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Easy Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic Sesame Sauce

ramen noodle stir-fry - featured image

A quick and satisfying stir-fry made with instant ramen, fresh vegetables, and a savory garlic sesame sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, this pantry-friendly recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil (toasted sesame oil is best)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (honey or maple syrup work too)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 packages instant ramen (discard seasoning packets)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or avocado oil
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli florets, thinly sliced carrots, bell pepper strips)
  • 3 green onions, sliced (white parts for cooking, green parts for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using). In a separate tiny bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Set both aside.
  2. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets) and cook for about 2 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Toss with a drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
  3. Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Heat until shimmering, about 30 seconds.
  4. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Stir constantly for 20-30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers). Spread in an even layer and cook undisturbed for 1 minute to get char marks. Then stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
  6. Add the white parts of the green onions and stir for about 30 seconds.
  7. Add the cooked noodles to the pan. Use tongs to separate them and toss everything together. Let noodles sit for 30 seconds without stirring to get crispy on the bottom, then toss again.
  8. Whisk the sauce mixture again and pour over the noodles. Toss until every strand is coated. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
  9. Stir the cornstarch slurry and drizzle over the noodles. Toss immediately. Cook for about 30 seconds until sauce becomes silky and clingy.
  10. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green parts of green onions. Toss once more and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcook the noodles; undercook by about a minute as they continue cooking in the pan. Have all ingredients prepped before starting to cook. Use high heat and don’t crowd the pan to get good sear marks. Let noodles rest for 30 seconds in the pan to create crispy edges. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: ramen stir-fry, garlic sesame noodles, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, vegetable stir-fry, instant ramen recipe