cooked chicken, shrimp, or even beef strips instead. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is thoroughly cooked.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prep your vegetables and protein ahead of time. Store everything in the fridge for up to a day. Stir fry it just before serving for the best texture and freshness!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to help revive the noodles’ texture.
