Stir fry ramen noodles are a quick and tasty meal that brings a burst of flavors to your table. With colorful veggies and savory sauce, they are sure to please everyone!
Every time I make these noodles, I feel like a chef in a fancy restaurant—without the hefty bill! Just toss everything in a pan, and your dinner is ready in a snap!
What I love most is how flexible this dish is! You can use any veggies you have on hand. It’s a great way to clean out the fridge while enjoying a yummy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ramen Noodles: Instant ramen noodles make this dish super quick! If you don’t have these, you can use any other type of noodles like udon or rice noodles, keeping in mind the cooking time may vary.
Tofu: I love using firm tofu for its texture. If you’re not a fan, try chicken, beef, or shrimp instead. For a vegan option, tempeh works well too!
Vegetables: This recipe is flexible. Throw in any veggies you have! Zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers are great options. Just try to keep a variety of colors for a vibrant dish.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds flavor, but feel free to substitute tamari for gluten-free cooking. Coconut aminos is another good alternative for a slightly different taste.
Sesame Oil: It gives a nice nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, olive oil is a good substitute, but it won’t have that same depth of flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Tofu is Crispy?
Getting perfectly crispy tofu is easy with the right technique! Here’s how to do it:
- Press the tofu for 15-20 minutes using a clean towel to remove excess moisture. This prevents sogginess!
- Cut the tofu into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Heat the vegetable oil in the skillet before adding tofu. This helps it crisp up on contact.
- Don’t crowd the pan! Give the tofu space to fry until golden on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
If you follow these tips, your tofu will be perfectly crispy and delicious in no time! Enjoy the cooking process, and don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors!
Stir Fry Ramen Noodles
Ingredients:
- 2 packets instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 cup firm tofu, cubed
- 1 cup broccoli florets (or broccolini)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili sauce (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 boiled egg, halved (optional topping)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir fry takes about 15-20 minutes of prep and cook time. With quick-cooking ramen noodles and a simple assembly, you’ll have dinner on the table super fast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ramen Noodles:
First, bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the instant ramen noodles and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or according to package instructions. Drain the noodles and set them aside for later.
2. Fry the Tofu:
In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed tofu and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tofu is golden and crispy on all sides. Once done, remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
In the same skillet, add sesame oil. Next, add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until they release their fragrant aroma.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Now, it’s time to introduce your veggies! Add broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, red bell pepper, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry these colorful vegetables for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
5. Combine Tofu and Noodles:
Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and then add the cooked ramen noodles. It’s time for everything to come together!
6. Add the Sauce:
Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar (or lime juice), and optional sriracha. Toss everything gently to coat the noodles and veggies evenly with the sauce, heating through for another couple of minutes.
7. Serve It Up:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish your delightful dish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that extra crunch.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your vibrant stir fry ramen noodles in bowls right away. If you like, top each bowl with half a boiled egg for added flavor and protein. Enjoy this quick, colorful, and delicious meal!
Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Other Protein Sources Instead of Tofu?
Absolutely! You can substitute tofu with chicken, beef, shrimp, or tempeh for a different protein option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the meat is cooked through before adding back to the vegetables.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian if you use tofu and can easily be made vegan! Just ensure that the soy sauce is plant-based, and omit the boiled egg topping. It’s great as is, but feel free to add extra vegetables or even tofu varieties for added texture!
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to bring back moisture, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Can I Prepare This Dish Without Instant Ramen?
Yes! You can use any type of noodles you prefer, such as udon, soba, or even rice noodles. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions for the specific noodles you choose, as cooking times may differ.
