Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles

Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles is a delightful dish that combines the savory flavors of garlic and soy sauce with tender ramen noodles. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive side dish for gatherings. Its simplicity and versatility make it a favorite among home cooks. You can easily customize it with your choice of protein, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and optional sauces delivers a rich flavor profile that will satisfy any palate.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins, such as chicken or shrimp, to make it your own.
• Budget-Friendly: Using basic ingredients like ramen noodles and pantry staples makes this a cost-effective option for any meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand will streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Pot for boiling noodles
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or wok: Provides ample space for stir-frying and ensures even cooking of ingredients.
• Pot for boiling noodles: A sturdy pot helps to boil noodles quickly and efficiently without sticking.
• Spatula: Ideal for flipping and mixing ingredients in the skillet, helping to achieve that perfect stir-fried texture.

Ingredients

Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles is an easy and cheap recipe for dinner or a side dish, ramen noodles with no broth in a simple stir fry!

Noodles

• 3 packages ramen noodles (any flavor, throw out flavor packet)

Vegetables

• 1 onion (diced)
• 6 to 7 cloves garlic

Sauces

• 2 to 3 tablespoons teriyaki or hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Fats

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Other Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions or chopped cilantro
• Optional: sesame seeds, yum yum sauce, sriracha, protein of choice like chicken or shrimp

How to Make Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles

Step 1: Boil the Noodles

1. Boil the noodles according to package directions (discard the flavor packet).
2. Drain and rinse the noodles well with cold water.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

1. Set a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and diced onion; cook for one to two minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Noodles

1. Add minced garlic; cook for about 45 seconds until fragrant.
2. Stir in the cooked ramen noodles along with teriyaki or hoisin sauce, soy sauce, butter, and eggs.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Mixture

1. Cook everything together for about 5 to 6 minutes while stirring frequently.
2. Press down on the noodles with a spatula to create crispy bits if desired.

Step 5: Finish Up

1. Add sliced green onions or cilantro; cook for an additional one to two minutes.
2. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning by adding more teriyaki or hoisin sauce and/or soy sauce if needed.
3. Serve hot topped with optional sesame seeds, yum yum sauce, sriracha, or your choice of protein!

How to Serve Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles

Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles can be enjoyed in various ways to cater to your taste preferences. Whether you want to keep it simple or add a twist, here are some serving suggestions that elevate this dish.

Add Protein

• Chicken – Grilled or sautéed chicken adds a hearty touch.
• Shrimp – Quickly cooked shrimp provides a delicious seafood flavor.
• Tofu – For a vegetarian option, crispy tofu complements the noodles well.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro – Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that brightens the dish.
• Green Onions – Chopped green onions give a mild onion taste and crunch.

Drizzle Sauces

• Yum Yum Sauce – A creamy sauce that adds richness and tanginess.
• Sriracha – For those who enjoy heat, sriracha brings a spicy kick.

Garnish with Seeds

• Sesame Seeds – Toasted sesame seeds enhance the texture and flavor profile.

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How to Perfect Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles

Perfecting your Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles comes down to technique and ingredients. Here are some tips to achieve the best results.

• Use cold noodles – Rinsing the noodles in cold water helps prevent them from becoming mushy during stir frying.
• High heat is key – Cooking on high heat creates deliciously crispy bits in the noodles.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – If making a large batch, consider using two pans for even cooking.
• Season gradually – Start with less sauce; you can always add more to suit your taste.

Best Side Dishes for Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles

Pairing side dishes with your Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Spring Rolls – Crispy rolls filled with vegetables make for a light appetizer.
2. Edamame – Steamed edamame sprinkled with salt offers a healthy and protein-rich snack.
3. Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup complements the savory flavors of ramen noodles.
4. Asian Slaw – A crunchy slaw made with cabbage and carrots adds freshness and crunch.
5. Gyoza – Pan-fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables provide great texture contrast.
6. Kimchi – This fermented side adds spice and probiotics for gut health.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the rinse: Rinsing the noodles after boiling helps remove excess starch and prevents them from becoming gummy. Always rinse with cold water.
• Overcooking garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, leading to bitterness. Cook it just until fragrant, about 45 seconds, before adding other ingredients.
• Not using enough oil: A lack of oil can cause the noodles to stick together. Use enough vegetable oil to coat the skillet and noodles for better frying.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Different brands of sauces can vary in saltiness. Taste your dish and adjust the soy or teriyaki sauce as needed for balance.
• Forgetting optional toppings: Adding sesame seeds or a protein can elevate your dish. Don’t skip these extras for added flavor and texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles

• You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers.
• They will remain good for about 2 months.

Reheating Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover noodles with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or oil in a pan over medium heat, stir frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions related to Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles that might help you out.

Can I use any ramen noodles?

Yes, you can use any ramen noodles as long as you discard the flavor packet. This allows you to customize the flavors with your own sauces.

What vegetables can I add?

You can add bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color. Feel free to get creative with your favorite veggies!

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

To make Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles vegetarian, simply omit any meat and use vegetable broth or tofu for added protein.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the noodles and mix them with sauce ahead of time, then stir-fry just before serving for fresh taste.

Final Thoughts

Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles is a delightful recipe that’s not only quick but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it based on your preferences by adding different proteins or vegetables. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or as a side dish at gatherings. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!