Introduction
This chicken ramen dish is a delightful twist on classic instant ramen. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce, it’s quick and easy to prepare while being packed with flavor. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe takes the humble ramen to flavorful new heights.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 (3.5-ounce) packages instant ramen noodles, flavor packets discarded
⅓ cup chicken stock
¼ cup oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more, to taste
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
1½ cups broccoli florets
1 cup diced sweet onion
1 cup diced red bell pepper
1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 green onions, thinly sliced
½ teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ramen Noodles
In a large pot of boiling water, cook the ramen noodles until tender, which will take about 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, rinse them with cold water and drain well.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, and Sriracha until well combined.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken thighs and cook until they are golden and cooked through, which will take about 4-6 minutes. Once done, set the chicken aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, stir in the broccoli florets, diced onion, red bell pepper, and sliced shiitake mushrooms. Cook these vegetables until they are tender, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, which will take about 1 minute.
Step 6: Incorporate the Sauce
Pour in the chicken stock mixture and stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate into the sauce.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Noodles
Add the cooked ramen noodles and chicken back into the skillet. Stir until everything is heated through and evenly coated in the sauce, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
Step 8: Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
Serving Suggestion
This dish can be served as a standalone meal or paired with additional vegetables or side dishes.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Spice Level
Adjust the amount of Sriracha to suit your taste preference; feel free to add more if you enjoy spicier dishes.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts if preferred. Additionally, any vegetables can be swapped based on your preference or seasonal availability.
Cook techniques
Boiling Noodles
Cooking the ramen noodles in boiling water allows them to soften and achieve the desired texture. It’s important to rinse them with cold water afterward to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy.
Whisking Sauce Ingredients
Combining the chicken stock, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, and Sriracha in a bowl ensures that all flavors meld well together before being added to the dish.
Searing Chicken
Heating canola oil in a skillet and searing the diced chicken thighs until golden not only cooks the meat but also creates flavorful bits at the bottom of the skillet, which enhance the sauce when scraped.
Sautéing Vegetables
Cooking broccoli, onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms in the skillet allows them to become tender while retaining their flavor and nutritional value. This stage builds the base for the dish’s overall taste.
Infusing Aromatics
Adding minced garlic and freshly grated ginger for a minute before mixing in the sauce brings out their aromatic qualities, enriching the dish with deeper flavors.
Scraping the Skillet
When adding the sauce mixture, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet ensures that all the flavors are incorporated into the dish, making it more delicious.
Coating Noodles and Chicken
Stirring the cooked ramen noodles and seared chicken into the sauce and vegetables ensures even distribution of flavors, making every bite delicious.
Garnishing
Finishing the dish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds adds a fresh crunch and visual appeal to the meal.
FAQ
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute or add other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or bok choy based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
What can I use instead of chicken thighs?
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Is there a gluten-free alternative for ramen noodles?
Yes, you can use gluten-free ramen noodles or any other gluten-free pasta.
How spicy can I make this dish?
You can adjust the spiciness by adding more Sriracha or other hot sauces to suit your taste.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and combine them just before serving. Store components separately in the refrigerator.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Conclusion
This delicious ramen stir-fry offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures, featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce that ties everything together. The addition of ramen noodles transforms a simple dish into a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Stir-Fry Ramen
Replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version, using the same sauce and mix of vegetables.
Spicy Shrimp Ramen
Substitute chicken with shrimp and adjust the Sriracha level for a spicier kick, complemented by snap peas and carrots.
Beef and Broccoli Ramen
Use diced beef instead of chicken and add regular broccoli for a classic beef and broccoli flavor fusion with ramen noodles.
Sweet and Sour Ramen Chicken
Add pineapple chunks and replace the oyster sauce with a sweet and sour sauce for a fruity twist.
Thai Peanut Ramen
Incorporate creamy peanut butter into the sauce and add a splash of coconut milk for a rich, nutty flavor profile.
Kimchi Ramen Bowl
Stir in chopped kimchi for a tangy and spicy contrast and top with a boiled egg for added richness.
