Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles Recipe
If you’re a fan of quick, savory, and comforting dishes, then Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles should definitely be on your radar. This recipe combines the delicate chewiness of ramen noodles with the bold flavors of garlic, soy sauce, and a variety of seasonings that bring out the best in every bite. It’s a versatile dish that can easily be adapted to suit different dietary preferences and can be whipped up in no time.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a late-night snack, or something to impress friends and family, this dish is bound to deliver. In this blog post, we’ll explore every detail of how to make Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles—from the ingredients to preparation steps, tips for the perfect flavor, possible variations, and serving suggestions. Let’s dive in!
What Are Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles?
Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles are a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that transforms plain ramen noodles into a savory, aromatic meal. The dish involves stir-frying cooked ramen noodles with a combination of garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings to create a rich, umami-packed experience.
While ramen noodles are typically associated with soups, stir-frying them gives them a delightful texture and depth of flavor. The key ingredient in this recipe is, of course, garlic, which infuses the dish with a rich aroma and taste. The end result is a dish that’s crispy, savory, and downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients, but the few ingredients you do use work together to create a wonderfully savory dish.
Main Ingredients
- Ramen Noodles (2 packs): Choose your favorite brand of instant ramen noodles, but don’t use the seasoning packet unless you want to adjust the flavor yourself.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic is essential to bring out the best in this recipe. You can add more if you love garlic as much as I do.
- Soy Sauce (3 tablespoons): Soy sauce provides the salty, umami flavor that brings everything together.
- Sesame Oil (2 tablespoons): This oil gives the dish its signature nutty aroma and richness.
- Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon): Used for stir-frying, vegetable oil has a neutral taste that lets the flavors of the garlic and soy sauce shine.
- Ginger (1 teaspoon, minced, optional): Fresh ginger adds a zingy freshness that pairs beautifully with garlic.
- Green Onions (2 stalks, chopped): Green onions add a touch of crunch and a mild onion flavor that complements the dish.
Optional Add-ins (For Extra Flavor and Texture)
- Bell Peppers (1, thinly sliced): Adds color and a slightly sweet crunch.
- Carrots (1/2, julienned): For a bit of sweetness and crunch.
- Cabbage (1/4 head, thinly sliced): For a fresh, slightly peppery bite.
- Egg (1, fried or scrambled): A classic topping that adds richness.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: For garnish and a bit of crunch.
- Chili Flakes or Fresh Chilies: For those who like their noodles with a spicy kick.
- Protein: Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even pork if you want to turn this dish into a heartier meal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles
Now that you know what you need, let’s walk through the process of making these mouthwatering stir-fried garlic ramen noodles. The process is simple, but there are a few important steps to follow to ensure your noodles come out perfect every time.
Step 1: Cook the Ramen Noodles
Start by boiling the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, you’ll need to cook the noodles in a pot of boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Set the noodles aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic and Vegetables
While the noodles are cooking, peel and mince the garlic cloves. If you’re using fresh ginger, mince it finely as well. Prepare any additional vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or cabbage, by slicing them thinly to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Garlic and Vegetables
Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger (if using). Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not burn. You don’t want your garlic to turn brown, as it can become bitter.
If you’re adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, now’s the time to toss them into the pan. Stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. The vegetables should retain some of their vibrant color and crunch.
Step 4: Add the Cooked Noodles
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the drained ramen noodles to the pan. Use tongs or chopsticks to gently toss the noodles with the garlic and vegetables. Be sure the noodles are coated evenly with the garlic and oil.
Step 5: Season the Noodles
Now it’s time to season your noodles! Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and any other seasonings you like (such as chili flakes or additional soy sauce). Toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are fully coated in the savory sauce. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the noodles are heated through and slightly crispy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your stir-fried garlic ramen noodles are ready, transfer them to serving plates and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a fried egg if desired. For an extra boost of flavor, you can drizzle a little more sesame oil over the top before serving.
Tips for Perfect Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles
Creating a perfect plate of Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles requires a few key tips to elevate the dish to the next level:
1. Don’t Overcook the Noodles
Ramen noodles cook very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. Follow the package instructions and aim for a slightly undercooked noodle, as they will continue to cook in the pan during the stir-frying process. Overcooked noodles can become mushy, so watch the time!
