Transform Your Instant Ramen into a Flavorful Stir-Fry Dish

Name: Instant Ramen Noodle Stir Fry
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 packs Instant noodles (Demae Iccho sesame oil flavor); 1/4 small Cabbage ((6 oz)); 1/2 small Onion ((2 oz)); 2 sticks Green onion ((2 oz)); 1/4 large Red bell pepper ((4 oz)); 1/4 pound Beef steak ((around 4 oz)); 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil; 1/8 teaspoon Salt ((Stir fry vegetables)); 1 tablespoon Soy sauce; 1 teaspoon Brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1/2 tablespoon Dark soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Sesame oil

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This instant ramen noodle stir-fry recipe is a popular and classic dish from Hong Kong's Cha Chaan Tang, which features items like baked pork chop rice, chick chop, shrimp egg rice, and borscht soup. This simple and delicious Asian-style stir-fry with beef takes just 20 minutes to prepare! Transform your instant ramen into a flavorful dish that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or a party gathering. Join me in learning how to make this ramen noodle stir-fry with step-by-step photos and a helpful video to guide you through the process.

Love noodles? Check out this Hong Kong lo mein, vegetable chow mein, Singapore rice noodles, crispy pan-fried noodles, beef chow fun, and Korean japchae recipes.

Instant ramen noodle stir fry on the fork

What is instant ramen noodle stir fry?

Instant ramen noodle stir fry is a quick and flavorful dish. It involves stir-frying cooked instant ramen noodles with vegetables, protein such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, and a savory sauce. Unlike traditional ramen soup and fresh ramen, this dish skips the broth and focuses on a well-seasoned stir-fry. It’s a popular way to elevate instant noodles into a complete and satisfying meal.

Instant ramen noodles are dried, pre-cooked noodle blocks with flavoring powder and seasoning oil. They originated in Japan, and Nissin Foods is one of the famous instant ramen companies. There are different versions and types of instant ramen noodle stir-fry recipes. This recipe is a popular and classic Hong Kong Cha Chaan Tang, a cafe dish that includes baked pork chop rice, chick chop, shrimp egg rice, and borscht soup.

Which brand of instant ramen do you use?

I prefer to use the Nissin brand, made in Hong Kong and called Demae Iccho instant ramen noodles. In cantonese, it calls cheut chin yat ding (出前一丁). Besides, instant noodles in Cantonese are literally translated as doll noodles because of the logo and design of a doll. I like to use the original sesame oil flavor in a red package. The texture of noodles differs from other instant noodle brands in the states.

Can I use any type of instant noodles for stir-fry?

Yes, you can use any instant ramen noodles, but avoid overcooking them so they don’t turn mushy. The texture of each brand of noodles is slightly different.

Do I need to cook the noodles before stir-frying?

Usually, we boil them for 1 minute until they are loosen up. Then, we drain and rinse them with cold water to stop cooking. After that, we stir-fry them in the pan.

How do I prevent the noodles from getting too soft or mushy?

Cook the noodles for a minute to loose them up, then rinse them with cold water to stop cooking. Then, stir-fry them quickly to maintain a firm texture.

What are the ingredients for Asian-style instant ramen noodle stir fry?

In this instant ramen noodle stir fry recipe, I used Asian-brand Demae Iccho instant ramen noodles, onion, cabbage, red bell pepper, green onion, beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder. However, you can use other vegetables and meat.

ingredients display for beef stir fry ramen

Substitution:

What vegetables work best?

You can use bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, and cabbage.

Can I use fresh ramen instead of instant noodles?

Yes, fresh ramen noodles work, but the texture may not be the same. It will be like this vegetable chow mein recipe.

What protein options can I use?

You can try to use chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu and eggs.

Can I make it vegetarian/vegan?

Yes! Use tofu and substitute oyster sauce with vegan hoisin or soy sauce. Skip eggs or use a plant-based egg alternative.

Storage:

How do I store leftovers?

The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. However, they should be consumed as soon as possible for the best taste.

How do I reheat ramen stir fry without drying it out?

The faster way to reheat them in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the dish. Or, you can reheat them in a pan with a splash of water to keep the noodles moist.

Cooking tips for how to make instant ramen noodles stir fry:

Boil the noodles for around one minute. The purpose of boiling the noodles is to loosen them up and soften them.
Drain and rinse noodles under cold water.
Stir fry vegetables and meat and set aside.
Add noodles, sauce, vegetables, and meat and mix them well.
Use a non-stick pan to stir fry vegetables, meat, and instant noodles because it uses less oil.
Use the package of sesame oil because it has a strong sesame aroma flavor.

FAQs:

How do I prevent noodles from sticking together?

Try using high heat and a nonstick pan. Toss the noodles quickly, then add some oil and sauce to coat them.

Why is my stir fry soggy?

Maybe you boil the noodles too long, use too much sauce, or overcrowd the pan, which lowers the heat. Ensure veggies are dry and cook on high heat to evaporate moisture quickly.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Sure, you can use frozen vegetables. Thaw them before using them to reduce moisture, and do not make the noodles too soggy.

Instructions for how to make instant ramen noodles stir fry:

Preparation:

1. Peel, wash, and slice ½ of a small onion (2 oz).

2. Wash and cut ¼ of a small-sized cabbage (6 oz).

3. Wash and cut ¼ of a large red bell pepper (4 oz) into strips.

4. Then, cut 2 sticks of green onion (2 oz) into strips.

5. After that, cut ¼ pound of beef into strips.

6. Put the beef in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Cooking:

7. At the same time, boil a pot of water and wait until the water is boiling. Then, add 2 packs of Demae Iccho instant ramen noodles. Let it boil for around one minute. The purpose of boiling the noodles is to loosen them up and soften them. Don't overcook them.

8. After, drain the noodles and rinse under cold water.

9. Pour 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil into a non-stick pan and add sliced onion. Stir fry them a little bit and set them aside.

sitr fry red bell pepper and cabbage in the non stick pan

10. Next, add cabbage and red bell pepper and stir fry until the cabbage is a little soft. Then, sprinkle ⅛ teaspoon of salt and set it aside.

11. Add the marinated beef into a non-stick pan and stir fry until it changes color. Remember, don't overcook them. Then, set it aside.

12. In a small container, add ½ tablespoon of dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil (use some from the noodles package). Mix it well.

13. The next step, put the boiled instant ramen noodles into a non-stick pan.

14. Pour the sauce mixture from step 12. Keep stirring the noodles until the sauce covers the noodles.

add cooked beef and vegetables into instant noodles

15. Add the cooked vegetables and beef back in. Then, add the green onion and stir-fry it a bit.

Instant ramen noodle stir fry on the plate

Enjoy this Asian-flavored instant ramen noodles stir fry recipe! For more recipes, check out these sesame balls, lobster yee mein, homemade ho fun, beef noodle soup, laksa noodle soup, chicken yi mein, and soy sauce noodle recipes.