2. Use Fresh Garlic
Garlic is the star of this dish, so using fresh garlic is key to achieving that bold, aromatic flavor. Pre-minced garlic in a jar doesn’t have the same punch, so opt for fresh cloves if possible.
3. High Heat Is Key
When stir-frying, always use medium-high to high heat. This allows the noodles to crisp up a little and get that nice sear without steaming. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, stir-fry in batches to ensure even cooking.
4. Customize Your Sauce
The soy sauce and sesame oil combination is the base of the sauce, but feel free to tweak it to your liking. For a sweeter version, add a touch of honey or brown sugar. If you like it tangy, try a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice.
5. Use the Right Pan
A wok is ideal for stir-frying, as its high, sloped sides allow you to toss the noodles more easily. However, if you don’t have a wok, a large skillet will work just fine.
Delicious Variations to Try
The beauty of stir-fried garlic ramen noodles lies in their versatility. Here are some tasty variations to suit different tastes:
1. Vegetarian Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles
For a vegetarian twist, skip the meat and load up on colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and baby spinach. Add a fried egg on top for protein and richness.
2. Chicken Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles
To add some protein to your stir fry, toss in grilled or rotisserie chicken, sliced into strips. The juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the garlic and soy sauce.
3. Spicy Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles
If you love heat, add chili flakes, fresh chopped chilies, or a drizzle of chili oil to your stir-fry. You can also top the dish with a spicy sriracha sauce for an added kick.
4. Vegan Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles
To make this dish vegan, substitute the egg with tofu or tempeh. Make sure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly (some contain fish sauce).
Serving Suggestions for Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles
Stir-fried garlic ramen noodles are a delicious meal on their own, but you can also serve them with complementary sides for a more rounded meal. Here are some ideas:
- Side Salad: A light, refreshing side salad with cucumbers, carrots, and a sesame dressing can help balance the richness of the noodles.
- Soup: Serve with a bowl of miso soup or vegetable broth for a complete, comforting meal.
- Dim Sum: Pair your noodles with some steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a more indulgent meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ramen noodles with other types of noodles such as udon, soba, or even rice noodles. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
How do I store leftover stir-fried ramen noodles?
Leftover stir-fried ramen noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a little bit of water to loosen up the noodles.
Can I make stir-fried garlic ramen noodles without soy sauce?
If you’re avoiding soy sauce, you can use coconut aminos or tamari as a substitute. Both provide a similar umami flavor without the gluten or soy.
Conclusion
Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles are a quick, flavorful, and customizable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With the right ingredients, techniques, and a bit of creativity, you can make this dish your own, whether you prefer it spicy, vegetarian, or loaded with meat.
Now that you know all the secrets to making the best stir-fried garlic ramen noodles, it’s time to get cooking. Enjoy the process and, of course, the delicious results!
Stir Fried Garlic Ramen Noodles Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 packs of ramen noodles discard seasoning packet
- 6 cloves of garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger optional
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 bell pepper optional, thinly sliced
- 1/2 carrot optional, julienned
- 1/4 head of cabbage optional, thinly sliced
- 1 egg optional, fried or scrambled
- Toasted sesame seeds optional, for garnish
- Chili flakes optional, for spice
- Protein optional: grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or pork
Instructions
- Cook the Ramen Noodles: Boil the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Mince the garlic and ginger (if using). Slice the bell pepper, carrot, and cabbage (if using).
- Stir-Fry the Garlic and Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bell pepper, carrot, and cabbage (if using) and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Cooked Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the pan. Toss gently to combine with the garlic and vegetables.
- Season the Noodles: Add the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring well to coat the noodles evenly. Continue stir-frying for 1-2 minutes until the noodles are heated through and slightly crispy.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the stir-fried noodles hot, garnished with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a fried or scrambled egg if desired. Optional: top with chili flakes for extra heat.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
- Variations: Customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies, protein (chicken, tofu, shrimp, etc.), or spice level with chili flakes or sriracha. Make it vegan by omitting the egg and using tofu instead.
- Tips: For the best texture, do not overcook the ramen noodles. Stir-fry over high heat to get crispy edges on the noodles and vegetables.